United States
Environmental Protection
1=1 m m Agency
EPA/690/R-05/016F
Final
5-16-2005
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Values for
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
(CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of Subchronic and Chronic Oral RfDs
Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268

-------
Acronyms and Abbreviations
bw	body weight
cc	cubic centimeters
CD	Caesarean Delivered
CERCLA	Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980
CNS	central nervous system
cu.m	cubic meter
DWEL	Drinking Water Equivalent Level
FEL	frank-effect level
FIFRA	Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
g	grams
GI	gastrointestinal
HEC	human equivalent concentration
Hgb	hemoglobin
i.m.	intramuscular
i.p.	intraperitoneal
i.v.	intravenous
IRIS	Integrated Risk Information System
IUR	inhalation unit risk
kg	kilogram
L	liter
LEL	lowest-effect level
LOAEL	lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
LOAEL(ADJ)	LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
LOAEL(HEC)	LOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
m	meter
MCL	maximum contaminant level
MCLG	maximum contaminant level goal
MF	modifying factor
mg	milligram
mg/kg	milligrams per kilogram
mg/L	milligrams per liter
MRL	minimal risk level
1

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MTD
maximum tolerated dose
MTL
median threshold limit
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NOAEL
no-observed-adverse-effect level
NOAEL(ADJ)
NOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
NOAEL(HEC)
NOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOEL
no-observed-effect level
OSF
oral slope factor
p-IUR
provisional inhalation unit risk
p-OSF
provisional oral slope factor
p-RfC
provisional inhalation reference concentration
p-RfD
provisional oral reference dose
PBPK
physiologically based pharmacokinetic
PPb
parts per billion
ppm
parts per million
PPRTV
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Value
RBC
red blood cell(s)
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RDDR
Regional deposited dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
REL
relative exposure level
RfC
inhalation reference concentration
RfD
oral reference dose
RGDR
Regional gas dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
s.c.
subcutaneous
SCE
sister chromatid exchange
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
sq.cm.
square centimeters
TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act
UF
uncertainty factor
Hg
microgram
|j,mol
micromoles
voc
volatile organic compound
11

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5-16-05
PROVISIONAL PEER REVIEWED TOXICITY VALUES FOR
4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL (CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of Subchronic and Chronic Oral RfDs
Background
On December 5, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of
Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) revised its hierarchy of human
health toxicity values for Superfund risk assessments, establishing the following three tiers as the
new hierarchy:
1.	EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
2.	Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) used in EPA's Superfund
Program.
3.	Other (peer-reviewed) toxicity values, including:
~	Minimal Risk Levels produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR),
~	California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) values, and
~	EPA Health Effects Assessment Summary Table (HEAST) values.
A PPRTV is defined as a toxicity value derived for use in the Superfund Program when
such a value is not available in EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). PPRTVs are
developed according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and are derived after a review of
the relevant scientific literature using the same methods, sources of data, and Agency guidance
for value derivation generally used by the EPA IRIS Program. All provisional toxicity values
receive internal review by two EPA scientists and external peer review by three independently
selected scientific experts. PPRTVs differ from IRIS values in that PPRTVs do not receive the
multi-program consensus review provided for IRIS values. This is because IRIS values are
generally intended to be used in all EPA programs, while PPRTVs are developed specifically for
the Superfund Program.
Because science and available information evolve, PPRTVs are initially derived with a
three-year life-cycle. However, EPA Regions (or the EPA HQ Superfund Program) sometimes
request that a frequently used PPRTV be reassessed. Once an IRIS value for a specific chemical
becomes available for Agency review, the analogous PPRTV for that same chemical is retired. It
should also be noted that some PPRTV manuscripts conclude that a PPRTV cannot be derived
based on inadequate data.
1

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5-16-05
Disclaimers
Users of this document should first check to see if any IRIS values exist for the chemical
of concern before proceeding to use a PPRTV. If no IRIS value is available, staff in the regional
Superfund and RCRA program offices are advised to carefully review the information provided
in this document to ensure that the PPRTVs used are appropriate for the types of exposures and
circumstances at the Superfund site or RCRA facility in question. PPRTVs are periodically
updated; therefore, users should ensure that the values contained in the PPRTV are current at the
time of use.
It is important to remember that a provisional value alone tells very little about the
adverse effects of a chemical or the quality of evidence on which the value is based. Therefore,
users are strongly encouraged to read the entire PPRTV manuscript and understand the strengths
and limitations of the derived provisional values. PPRTVs are developed by the EPA Office of
Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health
Risk Technical Support Center for OSRTI. Other EPA programs or external parties who may
choose of their own initiative to use these PPRTVs are advised that Superfund resources will not
generally be used to respond to challenges of PPRTVs used in a context outside of the Superfund
Program.
Questions Regarding PPRTVs
Questions regarding the contents of the PPRTVs and their appropriate use (e.g., on
chemicals not covered, or whether chemicals have pending IRIS toxicity values) may be directed
to the EPA Office of Research and Development's National Center for Environmental
Assessment, Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300), or OSRTI.
INTRODUCTION
No RfD for 4-methyl-2-pentanol is available on IRIS (U.S. EPA, 2003), in the HEAST
(U.S. EPA, 1997), or in the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories list (U.S. EPA,
2002). No documents for 4-methyl-2-pentanol are listed in the CARA lists (U.S. EPA 1991,
1994). Neither ATSDR (2003), NTP (2003), IARC (2003), nor WHO (2003) have produced
documents regarding 4-methyl-2-pentanol. Literature searches of the following databases were
conducted from 1993 through January 2003 in order to locate relevant studies: TOXLINE,
CANCERLIT, MEDLINE, CCRIS, GENETOX, HSDB, DART/ETICBACK,
EMIC/EMICBACK, RTECS and TSCATS. Previously, TOXLINE was searched for the years
1992-1994 in March 1994 and 1965-1992 in June 1992. Additional literature searches from
January 2003 through October 2004 were conducted by NCEA-Cincinnati using MEDLINE,
TOXLINE, Chemical and Biological Abstracts databases.
2

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5-16-05
REVIEW OF PERTINENT LITERATURE
Human Studies
No relevant data were located regarding the toxicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol to humans
following oral exposure.
Animal Studies
Information on the toxicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol is sparse and essentially limited to
acute data. A single dose range-finding LD50 value of 2590 mg/kg was estimated for 4-methyl-2-
pentanol in male Wistar rats treated by gavage and observed for 14 days (Smyth et al., 1951).
The chemical was administered in water but it is unclear if it was diluted or dispersed as it is
slightly to moderately water soluble. Single dose oral toxicity was evaluated in mice (strain and
sex not reported) treated by gavage with 4-methyl-2-pentanol as temporary emulsion (10-40%) in
1% aqueous Tergitol and observed for 7 days (McOmie and Anderson, 1949). 4-Methyl-2-
pentanol doses of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml/kg caused anesthesia (loss of righting reflex) in 2/5, 5/5 and
5/5 mice, respectively, and mortality in 1/5, 4/5 and 5/5 mice, respectively. Based on the mouse
mortality data, an LD50 value of 1.5 ml/kg (1212 mg/kg) was estimated for 4-methyl-2-pentanol
(McOmie and Anderson, 1949). Hyperemia of the stomach wall and duodenum was a common
gross pathology finding in the mice that died from treatment with the chemical.
The effect of oral administration of 4-methyl-2-pentanol on the cholestasis induced by
manganese-bilirubin or manganese alone was studied in rats (Vezina and Plaa, 1988). The
experimental designs involved single and repeated (once daily for 3 days) gavage treatment prior
to administration of the cholestatic agent. 4-Methyl-2-pentanol had the same minimal effective
dose, 1.88 mmol/kg, for single and repeated exposure. 4-Methyl-2-pentanol did not induce
cholestasis when administered without the cholestasis inducers.
Other Studies
Limited information exists regarding the pharmacokinetics of 4-methyl-2-pentanol.
Granvil et al. (1994) examined the metabolism of 4-methyl-2-pentanol in mice. Groups of 8
male Charles River CD-I mice were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of 2.5
mmol/kg (255.5 mg/kg) of 4-methyl-2-pentanol and the concentrations of metabolites were
measured in blood and brain 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after dosing. Parent compound, methyl
isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and 4-hydroxymethyl isobutyl ketone were detected in blood and brain.
Levels of 4-methyl-2-pentanol in blood and brain were highest (=82 |_ig/ml and = 73 |ig/g) at 15
minutes, levels of MIBK in blood and brain were also highest (=28 |ig/ml and =23 |ig/g) at 15
minutes and subsequently rapidly decreased at a similar rates, whereas 4-hydroxymethyl isobutyl
3

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5-16-05
ketone in blood and brain peaked at ~34 |_ig/ml and =30 |ig/g after 30-60 minutes and only
gradually decreased.
In a recent study, Gingell et al. (2003) attempted to quantify the extent of metabolism of
4-methyl-2-pentanol to MIBK after administration of a single dose of either compound
(approximately 500 mg/kg) to male rats by gavage in corn oil. Plasma levels of MIBK, 4-
methyl-2-pentanol, and 4-hydroxymethyl isobutyl ketone were determined up to 8 hours after
dosing. There were no deaths or clinical signs of toxicity in the study. 4-Hydroxymethyl
isobutyl ketone was the major material in the plasma following dosing with MIBK or 4-methyl-
2-pentanol with similar areas-under-the-curve (AUC) and in both cases achieving maximum
concentration at 9 hours after dosing. The plasma levels of MIBK and AUC were also
comparable after MIBK or 4-methyl-2-pentanol administration. By comparing combined AUCs
for MIBK and 4-hydroxymethyl isobutyl ketone, it was estimated that the extent of metabolism
of 4-methyl-2-pentanol to MIBK was at least 73%.
DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL SUBCHRONIC AND CHRONIC
RfDs FOR 4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL
Oral toxicity data for 4-methyl-2-pentanol are from a few limited acute studies (Smyth et
al., 1951; McOmie and Anderson, 1949; Vezina and Plaa, 1988). Due to the nature of the
existing data and lack of subchronic, chronic, developmental and reproductive toxicity studies,
information on 4-methyl-2-pentanol is insufficient for derivation of a provisional subchronic or
chronic RfD.
REFERENCES
ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). 2003. Toxicological Profile
Information Sheet. Online, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
Gingell, R, J-F. Regnier, D.M. Wilson et al. 2003. Comparative metabolism of methyl isobutyl
carbinol and methyl isobutyl ketone in male rats. Toxicol. Lett. 136: 199-204.
Granvil, C.P., M. Sharkawi and G.L. Plaa. 1994. Metabolic fate of methyl-n-butyl ketone,
methyl isobutyl ketone and their metabolites in mice. Toxicol. Lett. 70: 263-267.
IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). 2003. IARC Agents and Summary
Evaluations. Online, http://www-cie.iarc.fr/
4

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5-16-05
McOmie, W.A. and H.H. Anderson. 1949. Comparative toxicologic effects of some isobutyl
carbinols and ketones. Univ. Calif. Berkeley Publ. Pharmacol. 2: 217-230.
NTP (National Toxicology Program). 2003. Management Status Report. Online.
http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/cgi/iH Indexes/ALL SRCH/iH ALL SRCH Frames.html
Smyth, H.F., Jr., C.P. Carpenter and C.S. Weil. 1951. Range-finding toxicity data: List IV.
A.M.A. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 4: 119-122.
U.S. EPA. 1991. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. April.
U.S. EPA. 1994. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. December.
U.S. EPA. 1997. Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables. FY-1997 Update. Prepared by
the Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment,
Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Washington, DC. July.
EPA/540/R-97/036. NTIS PB97-921199.
U.S. EPA. 2002. 2002 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories. Office
of Water, Washington, DC. Summer 2002. EPA 822-R-02-038. Online.
http://www.epa. gov/waterscience/drinking/ standards/dwstandards .pdf
U.S. EPA. 2003. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Office of Research and
Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. Online.
http://www.epa.gov/iris/
Vezina, M. and G.L. Plaa. 1988. Methyl isobutyl ketone metabolites and potentiation of the
cholestasis induced in rats by a manganese-bilirubin combination or manganese alone. Toxicol.
Appl. Pharmacol. 92: 419-427.
WHO (World Health Organization). 2003. Online Catalogs for the Environmental Criteria
Series. Online, http://www.who.int/pcs/pubs/pub ehc alph.htm
5

