Isopropyl alcohol is used to make glycerol and acetone, and is also used as a solvent, a substance that dissolves other substances. Other than being used to create other substances or break them apart, isopropyl alcohol can be used as an ingredient to precipitate DNA out of wheat germ. In addition, once extracted, the DNA can be stored in isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is useful for cleaning electronic items such as fiber optics. It is also used to clean mirrors, windows, bicycle break pads and chrome. Another use includes using it in conjunction with a commercial stain remover to get out baby-formula stains.
Isopropyl alcohol is used as an antiseptic and to treat swimmer's ear, also called external otitis, which is an inflammation of the ear canal. The isopropyl alcohol is applied to the ear canal to aid in drying the canal and may be combined with vinegar to help reduce the possibility of bacteria forming.
People use isopropyl alcohol as part of making items like aftershave, lotions and perfumes. It is also used as part of making antifreeze, dye and lacquers. Additionally, it is used in the making of prescription drugs.
Due to its ability to evaporate quickly, isopropyl alcohol used to be applied to the skin as a way to control fevers. Beginning in the 1950s, this began to be discouraged due to reports of isopropyl alcohol causing coma and death.
Isopropyl alcohol is dangerous when overexposure occurs. All contact with it should be limited, including breathing in the vapor as well as touching it, as isopropyl alcohol can pass through skin. Symptoms of overexposure to isopropyl alcohol include, but are not limited to, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin, dizziness, unconsciousness and death.