National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Acetone: Sources of emissions

Industry sources

Acetone is produced as a result of manufacturing basic chemicals, plastic products, non-ferrous metals, iron and steel, fabricated metal products, motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts, photographic and scientific equipment, wood products, ceramic products, cement, lime, plaster and concrete products, meat and meat products, rubber products, paper, paper products and industrial machinery. Acetone is also emitted from printing processes, mineral, metal and chemical wholesaling, water supply, sewerage and drainage services and coal mining.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data

Solid fuels burning for heating in the home and for barbeques and incinerators are thought to be the highest sources of emissions of acetone. It is also present in solvents and aerosols used in the home. Acetone is present in tobacco smoke and landfill sites and is emitted as a result of using lawnmowers.

Natural sources

Acetone occurs naturally in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires and as a product of the breakdown of body fat.

Transport sources

Acetone is present in the vehicle exhaust of cars, aeroplanes and from railway operations.

Consumer products

Acetone is a common ingredient in domestic products. It is found in aerosol paints, architectural coatings, automotive and machinery paints and primers, furniture polish and cleaners, household hard surface cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, pet flea and tick removers, cockroach treatments, laundry starches, lubricating greases and oils, nail enamel and polish and polish remover, particleboard, paints (including interior clear finishes, undercoats and primers), varnish, paint and varnish removers and thinners, liniments for veterinary preparations, pharmaceutical preparations, pre-moistened towelettes, shoe polish, sun tan lotions and oils, and in wood office furniture.

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist