Methyl ethyl ketone: Environmental effects
Description
Methyl ethyl ketone will exist as a gas if released to the atmosphere. It dissolves when mixed with water. In the air it quickly is reacted into other chemicals, in the water and soil bacteria break it down. It has slight acute (short-term) toxicity on aquatic life. It has slight chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life. Chronic and acute effects on plants, birds or land animals have not been determined. Methyl ethyl ketone is not expected to bioaccumulate.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of methyl ethyl ketone can produce elevated, but still low level concentrations in the atmosphere around the source. Because of its short life expectancy in the atmosphere methyl ethyl ketone is expected to be confined to the local area within which it is emitted. Since it does not bind to soil well, methyl ethyl ketone that makes its way into the ground may move through the ground and enter groundwater (bore water). Because methyl ethyl ketone is used in many consumer products, including tobacco smoke, short-term indoor concentrations may be elevated above the levels considered safe for workers.
Where it ends up
Methyl ethyl ketone enters the air during production, use and transporting it. In the air sunlight will break it down into other chemicals in a day or less. It dissolves when mixed with water. In water it will be broken down into other chemicals in about two weeks. In the soil and water, bacteria will break it down. It does not deposit on the bottom of rivers or lakes.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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