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2-Butanone

RTECS #
EL6475000
CAS #
78-93-3
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
December 2018
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
In Vitro/Rabbit, ocular Inhibitor Concentration Low: 5 pph/5MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 25,1425,2011
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 lowest published toxic concentration: 4000 ppm/8D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 3000 ppm/15D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 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 REVIEWECIET* (3),-,1983
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTIS** DE89-563
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 127,111,2002
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
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 770,170,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTIVIEQ 36,105,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 54,247,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 59,364,2011

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
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018