I've been useing acetone for some time to clean off the oil's from my hands and sanding dust from my rod blanks. I just recently read that it will break down the graphite fibers in a graphite blank, Is this true? And if so what is the best bet? Thank again for your time. Mike

Use Denatured Alcohol (which is Ethanol with a little bit of methanol added so it can't be consumed) or Isopropyl Alcohol.

These are less aggressive than Acetone and do a fine job for general cleanup purposes. I use denatured alcohol exclusively.

Erik

I doubt acetone is going to ruin your rod blank because of a quick wipe here and there. But if you were to expose the blank to acetone or other strong solvents for a bit of time, some damage most surely would be done.

However, for most clean up chores in rod building, denatured or solvent alcohol is more than enough.

I'm not sure I'd be washing or wiping my hands with acetone - I'm pretty sure it's considered a carcinogin. Although, I have no idea how much it would take before you or anyone would have problems. Still not a good idea I wouldn't think.

...........

mike,

Acetone won't hurt the graphite fibers one bit. It will eat the resin that the fibers are bedded in. Like Tom said, a quick wipe is fine, just don't let it sit on the blank for any length of time. Also, put it on the rag first, not the blank.

Acetone is a suspected carcinogen, but it's worst atribute is the flamability. It will flare up if you have anything lit around you. It volatilizes quickly. Also, it will make you light headed with a possible headache and nausea if you breath the fumes too long.

Thanks,
Rick

The carcinogenic properties of Acetone, which are detailed very clearly on the product label, have caused me to start wearing vinyl or latex gloves when using epoxies. If I can keep the glue off my hands, I can keep the acetone off my hands. On the other hand, I think it works a little better than the alcohol for cleanup.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSDS Number: A0446 * * * * * Effective Date: 05/20/04 * * * * * Supercedes: 02/12/04
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Hello All,
The following url will get you to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for acetone: www.jtbaker.com/english.html/AO446.htm
This compound is also a common ingredient in fingernail polish remover. Below I pasted a copy of the MSDS sheet, but the formatting is rather poor.

When 3M company came out with their graphite blanks, I used acetone to clean some rod varnish (as I had routinely done with fiberglass blanks) and found that the acetone removed the finish on the graphite blanks from 3M. The blank remained ok except for the lost finish. MEK had a similar reaction to the finish on those blanks. Although I haven't tried acetone on the modern graphite blanks, I would test it on a section that will be covered by the grip or reel seat.

As others have mentioned, use it in well ventilated areas and in the absence of flames.. Use of acetone on your hands will result in a loss of water and oils from the skin demonstrated by whitening of your hands ( a momentary effect). The carcinogencity appears to be very weak based on the MSDS sheet.

Mike Blomme

ACETONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Dimethylketone; 2-propanone; dimethylketal
CAS No.: 67-64-1
Molecular Weight: 58.08
Chemical Formula: (CH3)2CO
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker: 5008, 5018, 5356, 5580, 9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, 9005, 9006, 9007, 9008, 9009, 9010, 9015, 9036, 9125, 9254, 9271, A134, V655
Mallinckrodt: 0018, 2432, 2435, 2437, 2438, 2440, 2443, 2445, 2850, H451, H580, H981
------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients



Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------

Acetone 67-64-1 99 - 100% Yes


------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------
DANGER! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 2 - Moderate
Flammability Rating: 3 - Severe (Flammable)
Reactivity Rating: 0 - None
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES; CLASS B EXTINGUISHER
Storage Color Code: Red (Flammable)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Inhalation:
Inhalation of vapors irritates the respiratory tract. May cause coughing, dizziness, dullness, and headache. Higher concentrations can produce central nervous system depression, narcosis, and unconsciousness.
Ingestion:
Swallowing small amounts is not likely to produce harmful effects. Ingestion of larger amounts may produce abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Aspiration into lungs can produce severe lung damage and is a medical emergency. Other symptoms are expected to parallel inhalation.
Skin Contact:
Irritating due to defatting action on skin. Causes redness, pain, drying and cracking of the skin.
Eye Contact:
Vapors are irritating to the eyes. Splashes may cause severe irritation, with stinging, tearing, redness and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may produce severe irritation or dermatitis.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances toxic effects. Exposure may increase the toxic potential of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as chloroform, trichloroethane.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion:
Aspiration hazard. If swallowed, vomiting may occur spontaneously, but DO NOT INDUCE. If vomiting occurs, keep head below hips to prevent aspiration into lungs. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician immediately.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Flash point: -20C (-4F) CC
Autoignition temperature: 465C (869F)
Flammable limits in air % by volume:
lel: 2.5; uel: 12.8
Extremely Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Vapor may cause flash fire.
Explosion:
Above flash point, vapor-air mixtures are explosive within flammable limits noted above. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and flash back. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. This material may produce a floating fire hazard. Sensitive to static discharge.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Dry chemical, alcohol foam or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool, dilute spills to nonflammable mixtures, protect personnel attempting to stop leak and disperse vapors.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Remove all sources of ignition. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Isolate hazard area. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering. Contain and recover liquid when possible. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Collect liquid in an appropriate container or absorb with an inert material (e. g., vermiculite, dry sand, earth), and place in a chemical waste container. Do not use combustible materials, such as saw dust. Do not flush to sewer! If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse the vapors, to protect personnel attempting to stop leak, and to flush spills away from exposures. US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National Response Center is (800) 424-8802.

