Acetic acid is a strong irritant and a corrosive. Use a fume hood and wear protective clothing. It is an inflammable powder and should not be handled close to heat or a naked flame. It is a potential carcinogen and an eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. The vapour is heavier than air and can travel for a considerable distance along the ground to a source of ignition and flash back.
Ethanol is regarded as one of the safest industrial solvents.
Although it possesses narcotic properties, vapour concentrations sufficient to produce narcosis are rarely, if ever reached in a medical laboratory. Ethanol is rapidly oxidised, in the body, to carbon dioxide and water and does not produce permanent damage to the central nervous system. Ingestion will cause dental erosion, bronchitis and respiratory difficulties. It is an eye and mucous membrane irritant. It will cause severe burns to exposed skin and eyes.