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9-22-2005
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Values for
4-Methyl-2-pentanol
(CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of Subchronic and Chronic Inhalation RfCs
Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268

-------
Acronyms and Abbreviations
bw	body weight
cc	cubic centimeters
CD	Caesarean Delivered
CERCLA	Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980
CNS	central nervous system
cu.m	cubic meter
DWEL	Drinking Water Equivalent Level
FEL	frank-effect level
FIFRA	Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
g	grams
GI	gastrointestinal
HEC	human equivalent concentration
Hgb	hemoglobin
i.m.	intramuscular
i.p.	intraperitoneal
i.v.	intravenous
IRIS	Integrated Risk Information System
IUR	inhalation unit risk
kg	kilogram
L	liter
LEL	lowest-effect level
LOAEL	lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
LOAEL(ADJ)	LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
LOAEL(HEC)	LOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
m	meter
MCL	maximum contaminant level
MCLG	maximum contaminant level goal
MF	modifying factor
mg	milligram
mg/kg	milligrams per kilogram
mg/L	milligrams per liter
MRL	minimal risk level
1

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MTD
maximum tolerated dose
MTL
median threshold limit
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NOAEL
no-observed-adverse-effect level
NOAEL(ADJ)
NOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
NOAEL(HEC)
NOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOEL
no-observed-effect level
OSF
oral slope factor
p-IUR
provisional inhalation unit risk
p-OSF
provisional oral slope factor
p-RfC
provisional inhalation reference concentration
p-RfD
provisional oral reference dose
PBPK
physiologically based pharmacokinetic
PPb
parts per billion
ppm
parts per million
PPRTV
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Value
RBC
red blood cell(s)
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RDDR
Regional deposited dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
REL
relative exposure level
RfC
inhalation reference concentration
RfD
oral reference dose
RGDR
Regional gas dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
s.c.
subcutaneous
SCE
sister chromatid exchange
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
sq.cm.
square centimeters
TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act
UF
uncertainty factor
Hg
microgram
|imol
micromoles
VOC
volatile organic compound
11

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9-22-2005
PROVISIONAL PEER REVIEWED TOXICITY VALUES FOR
4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL (CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of Subchronic and Chronic Inhalation RfCs
Background
On December 5, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of
Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) revised its hierarchy of human
health toxicity values for Superfund risk assessments, establishing the following three tiers as the
new hierarchy:
1.	EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
2.	Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) used in EPA's Superfund
Program.
3.	Other (peer-reviewed) toxicity values, including:
~	Minimal Risk Levels produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR),
~	California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) values, and
~	EPA Health Effects Assessment Summary Table (HEAST) values.
A PPRTV is defined as a toxicity value derived for use in the Superfund Program when
such a value is not available in EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). PPRTVs are
developed according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and are derived after a review of
the relevant scientific literature using the same methods, sources of data, and Agency guidance
for value derivation generally used by the EPA IRIS Program. All provisional toxicity values
receive internal review by two EPA scientists and external peer review by three independently
selected scientific experts. PPRTVs differ from IRIS values in that PPRTVs do not receive the
multi-program consensus review provided for IRIS values. This is because IRIS values are
generally intended to be used in all EPA programs, while PPRTVs are developed specifically for
the Superfund Program.
Because science and available information evolve, PPRTVs are initially derived with a
three-year life-cycle. However, EPA Regions or the EPA Headquarters Superfund Program
sometimes request that a frequently used PPRTV be reassessed. Once an IRIS value for a
specific chemical becomes available for Agency review, the analogous PPRTV for that same
chemical is retired. It should also be noted that some PPRTV manuscripts conclude that a
PPRTV cannot be derived based on inadequate data.
1

