Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is the organic compound with the formula (CH3) 2 CHCH2 C(O)CH3. It is a colourless liquid with a faint odour like camphor. Methyl isobutyl ketone is a flammable liquid. It is partially soluble in water.
What is Methyl Isobutyl Ketone used for?
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is a solvent used in various industries, including:
Manufacturing: Paints, rubbers, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
Semiconductor & Fragrance Industry: Used in chip production and perfumes.
Pesticides & Dry Cleaning: Previously used in agriculture and cleaning.
Uranium Extraction: Plays a role in refining processes.
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is used as a solvent in perfumes.
In the Environment
MIBK emissions from industrial sources can lead to low-level atmospheric concentrations near the source. However, due to its short lifespan in the air, MIBK generally remains within the area where it is released.
Soil & Water: MIBK does not bind well to soil and can move through it, potentially reaching groundwater. It dissolves in water and evaporates quickly when exposed to air.
Breakdown: In the air, MIBK degrades into acetone, formaldehyde, and 2-methylpropanal. In soil and water, bacteria help break it down.
Toxicity: MIBK has slight short-term toxicity to aquatic life and is highly toxic to birds. Long-term effects on aquatic life are minor. It does not bioaccumulate.
Sources & Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Industry Sources: Found in chemical, rubber, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries. Also used in paint, varnish, and lacquer manufacturing.
Diffuse Sources: Found in household and commercial paints, varnish removers, and dry cleaning products.
Natural Sources: Present in oranges, grapes, and vinegar.
Transport Sources: No known mobile emissions.
Consumer Products: Found in paints, varnishes, insecticides, household cleaners, lubricants, dyes, shoe polish, and wood furniture coatings.
Routes of Exposure
Workplace Exposure: Inhalation of vapours or contact with skin and eyes.
General Public Exposure: Mainly through inhalation and dermal contact from consumer products containing MIBK-contaminated surfaces.
Health Effects
Acute Exposure
Can cause eye and throat irritation, weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of coordination.
High exposure can lead to narcosis.
Animal studies show low toxicity by inhalation and skin contact, but moderate toxicity when ingested.
Chronic Exposure
Long-term workplace exposure may cause nausea, headaches, eye irritation, weakness, insomnia, and slight liver enlargement.
Animal studies show lethargy and increased liver and kidney weights after long-term exposure.
EPA has calculated a provisional Reference Concentration (RfC) of 0.08 milligrams per cubic metre for methyl isobutyl ketone based on liver and kidney effects in rats.
EPA has calculated a provisional Reference Dose (RfD) of 0.08 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day (mg/kg/d) based on lethargy and liver and kidney effects in rats.
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
No data available for humans.
In animal studies, maternal toxicity and neurological effects were observed, along with increased liver and kidney weights in foetuses.
Cancer Risk
No available data on cancer effects in humans or animals.
EPA Classification: Group D (not classifiable for human carcinogenicity).
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Flush with running water for 15 minutes. Do not use ointments. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash with water and non-abrasive soap. Cover irritated skin with an emollient. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Serious Skin Contact: Wash with disinfectant soap, apply an antibacterial cream, and seek medical help.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention.
Serious Inhalation: Evacuate to a safe area, loosen clothing, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Perform CPR if necessary and seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Check for tissue damage in the mouth. Seek immediate medical attention.
Safe Work Australia has set a Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration for methyl isobutyl ketone for workers of 50 parts per million over an eight hour workshift.
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