What industries use methyl ethyl ketone?

What industries use methyl ethyl ketone?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone as a Solvent As a solvent, it is used in manufacturing processes for gums, resins, cellulose acetate, and nitrocellulose coatings. These processes can be used to manufacture plastics, textiles, and paraffin wax.

Why is methyl ethyl ketone a good solvent?

MEK can be used as a hardener in the manufacturing of resins, synthetic rubber, and as a solvent in making other chemicals for plastic production. MEK’s slow evaporating properties make it a useful ingredient in products like dry-erase markers. It is used as a solvent in the dye to ensure the ink flows properly.

Is methyl ethyl ketone harmful to humans?

* Breathing Methyl Ethyl Ketone can irritate the nose and throat causing coughing and wheezing. * Exposure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and may cause you to pass out. * Repeated high exposure can damage the nervous system and may affect the brain.

Is methyl ethyl ketone legal?

The answer is no. MEK, while it can be hazardous when not used properly, is not considered to present a considerable enough threat to the user or the environment for the EPA to ban the use of this chemical.

How is methyl ethyl ketone produced?

MEK is a colorless organic liquid with an acetone-like odor. In the U.S., MEK is produced using dehydrogenation of secondary butyl alcohol (approximately 86%) and as a by- product of butane oxidation (remaining 14%). U.S. production in 1990 was about 215 million kilograms (473 million pounds).

What is sulfuric acid used for in drugs?

The salts and esters of sulfuric acid are known as SULFATES and SULFURIC ACID ESTERS respectively. A drug used to treat convulsions during pregnancy, nephritis in children, magnesium deficiency, and tetany. A sulfated pentosyl polysaccharide used to treat bladder pain and discomfort due to interstitial cystitis.

Methyl ethyl ketone can be produced in outdoor air by the photooxidation of certain air pollutants, such as butane and other hydrocarbons. (1) Methyl ethyl ketone has been found in drinking water and surface water at a number of sites.

Is ethyl ketone toxic to humans?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Overview. Methyl ethyl ketone (C 4H 😯 or CH 3CH 3COCH 2CH 3) is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sharp odor. It can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and if inhaled or swallowed.

Where can I find information about occupational exposure to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)?

Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures. The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to methyl ethyl ketone. Useful search terms for methyl ethyl ketone include “2-butanone,” “MEK,” “methyl acetone,” and “methyl ethyl ketone.”

Is methyl ethyl ketone toxic to rabbits?

Tests involving acute exposure of rabbits has shown methyl ethyl ketone to have high acute toxicity from dermal exposure, while acute oral exposure of rats and mice has shown the chemical to have moderate toxicity from ingestion. (5) Acute inhalation tests in rats indicate low toxicity from methyl ethyl ketone exposure via inhalation.