-------
9-22-2005
Disclaimers
Users of this document should first check to see if any IRIS values exist for the chemical
of concern before proceeding to use a PPRTV. If no IRIS value is available, staff in the regional
Superfund and RCRA program offices are advised to carefully review the information provided
in this document to ensure that the PPRTVs used are appropriate for the types of exposures and
circumstances at the Superfund site or RCRA facility in question. PPRTVs are periodically
updated; therefore, users should ensure that the values contained in the PPRTV are current at the
time of use.
It is important to remember that a provisional value alone tells very little about the
adverse effects of a chemical or the quality of evidence on which the value is based. Therefore,
users are strongly encouraged to read the entire PPRTV manuscript and understand the strengths
and limitations of the derived provisional values. PPRTVs are developed by the EPA Office of
Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health
Risk Technical Support Center for OSRTI. Other EPA programs or external parties who may
choose of their own initiative to use these PPRTVs are advised that Superfund resources will not
generally be used to respond to challenges of PPRTVs used in a context outside of the Superfund
Program.
Questions Regarding PPRTVs
Questions regarding the contents of the PPRTVs and their appropriate use (e.g., on
chemicals not covered, or whether chemicals have pending IRIS toxicity values) may be directed
to the EPA Office of Research and Development's National Center for Environmental
Assessment, Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300), or OSRTI.
INTRODUCTION
No RfC for 4-methyl-2-pentanol (methyl isobutyl carbinol) is available on IRIS (U.S.
EPA, 2005) or in the HEAST (U.S. EPA, 1997). No documents for 4-methyl-2-pentanol are
listed in the CARA lists (U.S. EPA 1991, 1994). Neither ATSDR (2003), NTP (2003), IARC
(2003), nor WHO (2003) have produced documents regarding 4-methyl-2-pentanol.
Occupational exposure limits for 4-methyl-2-pentanol are based on acute data and intended to
minimize the potential for irritation of the mucous membranes and eyes and to provide a margin
of safety against acute anesthetic effects: ACGIH (2003) TLV-TWA of 25 ppm and TLV-STEL
of 40 ppm, NIOSH (2003) REL-TWA of 25 ppm and REL-STEL of 40 ppm, and OSHA (2003)
PEL-TWA of 25 ppm. Literature searches of the following databases were conducted from 1993
through January 2003 in order to locate relevant studies: TOXLINE, CANCERLIT, MEDLINE,
CCRIS, GENETOX, HSDB, DART/ETICBACK, EMIC/EMICBACK, RTECS and TSCATS.
2

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9-22-2005
Previously, TOXLINE was searched for the years 1992-1994 in March 1994 and 1965-1992 in
June 1992. Additional literature searches from June 1992 through May 2005 were conducted by
NCEA-Cincinnati using MEDLINE, TOXLINE, Chemical Abstracts and Biological Abstracts
databases.
REVIEW OF PERTINENT LITERATURE
Human Studies
The sensory response of an average of 12 human subjects (both sexes, but the number
was not provided) to 15 minute exposures of several solvents including 4-methyl-2-pentanol
were investigated by Silverman et al., 1946. For this chemical, the majority of subjects (number
not indicated) reported irritation to eyes, nose and throat at greater than or equal to 50 ppm. The
highest concentration that the majority of subjects estimated to be acceptable for an 8-hour
exposure was 25 ppm.
Animal Studies
Inhalation information on this chemical is limited to acute exposure data.
McOmie and Anderson (1949) exposed 10 mice (strain not given) in 4 groups to
commercial grade vapor saturated air at 20°C (ca. 20 mg/1) for 4, 8.5, 10 and 15 hours.
Anesthesia (observed as loss of righting reflex) was observed in 7 animals in the low dose group
and all animals in the higher dose groups. Deaths occurred at the 10 and 15 hour groups only, 6
and 8 animals, respectively. Observed over time, the animals showed irritation, somnolence,
anesthesia and death at 5 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours and 10 hours, respectively. Exposure to the
saturated vapor for 12 repeated exposures of 4 hours each caused no deaths. The authors offered
that the mouse is more sensitive to the noxious vapors than guinea pigs and rats but data are not
given. They also concluded that all of the compounds tested were central nervous system
depressants.
Carpenter et al., 1949, exposed a total of 6 (mixed male and female, number not given)
albino rats (Sherman strain) for 4 hours to 2,000 ppm and was classified into a grouping of
compounds that kills 2 to 4 animals at this concentration.
Smyth et al, 1951, exposed 6 male albino rats (strain not given) for 2 hours to 2,000 ppm
with a two week observation period. Deaths occurred in 5/6 animals. The experimental details
for this study are given in Smyth and Carpenter, 1944.
3

