| Agent Name |
n-Butane |
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| Alternative Name |
Butane |
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| CAS Number |
106-97-8 |
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| Formula |
C4-H10 |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
normal-Butane; Butyl hydride; Diethyl; Methylethylmethane; Butane; Note: Also see specific listing for Isobutane; [NIOSH] UN1011 |
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| Category |
Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Saturated |
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| Description |
Colorless gas with a gasoline-like or natural gas odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. A liquid below 31 degrees F; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as an aerosol propellant, fuel, and chemical intermediate; present in natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); [ACGIH] |
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| Comments |
Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] "Critical Effects" for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases are CNS depression and cardiac sensitization. [ACGIH] A chemical abused by inhaling (lighter fluid); may be abused by teenagers because it is cheap and available; Butane is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] In confined space spill, may displace air and act as simple asphyxiant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC] |
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| Reference Link |
Volatile Substance Abuse |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
1000 ppm |
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| MAK |
1000 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
1262 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
5048 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 658,000 mg/m3 |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Odor threshold from AIHA; For TLV, see Aliphatic hydrocarbon gases: Alkane (C1-C4); [ACGIH] Flash point = -60 deg C; |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Other Poison |
Simple Asphyxiant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: BUTANE
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