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Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

2-Butanone

RTECS #

EL6475000

CAS #

78-93-3

Updated

September 201

Molecular Weight

72.12

Molecular Formula

C4H8O

Synonyms

2-Butanone (OSHA)
3-Butanone
Acetone, methyl-
Aethylmethylketon (German)
Butanone
Butanone 2 (French)
Ethyl methyl cetone (French)
Ethylmethylketon (Dutch)
Ketone, ethyl methyl
Meetco
MEK (OSHA)
Methyl acetone
Methyl ethyl ketone
Methyl ethyl ketone (ACGIH:OSHA)
Metiletilchetone (Italian)
Metyloetyloketon (Polish)
RCRA waste number U159

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /human 350 ppmJIHTAB 25,282,1943
eye /rabbit 80 mgTXAPA9 19,276,1971
skin /rabbit 500 mg/24H moderateJIHTAB 25,282,1943
skin /rabbit 402 mg/24H mildTXAPA9 19,276,1971
skin /rabbit 14 mg/24H open irritation test mildAIHAAP 23,95,1962

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunction/Saccharomyes cerevisiae33800 ppmMUREAV 149,339,1985

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 3000 ppm/7H (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Craniofacial (including nose and tongue)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Urogenital system

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Homeostasis		TXAPA9 28,452,1974
inhalation/rat 1000 ppm/7H (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system		TXAPA9 28,452,1974
inhalation/mouse 3000 ppm/7H (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)FAATDF 16,742,1991
inhalation/rat 2900 mg/m3 (6-10D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Craniofacial (including nose and tongue)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Gastrointestinal system		VCVGK* -,418,1994
inhalation/mouse 3000 ppm (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Craniofacial (including nose and tongue)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system		NTIS** #DE89-009563
inhalation/rat 2000 ppm (6-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)FCTOD7 44,1287,2006

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 260 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 3,189,1989
inhalation/cat lowest published toxic concentration: 25000 mg/m3Gastrointestinal: Changes in structure or function of salivary glandsVCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/cat lowest published toxic concentration: 50000 mg/m3Eye: Conjunctiva irritationVCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 97300 mg/m3/30MBehavioral: AtaxiaVCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 97300 mg/m3/1HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Liver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes		VCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 30000 mg/m3/2MEye: Conjunctiva irritation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough		VCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 30000 mg/m3/4HBehavioral: General anesthetic

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Liver: Other changes		VCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 100 ppm/5MOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Eye: Conjunctiva irritation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes		JIHTAB 25,282,1943
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 mg/m3Eye: Conjunctiva irritation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough		VCVGK* -,417,1994
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/4HCardiac: Pulse rate decreased with fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes		NRTXDN 24,179,2003
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 38 gm/m3GISAAA 51(5),61,1986
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 32 gm/m3/4HCUTOEX 1,47,1993
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 25000 mg/m3/2HBehavioral: General anesthetic

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Liver: Other changes		VCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 40000 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Liver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes		VCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 4000 ppm/6MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depressionTOLED5 9,137,1981
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 32 mg/m3ENTOX* -,77,2005
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 1250 mg/m3Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerveVCVGK* -,417,1984
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 23500 mg/m3/8HAIHAAP 20,364,1959
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 23500 mg/m3ENTOX* -,77,2005
intraperitoneal/guinea pig lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2 gm/kgENTOX* -,77,2005
intraperitoneal/guinea pig lowest published lethal dose: 2 gm/kgLiver: Other changes

Immunological Including Allergic: Other immediate (humoral): uticaria, allergic rhinitis, serum sickness (multiple organ involvement)

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Lipids including transport		FCTXAV 15,627,1977
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 616 mg/kgENTOX* -,77,2005
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published toxic dose: 361 mg/kgBehavioral: AnticonvulsantBJPCBM 158,872,2009
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 607 mg/kgENTOX* -,77,2005
oral/human lowest published lethal dose: 714.3 mg/kgVCVGK* -,417,1994
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3000 mg/kgVCVGK* -,417,1984
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2737 mg/kgENTOX* -,77,2005
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 6480 mg/kgSHELL* MSDS-5390-4

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) lowest published toxic concentration: 588 mg/m3/12H/24W- intermittentPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerveVCVGK* -,418,1994
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/6H/90D- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Urine volume increased

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Transaminases		FAATDF 3,264,1983
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 750 ppm/7H/7D- intermittentLiver: Liver function tests impairedTXAPA9 41,285,1977
inhalation/rat : 4000 ppm/8D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat : 3000 ppm/15D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat : 3000 ppm/15D- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weightFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/woman lowest published toxic concentration: 61 mg/m3/169W- intermittentPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Sensory change involving peripheral nerve

Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve		VCVGK* -,418,1994
subcutaneous/cat lowest published toxic dose: 55500 mg/kg/37W- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldTXAPA9 37,301,1976

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 200 ppm;short term exposure limit 300 ppmDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 127,111,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTIS** DE89-563
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 128,99,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 140-141,261,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,77,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWREPTED 25,192,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 659,93,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,577,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,649,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNCLNA* 16,503,1998
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,629,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,727,1995

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATIONFEREAC 54,7740,1989
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDESCancelledRBREV* -,263,1998
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,29,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 150 ppm (445 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 300 ppm (890 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 100 ppm (295 mg/m3);KZW 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 200 ppm(600 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 300 ppm(900 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 50 ppm (145 mg/m3), skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECtime-weighted average 600 mg/m3 (200 ppm);short term exposure limit 900 mg/m3 (300 ppm), JUN2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDshort term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 200 ppm (600 mg/m3), VLE 300 ppm (900 mg/m3), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 200 ppm (600 mg/m3), 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 600 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 900 mg/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (145 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 300 ppm (900 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-INDIAtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 300 ppm (885 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANOccupational Exposure Limit 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 300 ppm (885 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 300 ppm (885 mg/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 150 ppm (445 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 300 ppm (890 mg/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 75 ppm (220 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 300 ppm (885 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) 200 mg/m3, MAC(short term exposure limit) 850 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAtime-weighted average 200 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 400 mg/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDceiling concentration 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 590 mg/m3, Skin, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 200 ppm (600 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 300 ppm (899 mg/m3), skin, OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO METHYL ETHYL KETONE-air10H time-weighted average 200 ppm;short term exposure limit 300 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 13980; Number of Industries 318; Total Number of Facilities 87227; Number of Occupations 208; Total Number of Employees Exposed 1447456; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 245372
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 13980; Number of Industries 319; Total Number of Facilities 64013; Number of Occupations 177; Total Number of Employees Exposed 801382

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/93/110708/AS)
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Inconclusive: B subtilis rec assay
EPA TSCA 8(a) PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION, FINAL RULEFEREAC 47,26992,82
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Methyl ethyl ketone, 2500; in blood, 8002
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1996: Volatile organic compound, 2549
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #1004
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #84

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