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9-22-2005
DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL CHRONIC AND SUBCHRONIC RfCs
FOR 4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL
Since only limited acute inhalation information is available, derivation of a provisional
subchronic or chronic RfC for this material is contraindicated.
REFERENCES
ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). 2003. 2003 Threshold
Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.
Cincinnati, OH.
ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). 2003. Toxicological Profile
Information Sheet. Online, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
Carpenter, C.P., H.F. Smyth Jr. and U.C. Pozzani. 1949. The assay of acute vapor toxicity, and
the grading and interpretation of results on 96 chemical compounds. J. Indus. Hyg. Toxicol. 31:
343.
DiVincenzo, G.D., C.J. Kaplan and J. Dedinas. 1976. Characterization of the metabolites of
methyl n-butyl ketone, methyl iso-butyl ketone, and methyl ethyl ketone in guinea pig serum and
their clearance. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 36:511-522.
Duguay, A.B. and G.L. Plaa. 1993. Plasma concentrations in methyl isobutyl ketone-
potentiated experimental cholestasis after inhalation or oral administration. Fund. Appl. Toxicol.
21:222-227.
Duguay, A.B. and G.L. Plaa. 1995. Tissue concentrations of methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl n-
butyl ketone and their metabolites after oral and inhalation exposure. Toxicol. Lett. 75: 51-58.
IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). 2003. IARC Agents and Summary
Evaluations. Online, http://www-cie.iarc.fr/
McOmie, W.A. and H.H. Anderson. 1949. Comparative toxicologic effects of some isobutyl
carbinols and ketones. Univ. Calif. Berkeley Publ. Pharmacol. 2: 217-230.
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). 2003. NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards. Online. http://www.cdc.gOv/niosh/npg/npgd0000.html#F
4

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9-22-2005
NTP (National Toxicology Program). 2003. Management Status Report. Online.
http://ntp-server.niehs.nili.gov/cgi/iH Indexes/ALL SRCH/iH ALL SRCH Frames.html
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). 2003. OSHA Standard 1910.1000
Table Z-l. Part Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances. Online.
http://www.osha-slc.gOv/OshStd_data/1910_1000_TABLE_Z-l.html
Silverman, L., H.F. Schulte and M.W. First. 1946. Further studies on sensory response to
certain industrial solvent vapors. J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 28: 262-266.
Smyth, H.F. and C.P. Carpenter. 1944. The place of the range finding test in the industrial
toxicology laboratory. J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 30:63.
Smyth, H.F., Jr., C.P. Carpenter and C.S. Weil. 1951. Range-finding toxicity data: List IV.
A.M.A. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 4: 119-122.
U.S. EPA. 1991. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. April.
U.S. EPA. 1994. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. December.
U.S. EPA. 1997. Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables. FY-1997 Update. Prepared by
the Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment,
Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Washington, DC. July.
EPA/540/R-97/036. NTIS PB97-921199.
U.S. EPA. 2005. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Office of Research and
Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. Online.
http://www.epa. gov/ iris/
Vezina, M., A.B. Kobusch, P. du Souich et al. 1989. Potentiation of chloroform-induced
hepatotoxicity by methyl isobutyl ketone and two metabolites. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol.
68: 1055-1061.
WHO (World Health Organization). 2003. Online Catalogs for the Environmental Criteria
Series. Online, http://www.who.int/pcs/pubs/pub ehc alph.htm
5

