Collodion and Acetone: Hazards, MSDS, and You

Continuous EEG Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit: Technical and Staffing Considerations

“…With proper ventilation, collodion does not pose a health risk. The highest concentration of ethyl ether detected by charcoal sampling device worn by EEG technologists was found in one study to be 42 to 47 parts per million, nearly 10-fold lower than the limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Flanigin 1994;Hulce et al, 1996). Commercially available badges, similar to those worn by x-ray technicians to monitor radiation exposure, may be used to monitor diethyl ether exposure levels, if desirable.…”

“…Ethyl ether, the primary solvent in collodion, as well as acetone, commonly used to remove collodion from patients, are both volatile and highly combustible (Hulce et al, 1996;Young et al, 1993). Collodion has a distinctive odor that some people find offensive.…”