Cleaning Meth With Nail Polish Remover: A Dangerous Mix

In 2013, CVS attempted to ban the sale of nail polish remover to customers under 18, requiring ID to complete a purchase. The main ingredient in nail polish remover, acetone, can be used to make methamphetamine. The ban was an attempt to stop people from using acetone to make meth, but CVS reversed its decision due to a lack of DEA regulation on over-the-counter acetone sales and public backlash. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of limiting minors' access to nail polish remover in curbing meth production.

Why CVS restricted sales of nail polish remover to curb meth-making

In 2013, CVS attempted to ban the sale of nail polish remover to customers under 18, requiring state or federal ID to complete a purchase. The goal was to prevent "meth heads" from using acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover, to produce methamphetamine. This policy change was intended to mirror the 2005 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which targeted pseudoephedrine, another critical component in meth production.

While acetone is indeed used in meth manufacturing, it is not as stringently regulated as pseudoephedrine. A Drug Enforcement Administration spokesperson, Rusty Payne, noted the absence of DEA regulations on over-the-counter acetone sales. Payne also stated that creating meth would require far more acetone than what is typically found in a single bottle of nail polish remover.

CVS's initial decision to restrict nail polish remover sales was influenced by local regulations in certain states. The company later reversed its policy, opting to enforce acetone-product limits only in states where it was mandatory, such as Hawaii, California, and Virginia. This shift was influenced by a mix of mandatory state regulations and public feedback.

This incident highlights the challenges of striking a balance between restricting access to methamphetamine precursors and maintaining the convenience of everyday products like nail polish remover. While CVS's efforts to curb meth production were well-intentioned, the effectiveness of such measures in significantly impacting meth production is questionable, especially considering the ease with which these restrictions can be circumvented.

The key ingredient in nail polish remover used to make meth

Acetone is the key ingredient in nail polish remover that can be used to make meth. It is a powerful solvent that is highly effective at breaking down and removing nail polish. While it is the most common ingredient in nail polish removers, it is not the only one, and there are alternative, non-acetone-based removers available.

Acetone is often used to make meth, and its sale has been restricted in some places to curb meth production. However, it is not as tightly regulated as other ingredients, like pseudoephedrine, which is also used in meth production. This is because acetone has legitimate uses, such as in nail polish remover, and regulating its sale would impact consumers who use it for legal purposes.

Isopropyl acetone, in particular, has been identified as a key ingredient in nail polish remover that can be used for meth production. It is a ketone used in lacquers and is added to both acetone and non-acetone removers to help dissolve nail polish. However, it can be harmful, potentially leading to organ toxicity, particularly of the kidneys, and causing respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, and nausea.

To counteract the drying and harmful effects of acetone and isopropyl acetone, some nail polish removers include moisturizing agents like glycerin or aloe vera. These ingredients help rehydrate nails and cuticles after polish removal, keeping them healthier, especially with frequent use of nail polish remover.

States where ID is required to purchase nail polish remover

As nail polish remover contains acetone, which is a key ingredient in the production of crystal methamphetamine, some states have implemented regulations to restrict its sale to minors.

In 2013, CVS pharmacies attempted to ban the sale of nail polish remover to customers under 18, requiring state or federal ID to complete a purchase. This was to be rolled out nationwide but was then retracted, with the company deciding to enforce acetone-product limits only in the three states where it is mandatory: Hawaii, California, and West Virginia.

In California, photo identification is required to buy nail polish remover at CVS stores and nail salons. Additionally, some stores in California require customers to be 18 years old to purchase nail polish remover.

CVS also owns Longs Drugs stores, which will continue to require IDs to buy acetone products in Hawaii.

It is important to note that the regulations regarding the purchase of nail polish remover vary by state and retailer, and while some states may require ID for this purchase, it is not a nationwide mandate.

Federal regulations on over-the-counter acetone sales

Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish remover and is also used for cleaning tools. While it is not a priority pollutant under the federal CWA, its discharge into wastewater must be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and local sewer authorities may have regulations affecting its discharge. In Ohio, acetone is considered a hazardous waste, and spills of 5,000 pounds or more must be reported to the EPA under CERCLA and EPCRA. Additionally, if storing 10,000 pounds or more of acetone, this must be reported to the local fire department and emergency services.

In terms of federal regulations on over-the-counter acetone sales, the EPA has granted acetone VOC-exempt status and has also exempted it from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as an inert ingredient or co-solvent in pesticides. This means there is no maximum permissible level for residues of acetone.

However, acetone is subject to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which requires employers to provide information on hazardous chemicals to their employees. Furthermore, facilities that use acetone must comply with RCRA regulations, and personal protective equipment may be necessary when handling acetone.

While there do not appear to be specific federal regulations on over-the-counter acetone sales, the above regulations regarding the use, storage, and disposal of acetone may impact its availability and use.

How much nail polish remover is required to make meth

In 2013, CVS attempted to ban the sale of nail polish remover to customers under 18, requiring customers to show state or federal ID to complete a purchase. This was to prevent the use of acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover, in the cooking of methamphetamine.

While acetone is often used to make meth, Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Rusty Payne stated that it is not as tightly regulated as pseudoephedrine, another key ingredient in meth production. Payne also noted that federal regulations do not restrict over-the-counter acetone sales, and that one would need much more than a single bottle of nail polish remover to make meth. However, he declined to specify the amount required.

CVS's initial plan to restrict the sale of nail polish remover was influenced by certain local regulations and the 2005 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which targeted the sale of drugs containing pseudoephedrine. The company later reversed its decision, opting to enforce acetone product limits only in states where it is mandatory (Hawaii, California, and Virginia).

In summary, while nail polish remover containing acetone can be used in meth production, the exact amount required to make meth is not publicly available. The quantity needed is likely significant, as indicated by Payne's statement that it would take more than one bottle.

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