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4-12-05
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Values for
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
(CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of a Carcinogenicity Assessment
Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
bw	body weight
cc	cubic centimeters
CD	Caesarean Delivered
CERCLA	Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980
CNS	central nervous system
cu.m	cubic meter
DWEL	Drinking Water Equivalent Level
FEL	frank-effect level
FIFRA	Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
g	grams
GI	gastrointestinal
HEC	human equivalent concentration
Hgb	hemoglobin
i.m.	intramuscular
i.p.	intraperitoneal
i.v.	intravenous
IRIS	Integrated Risk Information System
IUR	inhalation unit risk
kg	kilogram
L	liter
LEL	lowest-effect level
LOAEL	lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
LOAEL(ADJ)	LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
LOAEL(HEC)	LOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
m	meter
MCL	maximum contaminant level
MCLG	maximum contaminant level goal
MF	modifying factor
mg	milligram
mg/kg	milligrams per kilogram
mg/L	milligrams per liter
MRL	minimal risk level
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MTD
maximum tolerated dose
MTL
median threshold limit
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NOAEL
no-observed-adverse-effect level
NOAEL(ADJ)
NOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
NOAEL(HEC)
NOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOEL
no-observed-effect level
OSF
oral slope factor
p-IUR
provisional inhalation unit risk
p-OSF
provisional oral slope factor
p-RfC
provisional inhalation reference concentration
p-RfD
provisional oral reference dose
PBPK
physiologically based pharmacokinetic
PPb
parts per billion
ppm
parts per million
PPRTV
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Value
RBC
red blood cell(s)
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RDDR
Regional deposited dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
REL
relative exposure level
RfC
inhalation reference concentration
RfD
oral reference dose
RGDR
Regional gas dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
s.c.
subcutaneous
SCE
sister chromatid exchange
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
sq.cm.
square centimeters
TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act
UF
uncertainty factor
Hg
microgram
|j,mol
micromoles
voc
volatile organic compound
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4-12-05
PROVISIONAL PEER REVIEWED TOXICITY VALUE FOR
4-METHYL-2-PENTANOL (CASRN 108-11-2)
Derivation of a Carcinogenicity Assessment
Background
On December 5, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of
Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) revised its hierarchy of human
health toxicity values for Superfund risk assessments, establishing the following three tiers as the
new hierarchy:
1.	EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
2.	Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) used in EPA's Superfund
Program.
3.	Other (peer-reviewed) toxicity values, including:
~	Minimal Risk Levels produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR),
~	California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) values, and
~	EPA Health Effects Assessment Summary Table (HEAST) values.
A PPRTV is defined as a toxicity value derived for use in the Superfund Program when
such a value is not available in EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). PPRTVs are
developed according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and are derived after a review of
the relevant scientific literature using the same methods, sources of data, and Agency guidance
for value derivation generally used by the EPA IRIS Program. All provisional toxicity values
receive internal review by two EPA scientists and external peer review by three independently
selected scientific experts. PPRTVs differ from IRIS values in that PPRTVs do not receive the
multi-program consensus review provided for IRIS values. This is because IRIS values are
generally intended to be used in all EPA programs, while PPRTVs are developed specifically for
the Superfund Program.
Because science and available information evolve, PPRTVs are initially derived with a
three-year life-cycle. However, EPA Regions (or the EPA HQ Superfund Program) sometimes
request that a frequently used PPRTV be reassessed. Once an IRIS value for a specific chemical
becomes available for Agency review, the analogous PPRTV for that same chemical is retired. It
should also be noted that some PPRTV manuscripts conclude that a PPRTV cannot be derived
based on inadequate data.
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4-12-05
Disclaimers
Users of this document should first check to see if any IRIS values exist for the chemical
of concern before proceeding to use a PPRTV. If no IRIS value is available, staff in the regional
Superfund and RCRA program offices are advised to carefully review the information provided
in this document to ensure that the PPRTVs used are appropriate for the types of exposures and
circumstances at the Superfund site or RCRA facility in question. PPRTVs are periodically
