Common Name: Methyl Isobutyl Ketone CAS Number: 108-10-1 DOT Number: UN 1245 Date: February, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Isobutyl Ketone can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure to high concentrations can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded and to pass out. * Long-term exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * Breathing the vapor may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * Contact can irritate the skin. * Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is a FLAMMABLE liquid and a fire hazard. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is used as a solvent. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. 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 = 0.68 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 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 75 ppm not to be exceeded during any (15 minute) work period. (Final Rule January 1989). NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 75 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). 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 workshift. * 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 Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl Ketone: * Contact may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. * Exposure to high concentrations can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Isobutyl Ketone and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * The chemical may damage the liver and the kidneys. * It can cause skin irritation, flaking, and blisters. Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. 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. 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 Isobutyl 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: Occupational Exposure to 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 Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl Ketone. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl 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 Butyl Rubber and Polyvinyl Alcohol as good to excellent protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles when working with liquid, unless full face-piece 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 50 ppm, use an MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, or in the case of a full facepiece 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 3000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 3000 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 Isobutyl Ketone you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Isobutyl 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, and FLAMES. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Methyl Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl Ketone. Common Name: Methyl Isobutyl Ketone DOT Number: UN 1245 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 108-10-1 ---------------------------------------- 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 Isobutyl 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. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flashback. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl 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 Isobutyl 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. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with water. 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: 16 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 73oF (22.8oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2-Pentanone, 4-Methyl- Other Names and Formulations: MIBK; Hexone; Isopropylacetone. ------------------------------------------ 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 isobutyl ketone is a water-white liquid chemical. Its main uses are as a solvent for coating systems, in rare-metal extraction, and as a solvent and denaturant for other miscellaneous applications. It may enter the environment from industrial and 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 isobutyl ketone has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life and high toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of methyl isobutyl ketone to plants 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 isobutyl ketone has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of methyl isobutyl ketone to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl isobutyl 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 isobutyl 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 61.5% of methyl isobutyl 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 isobutyl ketone found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of methyl isobutyl ketone in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.