It's essential to take immediate action when dealing with potentially harmful chemicals on dishes. Both acetone and toluene are chemicals commonly found in household products like nail polish remover and paint thinners. Ingesting these chemicals can be hazardous to health, so it's crucial to handle the situation carefully.
Here's what you can do to clean the dishes and ensure they are safe to use:
Ventilation: Make sure the area is well-ventilated to disperse any fumes from the fixatif.
Gloves: Wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your skin from direct contact with the chemicals.
Remove Excess Spray: If there is visible residue or excess spray on the dishes, wipe it off gently using paper towels or rags. Dispose of the used towels properly.
Wash Thoroughly: Wash the dishes thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Use dish soap to break down and remove any remaining chemicals.
Rinse Well: Rinse the dishes with clean water several times to ensure any lingering traces of chemicals are removed.
Air Dry: Allow the dishes to air dry in a well-ventilated area. This helps ensure any remaining fumes or volatile chemicals evaporate.
Regarding the safety of eating off these dishes, it's generally not recommended. While washing the dishes with soap and water should remove most of the chemicals, it's challenging to guarantee complete removal, especially from porous materials like plastic or wood. Acetone and toluene are toxic substances, and even small amounts left on the dishes could be harmful if ingested.
For peace of mind and safety, it's best to avoid using the dishes for eating or drinking purposes and consider replacing them with new ones. If the dishes are made of porous materials that cannot be easily cleaned, it may be safer to discard them.
Lastly, when using any products containing chemicals, it's essential to read and follow the safety instructions and warnings provided on the product label. Additionally, storing such products out of reach of children and in a well-ventilated area can help prevent accidental exposures.