Posted 12/07/2012 10:01 pm
Do you mean long-term studies on the effect of acetone exposure on coins or long-term studies on the effect of acetone exposure on humans? I will assume that you mean on coins. Exposure of coins to acetone should do little to them other than the removal of loosely adhered surface debris, PVC and some organic substances. Acetone does not react with the underlying silver or gold in a coin so there should be little concern about repeated exposure of coins to acetone.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that acetone evaporates very quickly and anything removed from the surface of a coin may redeposit onto the coin if the acetone is allowed to evaporate sufficiently. Therefore, if one uses acetone to remove PVC then a second acetone bath or rinse should be used to help wash away any residual PVC.
Please be aware that acetone is extraordinarily flammable and is exceptionally dangerous if used near a spark, flame or other source of ignition. It also readily irritates the lungs and eyes and can sting like anything if you have a cut and manage to get some into the cut. It will also dry out the skin quickly and may allow some compounds that otherwise would not cross into the skin to get into the skin. Always use with proper ventilation.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that acetone evaporates very quickly and anything removed from the surface of a coin may redeposit onto the coin if the acetone is allowed to evaporate sufficiently. Therefore, if one uses acetone to remove PVC then a second acetone bath or rinse should be used to help wash away any residual PVC.
Please be aware that acetone is extraordinarily flammable and is exceptionally dangerous if used near a spark, flame or other source of ignition. It also readily irritates the lungs and eyes and can sting like anything if you have a cut and manage to get some into the cut. It will also dry out the skin quickly and may allow some compounds that otherwise would not cross into the skin to get into the skin. Always use with proper ventilation.
