Methyl ethyl ketone

Formula: C₄H₈O | CAS: 78-93-3

Detecting methyl ethyl ketone: It can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and if inhaled or swallowed. Workers may be harmed from exposure to methyl ethyl ketone. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Detecting Methyl ethyl ketone, an ingredient in many industries.

Methyl ethyl ketone is used in many industries. It is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, paraffin wax, and to make other chemical products. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to methyl ethyl ketone include the following:

• Workers who work in printing plants
• Employees exposed to certain paints, coatings, or glues
• Workers who work in shoe and sporting goods factories
• Manufacturing workers involved in making synthetic rubber products

Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to methyl ethyl ketone in humans results in irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Limited information is available on the chronic

Chronic (long-term) effects of methyl ethyl ketone in humans. Chronic inhalation studies in animals have reported slight neurological, liver, kidney, and respiratory effects. No information is available on the developmental, reproductive, or carcinogenic effects of methyl ethyl ketone in humans. Developmental effects, including decreased fetal weight and fetal malformations, have been reported in mice and rats exposed to methyl ethyl ketone via inhalation and ingestion. EPA has classified methyl ethyl ketone as a Group D, not classifiable as human carcinogenicity.
– Environmental Protection Agency

How methyl ethyl ketone can enter the environment

Methyl ethyl ketone is produced naturally at low levels by many living things.
Human activities can also lead to the release of methyl ethyl ketone into the environment. It can enter the environment during its production, transport and use. It may also be released from vehicle exhausts and during the breakdown of other chemicals. On entering the environment methyl ethyl ketone is rapidly broken down therefore it does not build up in the environment.