Ava Monroe
Drinking nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to its harmful chemicals, including acetone. While acetone is a chemical that the body produces when breaking down fat for energy, high levels of it can be fatal. Ingesting a large amount of acetone can lead to acetone poisoning, which causes symptoms such as loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if nail polish remover is ingested, and in the case of children, it is advised to call poison control right away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Non-acetone nail polish removers are more toxic than acetone-based nail polish removers. |
| Effects | Drinking non-acetone nail polish remover can cause an upset stomach, mouth and throat irritation, and vomiting. It can also lead to more severe issues such as organ damage, nerve damage, brain damage, internal bleeding, and birth defects. |
| Treatment | If someone has ingested non-acetone nail polish remover, call a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a medical professional. Treatment may include stomach pumping, IV fluids, blood tests, and a breathing tube. |
| Prevention | Keep nail polish remover and other household chemicals in a safe place, away from children. |
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What You'll Learn
Non-acetone nail polish removers may be more toxic
While drinking nail polish remover is dangerous due to the harmful chemicals it contains, non-acetone nail polish removers may be more toxic than those that contain acetone. Acetone is a ketone that the body produces when it breaks down fat for energy. Small amounts of acetone are not problematic as they can be flushed out of the system quickly by the liver. However, ingesting large amounts of acetone can lead to acetone poisoning, which causes toxicity levels in the body to rise to dangerous levels.
Non-acetone nail polish removers, such as those that contain methyl acetate, may be more toxic. If a child consumes non-acetone nail polish remover, it is recommended to call poison control immediately. Ingesting non-acetone nail polish remover can cause nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, and drowsiness.
The dangers of drinking nail polish remover are not limited to acetone poisoning. The long-term use of nail polish remover can cause health problems such as liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, brain damage, and internal bleeding from damage to the stomach and oesophagus. Additionally, there are several other chemicals in nail polish remover besides acetone that can be harmful, including butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate, which can irritate the throat even when inhaled.
Consuming nail polish remover can also lead to addiction and mental dependence on acetone. Those who ingest nail polish remover to get intoxicated may develop a tolerance and consume more to achieve the same effect, increasing the negative consequences. Treatment for acetone poisoning may include stomach pumping, IV fluids, blood tests, and a breathing tube, depending on the severity of the situation.
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Small amounts of acetone are unlikely to harm adults
While nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to its harmful chemicals, accidentally drinking small amounts of acetone/nail polish remover is unlikely to harm adults. This is because the body can process and excrete small amounts of acetone quickly. However, even small amounts can be dangerous to children, so it is important to keep nail polish remover and all household chemicals in a safe place.
The liver breaks down fats into organic molecules called ketones, one of which is acetone. The accumulation of ketones in the body can be dangerous, leading to a condition called ketoacidosis. This condition is especially dangerous for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as it causes a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels.
Acetone poisoning can occur when there is an abnormally high amount of ketones in the body. This can happen through the ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of acetone. Symptoms of acetone poisoning include loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. In severe cases, acetone poisoning can lead to a coma or even death.
If someone has ingested nail polish remover, it is important to call emergency services or poison control immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Treatment for acetone poisoning may include stomach pumping, IV fluids, blood tests, and a breathing tube, depending on the severity of the situation.
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Acetone poisoning symptoms
Acetone poisoning occurs when there is more acetone in your body than your liver can break down. Acetone is a clear liquid commonly found in household products like nail polish remover, furniture polish, and rubbing alcohol. While acetone poisoning is rare, it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of mild acetone poisoning include:
- Fruity-odor breath due to ketones in the blood
- High levels of acetone and ketones in the blood
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Drowsiness
If you suspect acetone poisoning, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a poison control center or healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention by calling your local emergency number or poison control center. Doctors can provide supportive care while your body clears ketones from your system, including intubation to aid breathing and blood pressure support for critically ill patients.
It is important to keep acetone-containing products out of the reach of children as even small amounts can be dangerous to them.
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Long-term effects of ingesting acetone
While ingesting non-acetone nail polish remover is unlikely to be fatal for adults, it can still cause harm. Acetone is a clear, colourless liquid that is quickly absorbed by the body. It is a chemical used in many household products, including nail polish remover, furniture polish, and paint thinner. Accidental ingestion of products containing acetone can lead to several adverse effects on the human body in the long term.
Firstly, oral exposure to acetone can cause tachycardia (an elevated pulse rate), acidosis, and changes in blood pressure. These effects have been observed in both adults and children who have ingested acetone. In one case, a child who ingested acetone experienced tachycardia and a low red blood cell count, requiring a blood cell transfusion.
Secondly, acetone poisoning can lead to a build-up of ketones in the body, resulting in ketoacidosis. This condition is particularly dangerous for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes if they do not manage their glucose levels properly. Prolonged starvation can also contribute to ketoacidosis. The presence of ketones in the blood causes a fruity odour on the breath, which is a unique symptom of acetone poisoning.
Thirdly, ingesting acetone can have long-term effects on the digestive system. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and inflammation of the mouth and esophagus. In severe cases, the vomit may contain blood, indicating internal irritation or damage.
Additionally, acetone poisoning can impact the central nervous system, leading to headaches, movement problems, tiredness, and slurred speech. In more severe cases, it can cause swelling of the brain, unconsciousness, and slowed breathing. These neurological effects can have long-lasting consequences, potentially affecting an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and maintain their independence.
While the long-term effects of ingesting non-acetone nail polish remover are not extensively studied, it is important to note that any substance ingested in large quantities or over an extended period can potentially lead to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to use these products as directed and avoid ingestion or prolonged exposure to minimize potential health risks.
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Treatment for acetone poisoning
While acetone is only minimally toxic, and accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause harm to adults, it can be dangerous to children. If a child ingests non-acetone nail polish remover, it is recommended to call a poison control center immediately.
Acetone poisoning occurs when there is more acetone in the body than the liver can break down. Poisoning can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. Symptoms of acetone poisoning include a fruity odor on the breath, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, and drowsiness.
If you suspect acetone poisoning, seek medical help immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Treatment for acetone poisoning focuses on providing supportive care while the body clears the ketones from the system. Doctors may insert a tube to help with breathing (intubation) and provide intravenous fluids and blood pressure support if needed. In some cases, stomach pumping may be performed, but this carries a risk of aspiration pneumonia and is typically only effective within the first hour of ingestion.
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Frequently asked questions
Acetone is a chemical used in many household products. It is a ketone that the body makes when it breaks down fat for energy.
Non-acetone nail polish removers may be more toxic than those containing acetone. If ingested, call your local poison control center immediately.
If someone drinks nail polish remover, it will likely burn their mouth, throat, oesophagus, and stomach. It may also cause an upset stomach, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma and death.
