OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet EPA 749-F-94-015 CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: METHYL ETHYL KETONE (CAS NO. 78-93-3) prepared by OFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND TOXICS U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY September 1994 _______________________________________________________________________ Chemicals can be released to the environment as a result of their manufacture, processing, and use. EPA has developed information summaries on selected chemicals to describe how you might be exposed to these chemicals, how exposure to them might affect you and the environment, what happens to them in the environment, who regulates them, and whom to contact for additional information. EPA is committed to reducing environmental 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? Methyl ethyl ketone (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 million 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 protective 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, hypodermic needles, syringes, and dental instruments. It is also used to extract 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 adhesives. 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, it is expected to break down to other chemicals. Microorganisms 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 environment when exposure occurs. Breathing MEK for short periods of time, such as when painting in a poorly vented area, can adversely affect the nervous system. Effects range from headaches, dizziness, nausea, 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 environment. Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming smaller amounts of methyl ethyl ketone over long periods of time are not known. Workers have developed dermatitis, upset stomachs, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, and weakness as a result of repeated exposure to MEK. Laboratory studies show that exposure to large amounts of MEK in air causes animals to give birth to smaller offspring. Studies also show that repeat 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 environment. MEK can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog when it reacts with other volatile organic carbon substances in air. WHAT EPA PROGRAM OFFICES REGULATE METHYL ETHYL KETONE, AND UNDER WHAT LAWS IS IT REGULATED? __________________________________________________________________________ EPA OFFICE LAW PHONE NUMBER __________________________________________________________________________ Pollution Prevention Toxic Substances Control Act (202) 554-1404 & Toxics Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Regulations (Sec. 313) (800) 424-9346 Toxics Release Inventory data (202) 260-1531 Air Clean Air Act (919) 541-0888 Solid Waste & Comprehensive Environmental Emergency Response Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund)/ Resource Conservation and Recovery Act / EPCRA (Sec. 304/311/312) (800) 424-9346 Water Safe Drinking Water Act (800) 426-4791 A technical support document can be requested from the TSCA Assistance Information Service, (202) 554-1404. WHAT OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES OR GROUPS CAN I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ON METHYL ETHYL KETONE? __________________________________________________________________________ AGENCY/GROUP PHONE NUMBER __________________________________________________________________________ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (404) 639-6000 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (513) 742-2020 Consumer Product Safety Commission (301) 504-0994 Food and Drug Administration (301) 443-3170 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (800) 356-4674 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Check your local phone book under U.S. Department of Labor)