Common Name: Methyl Ethyl Ketone CAS Number: 78-93-3 DOT Number: UN 1193 Date: February, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Ethyl Ketone can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone should be handled as a teratogen--with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and cause you to pass out. Repeated exposures, along with other solvents, can damage the nervous system. * The liquid can severely burn the eyes and may irritate the skin. Repeated exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a clear, colorless liquid with a fragrant, mint-like odor. It is used as a solvent and in making plastics, textiles, and paints. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Ethyl Ketone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and EPA. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 5.4 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 200 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 200 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 300 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone may be a teratogen in humans. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly at the end of the work-shift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Methyl Ethyl Ketone to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Methyl Ethyl Ketone: * Methyl Ethyl Ketone can irritate the skin causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. * The liquid can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision. Higher levels may cause you to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Ethyl Ketone and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Ethyl Ketone has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long-Term Effects * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum-based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Methyl Ethyl Ketone in combination with Methyl Butyl Ketone and possibly other solvents can damage the nervous system. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Methyl Ethyl Ketone from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Ketones #78-173. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Methyl Ethyl Ketone should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Methyl Ethyl Ketone. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * On skin contact with Methyl Ethyl Ketone, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Methyl Ethyl Ketone, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Ethyl Ketone is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Wear solvent-resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends the use of Butyl rubber materials in protective clothing. Eye Protection * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Methyl Ethyl Ketone, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 200 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Methyl Ethyl Ketone, or in the case of a full face-piece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 3,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 3,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Methyl Ethyl Ketone you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT, SPARKS, OR FLAME. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Methyl Ethyl Ketone is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Methyl Ethyl Ketone should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Common Name: Methyl Ethyl Ketone DOT Number: UN 1193 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 78-93-3 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 3 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Water should be used to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Ethyl Ketone is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Methyl Ethyl Ketone out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methyl Ethyl Ketone as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 70.6 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 21oF (-6.1oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2-Butanone Other Names and Formulations: MEK; Ethyl Methyl Ketone; Butanone. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a pleasant, slightly aromatic odor. It is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, coating systems, lacquers, adhesives, rubber cement, printing inks, paint removers, and cleaning solutions. It is also used in refining lubricating oils, in vegetable-oil extraction processes. Methyl Ethyl Ketone may enter the environment through industrial effluents, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Methyl Ethyl Ketone has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of Methyl Ethyl Ketone on plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Methyl Ethyl Ketone has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of Methyl Ethyl Ketone on plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl Ethyl Ketone is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Methyl Ethyl Ketone is slightly persistent in water, with a half- life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 59% of Methyl Ethyl Ketone will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Methyl Ethyl Ketone found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Methyl Ethyl Ketone in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.