Guidance

Methyl ethyl ketone: general information

Updated 21 November 2022

Overview

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a clear, colourless, volatile, highly flammable liquid with a mint or fruity acetone-like odour. Other common names are butanone, 2-butanone and methyl acetone.

Uses of methyl ethyl ketone

Methyl ethyl ketone is produced industrially in large quantities and is mainly used as a solvent, often found in mixtures with acetone, ethyl acetate, n-hexane or alcohols. It has applications in the surface coating industry such as in paints, plastics, adhesives and printing inks. Other uses include the manufacture of colourless synthetic resins and leather treatment products, rubbers, lacquers, varnishes, glues and sealants.

How methyl ethyl ketone gets into the environment

Methyl ethyl ketone is produced naturally at low levels by many living things.

Human activities can also lead to the release of methyl ethyl ketone into the environment. It can enter the environment during its production, transport and use. It may also be released from vehicle exhausts and during the breakdown of other chemicals.

On entering the environment methyl ethyl ketone is rapidly broken down therefore it does not build up in the environment.

Exposure to methyl ethyl ketone

Methyl ethyl ketone can be found in various food items including meat, fruit and vegetables. Methyl ethyl ketone is a permitted food flavouring substance. The level of exposure to methyl ethyl ketone anticipated as part of a normal diet is not a concern for health.

The general public may also be exposed to low levels of methyl ethyl ketone in the environment and from cigarette smoke. People may be exposed to small amounts due to its use in household products such as paints, varnishes, anti-freeze, cosmetics and perfumes.

Exposure to methyl ethyl ketone may also occur in the workplace although safe levels are enforced to protect the employees. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to methyl ethyl ketone can affect your health

Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects by which you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Exposure to low levels of methyl ethyl ketone in the environment, as part of a normal diet or through proper use of consumer products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.

Breathing in higher levels of methyl ethyl ketone in the air can cause irritation, eyes, nose and throat and cause chest tightness. Ingestion may cause inflammation of the mouth and stomach upset (with nausea and vomiting). If methyl ethyl ketone enters the airways, while being swallowed (or if vomit containing methyl ethyl ketone enters the airways), it can damage the lungs. Skin contact with methyl ethyl ketone may cause irritation with redness, dryness and swelling. It may irritate or injure the eyes on contact. Prolonged contact may result in permanent damage to the eye.

Methyl ethyl ketone can be absorbed into the body following inhalation, ingestion or prolonged skin exposure. This can cause headache, dizziness, fainting, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, low temperature, fitting and coma. Heart, blood and circulation problems may also occur.

Methyl ethyl ketone and cancer

Methyl ethyl ketone is not thought to be a cancer causing chemical.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to methyl ethyl ketone during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to methyl ethyl ketone causes the mother to become unwell.

Children

Children exposed to methyl ethyl ketone would be expected to display similar symptoms to those seen in exposed adults.

It is important to ensure that household products that contain methyl ethyl ketone are stored in an appropriate container and kept out of the reach of children.

What to do if you are exposed to methyl ethyl ketone

Low level exposure from the environment, diet or from the correct use of products that contain methyl ethyl ketone would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.

Please see below for advice following all other exposures to methyl ethyl ketone:

• you should remove yourself from the source of exposure
• if you have got methyl ethyl ketone on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not over the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice
• if you have got methyl ethyl ketone in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice
• if you have inhaled methyl ethyl ketone, seek medical advice
• if you have ingested methyl ethyl ketone, seek medical advice – do not make yourself sick

Additional sources of information

Information on poisoning, NHS.UK

Information on solvents, Health and Safety Executive

The information contained in this document from the UK Health Security Agency Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance.