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NIOSH

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

ICSC: 0179

Ethyl methyl ketone
2-Butanone
MEK
Methyl acetone
C4H8O / CH3COCH2CH3
Molecular mass: 72.1
ICSC # 0179 		CAS # 78-93-3
RTECS # EL6475000
UN # 1193
EC # 606-002-00-3
March 25, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Unconsciousness. (Furthersee Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Cool. Well closed.

Note: 6
F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-36-66-67
S: 2-9-16
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0179 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

ICSC: 0179

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently withstrong oxidants andinorganic acids causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastic.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; 300 ppm as STEL; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 200 ppm, 600 mg/m3; H;
Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 300 ppm (885 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 3000 ppm See: 78933


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL may result in unconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: -86°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 29
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 10.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.41
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.1
Flash point: -9°C (c.c.)
Auto-ignition temperature: 505°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-11.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.29

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1193

NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0179 METHYL ETHYL KETONE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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