Chicago police and Chicago firefighters and paramedics responded about 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 to a report of a woman doused in nail polish remover during a possible domestic incident at the Thresholds Lawson YMCA building, 30 West Chicago Avenue.
A 59 year-old male suspect, who lives in the same building as the female victim, age 59, is in custody, according to Chicago police.
The man and woman were involved in a domestic dispute when the man poured the chemical on her. The victim inhaled the acetone and went into “severe respiratory distress,” police said. She was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.
Acetone is a main chemical of nail polish remover that is highly flammable. Inhalation of acetone irritates the nose and throat. At high concentrations, acetone can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include a sweet aftertaste, slurred speech, lethargy, headache, difficulty with coordination, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion. A severe exposure can cause low blood pressure, unconsciousness, and coma.
Direct contact with the eyes can cause moderate to severe irritation, including sore, red eyes, and tearing. Acetone vapor can also irritate the eyes.
Acetone contact with skin causes mild irritation, and skin absorption is not known to be harmful, expect in prolonged conditions. Acetone is not known to cause cancer.
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