updated; therefore, users should ensure that the values contained in the PPRTV are current at the
time of use.
It is important to remember that a provisional value alone tells very little about the
adverse effects of a chemical or the quality of evidence on which the value is based. Therefore,
users are strongly encouraged to read the entire PPRTV manuscript and understand the strengths
and limitations of the derived provisional values. PPRTVs are developed by the EPA Office of
Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health
Risk Technical Support Center for OSRTI. Other EPA programs or external parties who may
choose of their own initiative to use these PPRTVs are advised that Superfund resources will not
generally be used to respond to challenges of PPRTVs used in a context outside of the Superfund
Program.
Questions Regarding PPRTVs
Questions regarding the contents of the PPRTVs and their appropriate use (e.g., on
chemicals not covered, or whether chemicals have pending IRIS toxicity values) may be directed
to the EPA Office of Research and Development's National Center for Environmental
Assessment, Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300), or OSRTI.
INTRODUCTION
No cancer assessment for 4-methyl-2-pentanol is available on IRIS (U.S. EPA, 2003), in
the HEAST (U.S. EPA, 1997), or in the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories list
(U.S. EPA, 2002). No documents for 4-methyl-2-pentanol are listed in the CARA lists (U.S.
EPA 1991, 1994). Neither ATSDR (2003), NTP (2003), IARC (2003), nor WHO (2003) have
produced documents regarding 4-methyl-2-pentanol. Literature searches of the following
databases were conducted from 1993 through January 2003 in order to locate relevant studies:
TOXLINE, CANCERLIT, MEDLINE, CCRIS, GENETOX, HSDB, DART/ETICBACK,
EMIC/EMICBACK, RTECS and TSCATS. Previously, TOXLINE was searched for the years
1992-1994 in March 1994 and 1965-1992 in June 1992. Additional literature searches from
January 2003 through October 2004 were conducted by NCEA-Cincinnati using MEDLINE,
TOXLINE, Chemical and Biological Abstracts databases.
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4-12-05
REVIEW OF PERTINENT LITERATURE
Human Studies
No data were located regarding the carcinogenicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol to humans by
any route of exposure.
Animal Studies
No data were located regarding the carcinogenicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol to animals by
any route of exposure.
PROVISIONAL WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE CLASSIFICATION
There are no data evaluating carcinogenicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol in any species.
Genotoxicity of 4-methyl-2-pentanol was evaluated in one study, which found the chemical to be
nonmutagenic in S. typhimurium and E. coli bacteria. According to the Guidelines for
Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005), the data are inadequate for an assessment of
human carcinogenic potential for 4-methyl-2-pentanol.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATES OF CARCINOGENIC RISK
Derivation of quantitative estimates of cancer risk for 4-methyl-2-pentanol is precluded
by the lack of data demonstrating carcinogenicity associated with 4-methyl-2-pentanol exposure.
REFERENCES
ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). 2003. Toxicological Profile
Information Sheet. Online, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
I ARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). 2003. IARC Agents and Summary
Evaluations. Online, http://www-cie.iarc.fr/
NTP (National Toxicology Program). 2003. Management Status Report. Online.
http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/cgi/iH Indexes/ATI, SRCH/iH ATI, SRCH Frames.html
Shimizu, H., Y. Suzuki, N. Takemura et al. 1985. The results of microbial mutation test for
forty-three industrial chemicals. Jpn. J. Ind. Health. 27: 400-419.
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U.S. EPA. 1991. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. April.
U.S. EPA. 1994. Chemical Assessments and Related Activities (CARA). Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. December.
U.S. EPA. 1997. Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables. FY-1997 Update. Prepared by
the Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment,
Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Washington, DC. July.
EPA/540/R-97/036. NTIS PB97-921199.
U.S. EPA. 2002. 2002 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories. Office
of Water, Washington, DC. Summer 2002. EPA 822-R-02-038. Online.
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/drinking/standards/dwstandards.pdf
U.S. EPA. 2003. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Office of Research and
Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC. Online.
http://www.epa.gov/iris/
U.S. EPA. 2005. Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. Office of Research and
Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC.
EPA/63 0/P-03/001F.
WHO (World Health Organization). 2003. Online Catalogs for the Environmental Criteria
Series. Online, http://www.who.int/pcs/pubs/pub ehc alph.htm
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