J. T. Baker SOLUSORB® solvent adsorbent is recommended for spills of this product.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Handling and Storage

Protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location, away from any area where the fire hazard may be acute. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from incompatibles. Containers should be bonded and grounded for transfers to avoid static sparks. Storage and use areas should be No Smoking areas. Use non-sparking type tools and equipment, including explosion proof ventilation. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors, liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
Acetone:
-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
1000 ppm (TWA)

-ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
500 ppm (TWA), 750 ppm (STEL) A4 - not classifiable as a human carcinogen
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, a half-face organic vapor respirator may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece organic vapor respirator may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face piece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

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9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
Clear, colorless, volatile liquid.
Odor:
Fragrant, mint-like
Solubility:
Miscible in all proportions in water.
Specific Gravity:
0.79 @ 20C/4C
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
100
Boiling Point:
56.5C (133F) @ 760 mm Hg
Melting Point:
-95C (-139F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
2.0
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
400 @ 39.5C (104F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
ca. 7.7

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10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixtures, oxidizing materials, chloroform, alkalis, chlorine compounds, acids, potassium t-butoxide.
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, flames, ignition sources and incompatibles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

11. Toxicological Information


Oral rat LD50: 5800 mg/kg; Inhalation rat LC50: 50,100mg/m3; Irritation eye rabbit, Standard Draize, 20 mg severe; investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector.



--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Acetone (67-64-1) No No None

------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Fate:
When released into the soil, this material is expected to readily biodegrade. When released into the soil, this material is expected to leach into groundwater. When released into the soil, this material is expected to quickly evaporate. When released into water, this material is expected to readily biodegrade. When released to water, this material is expected to quickly evaporate. This material has a log octanol-water partition coefficient of less than 3.0. This material is not expected to significantly bioaccumulate. When released into the air, this material may be moderately degraded by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. When released into the air, this material may be moderately degraded by photolysis. When released into the air, this material is expected to be readily removed from the atmosphere by wet deposition.
Environmental Toxicity:
This material is not expected to be toxic to aquatic life. The LC50/96-hour values for fish are over 100 mg/l.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved incinerator or disposed in a RCRA approved waste facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. Transport Information

Domestic (Land, D.O.T.)
-----------------------
Proper Shipping Name: ACETONE
Hazard Class: 3
UN/NA: UN1090
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 215L

International (Water, I.M.O.)
-----------------------------
Proper Shipping Name: ACETONE
Hazard Class: 3
UN/NA: UN1090
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 215L


------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. Regulatory Information




--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Acetone (67-64-1) Yes Yes Yes Yes

--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Acetone (67-64-1) Yes Yes No Yes

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Acetone (67-64-1) No No Yes No

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Acetone (67-64-1) 5000 U002 No


Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): Yes CDTA: Yes
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: No Fire: Yes Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Liquid)




Australian Hazchem Code: 2[Y]E
Poison Schedule: None allocated.
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Other Information

NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
DANGER! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Label Precautions:
Keep away from heat, sparks and flame.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Avoid breathing vapor.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Label First Aid:
Aspiration hazard. If swallowed, vomiting may occur spontaneously, but DO NOT INDUCE. If vomiting occurs, keep head below hips to prevent aspiration into lungs. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician immediately. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. In all cases, get medical attention.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
No Changes.
Disclaimer:
************************************************************************************************
Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.
************************************************************************************************
Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number: (314) 654-1600 (U.S.A.)

I have quit useing Acetone because I have had problems with it takeing the finish off also. I have also had Denatured Alchol take off finish, so I now use Isopropyl Alcohol. Thanks Dave

Here I go again (former analytical chemist in a clincal lab)!!:
STOP USING ACETONE or any other strong solvent to clean your hands !

Skin contact with almost all organic solvents should be completely avoided. Period. The more frequent and the longer the duration of skin contact, the more likely you'll develop dry skin, flaking, cracking, some form of contact dermatitis, subsequent infection and potentially systemic toxicity (headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), if not eventually carcinogenesis (cancer). I don't care if acetone is in nail polish remover: it's use precedes our current understanding of it's hazards. It is used on the nail and cuticle to remove nail polish. It should NOT be used to eradicate dirt & oils from your hands. Use ordinary SOAP & WATER. If you need to keep a surface completely free of finger prints or oils, learn to work in a glove that has ample dexterity and is also impervious any solvents used. Your hands are worth the investment in disposable gloves (latex, nitrile, or PVC -poly-vinyl-chloride-). Most pharmacies now carry these, Lowes, etc.

Rubbing Alcohol (70% IsoPropyl Alcohol, 30% Water) or Denatured Alcohol (91% Ethanol + 5% Methanol + 4% Water) are strong enough for most needs. WEAR GLOVES for anything stronger, or for more than a few moments exposure.

Any solvent you use will do to your FLESH what you are trying to do to your PROJECT: it will strip out the oils, and penetrate into the open pores, dissolving everything in it's path. SKIN, EYES, LUNGS. Inhale enough, and that list will include your BRAIN and your LIVER. What more can I say? I developed a dermatitis on my hands this way that took years to calm down.

ACETONE, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Methanol (MeOH), Methylene Chloride (MeCl2), Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4), ether, kerosene, gasoline, and many other available organic solvents are dangerous to your health and a serious fire hazard. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame and electricity. "Poof!" Or better yet, just keep them away from yourself & your shop completely.