1/12/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

IWAV A Rio COMMON NAME: METHYL ETHYL KETONE CAS NUMBER: 78-93-3 DOT NUMBER: UN 1193 HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Ethyl Ketone can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * The chemical should be handled as a teratogen --with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and cause you to pass out. Repeated exposures, along with IDENTIFICATION Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a clear colorless liquid with a fragrant, mint -like, odor. It is used as a solvent and in making plastics, textiles, and paint. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Ethyl Ketone is on the Workplace Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA. * Definitions are provided at the end of this Fact Sheet. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal -airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm averaged over an 8 -hour work - shift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 200 ppm averaged over an 10 -hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 100 ppm averaged over an 8 -hour workshift and 300 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for aaU levels only. When skin contact also oc- curs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone may be a teratogen. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to- the lowest possible level. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED`` Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may in- clude collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from you employer. If you think ybu are ex- periencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to rec- ognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ODOR THRESHOLD - 5.4 ppm. The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you ake not being ex- posed. other solvents, can damage the nervous system. * The liquid can severely burn the eyes and may irritate the skin. Repeated ex- posure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * It is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where.possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local ex- haust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after expo- sure to Methyl Ethyl Ketone. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training ef- fort, communicate all information on .the health and safety hazards of Methyl Ethyl Ketone to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this sub- stance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer -supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTB HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects map occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Methyl Ethyl Ketone: e Contact mar irritate the skin, causing z rash or burning feeling. The liquid can severely burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage. �i Exposure to the vapor can- irritate the eves, nose, mouth, and throat. t Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, head - acne, nausea, and blurred vision. Higher levels may cause you to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after expo- sure and can last for months or years: 37 � � 19193 NBOOK A