Is isopropyl alcohol toxic?
Nov 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless, transparent liquid with an odor similar to a mixture of ethanol and acetone, and it is volatile. Under normal circumstances, isopropyl alcohol is non-toxic; however, it may become toxic and cause harm to the human body if its concentration exceeds safe levels or if its vapors are inhaled. To avoid unnecessary risks, proper ventilation should be maintained and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless, transparent liquid with an odor similar to a mixture of ethanol and acetone, and it is volatile. Under normal circumstances, isopropyl alcohol is non-toxic, but it may become toxic and cause harm to the human body if the concentration exceeds limits or its vapor is inhaled. A detailed analysis is as follows:
In industrial production, isopropyl alcohol is generally non-toxic and ensures user safety when used as a solvent, cleaning agent, or under conditions of good ventilation, following safe operating procedures. If used as a disinfectant and applied correctly at the proper concentration, it is also relatively safe for humans.
When the concentration of isopropyl alcohol in the air exceeds certain levels, it may irritate the respiratory mucosa, conjunctiva of the eyes, and prolonged exposure may lead to dryness, cracking of the skin, and even inflammation. Long-term or high-concentration inhalation of isopropyl alcohol vapor may cause inflammation and discomfort in the lungs, such as coughing, hoarseness, nausea, and in severe cases, even difficulty breathing.
To avoid unnecessary risks, good ventilation should be maintained when using isopropyl alcohol, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks should be worn, and contact by children should be prevented.
