UriM SMn EPA 749 F 94 015
Environmental Protection December 1994
A0*ncy
OtCTrfPoiulion Prevention •ndTotica (7 401)
AER& Chemicals in the
Environment
Repository Material
Permanent Collection
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
(CAS NO. 78-83-3)
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Chemicals can be released to the envi-
ronment as a result of their manufacture,
processing, and use. The EPA has devel-
oped information summaries on selected
chemicals 19 describe how you might be
exposed to these chemicals, how exposure
to them might affect you and the envi-
ronment, what happens to them in the
environment, who regulates them, and
whom to contact for additional informa-
tion. EPA is committed to reducing envi-
ronmental releases of chemicals through
source reduction and other practices that
reduce creation of pollutants
WHAT IS METHYL ETHYL
KETONE, HOW IS IT USED, AND
HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?
i ,
Methyl ethyl kctonc (also called
MEK and 2-butanone) is a colorless,
flammable liquid. It occurs naturally in
certain foods and beverages. It is produced
in large amounts (estimated to be 500 mil-
lion pounds in 1992) by three companies in
the United States. US demand for MEK is
likely to decrease gradually until makers of
protective surface coatings begin using
other substances. Once companies make
this change, US demand for MEK is likely
to fall more rapidly. The largest users of
MEK are companies that add it to protec-
tive surface coatings. Other companies add
MEK to adhesives, printing inks, paint
removers, and special lubricating oils.
Companies also use MEK to make other
chemicals, including those used as drugs
and cosmetics. Small amounts of MEK are
used to sterilize surgical instruments, hy-
podermic needles, syringes, and denial
instruments.1 It is also used to extract
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vegetable oil.
Exposure to MEK can occur in the
workplace or in the environment following
releases to air, water, land, or groundwater.
Exposure can also occur when people use
certain paints, paint removers, or adhcsives.
Methyl ethyl ketone enters the body when
breathed in with contaminated air or when
consumed with contaminated food or water. It
can also be absorbed through skin contact. It is
not likely to remain in the body due to its
breakdown and removal in expired air and in
urine.
WHAT HAPPENS TO METHYL ETHYL
KETONE IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Methyl ethyl ketone evaporates when
exposed to air It dissolves when mixed with
water. Most direct releases of MEK to the
environment are to air. It can also evaporate
from water and soil exposed to air. Once in air,
MEK breaks down to other chemicals. Micro-
organisms that live in water and in soil can also
break down MEK. Because it is a liquid that
does not bind well to soil, MEK that makes its
way into ground can move through the ground
and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are
not likely to store methyl ethyl ketone.
HOW DOES METHYL ETHYL KETONE
AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Effects of methyl ethyl ketone on
human health and the environment depend on
how much MEK is present and the length and
frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on
the health of a person or the condition of the
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environment when exposure occurs.
Breathing MEK for short pe-
riods of time, such as when painting in
a poorly vented area, can adversely
affect the nervous system. Effects
range from headaches, dizziness, nau-
sea, and numbness in fingers and toes to
unconsciousness. MEK vapor irritates
the eyes, the nose, and the throat.
Direct, prolonged contact with liquid
methyl ethyl ketone irritates the skin
and damages the eyes. These effects are
not expected to occur at levels of MEK
that are normally found in the envi-
ronment.
Human health effects associ-
ated with breathing or otherwise con-
suming smaller amounts of methyl
ethyl ketone over long periods of time
arc not known. Workers have devel-
oped dermatitis, upset stomachs, loss of
appetite, headaches, dizziness, and
weakness as a result of repeated ex-
posure to MEK. Laboratory studies
show that exposure to large amounts or
MEK in air causes animals to give birth
to smaller offspring. Studies also show
that repeal exposure to large amounts of
MEK in air causes adverse liver and
kidney effects in animals.
Methyl ethyl ketone by itself is
not likely to cause environmental harm
at levels normally found in the envi-
ronment. MEK can contribute to the
formation of photochemical smog when
it reacts with other volatile organic
carbon substances in air.
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WHAT EPA raocBAM omen BECOLAR METHYL ETBYL KETOME, AMD
WMAT LAW! • IT UCCLATXD?
EPAOmCE
Pollution Prevention i Toxici
•Air
Solid WMU*
LAW
Toxic SubrtaocM Control Act
EmerfMcy PUaDinf and C^mminity RiglMo-Know Act (EPCRA): Regulation* (§313)
Toxic* Release Inventory data
ClMiiAirAot
CompntMnarv* EnvironmaJal Ropcon,
•MlioB, md Lubiiity Act (Saperfnad)
Wi
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WHAT or
Rcnorn ConMrvrian tad Rwovery Art / EPCRA (| 304^311/312)
S«fe Drinking Wifcr Act
npport dooontol it railtbb fromth* TSCA Ai
•.(202)354.1404.
i FEDDUL AdNcm oa cxoon CAN I CONIACT FOB DOORMAHON OK MTTIYL cnvi. KEIONK?
ACENCY/GftOOr
Agency for Tone Substance* and
American Conference of
Product Safety
Indu«ri«l Hypenutt
NuioojJ iMtrtuU for Environmental Health Sciences (EnviroHeahb Clearingboute)
National InMitDtc fcr Ooaapttiootl Safety mad He«Mfa (NIOSH)
PHONE Nraon
(404)639-6000
(313)742-2020
(301)3044994
(301)443-3170
(800)643-4794
(800)356-4674
(Ctedtynorloaml!
PHONE NUMBER
(202) 334-1404
(800) 333-0202
(202)260-1331
(919)341-0888
(800)3334)202
(800)426-4791
r US. Department of Labor)
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