International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ETHYL KETONE ICSC: 0179

METHYL ETHYL KETONE
Ethyl methyl ketone
2-Butanone
MEK
Methyl acetone
C4H8O / CH3COCH2CH3
Molecular mass: 72.1
CAS # 78-93-3
RTECS # EL6475000
ICSC # 0179
UN # 1193
EC # 606-002-00-3
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. (Further see 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. (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Cool. Well closed.

    F symbol
    Xi symbol
    R: 11-36/37
    S: (2-)9-16-25-33
    UN Hazard Class: 3
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0179 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    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 with strong oxidants and inorganic acids, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastics.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as TWA): 200 ppm; 590 mg/m3; as STEL: 300 ppm; 885 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1997).
    MAK: 200 ppm; 590 mg/m3; D (1992)
    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


    		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 irritates 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.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-88.
    NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0179 METHYL ETHYL KETONE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    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 IDLH values.