Methyl isobutyl ketone: Environmental effects
Description
It has slight acute (short-term) toxicity on aquatic life and high toxicity to birds. It has slight chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life. Chronic and acute effects on plants or land animals have not been determined. Methyl isobutyl ketone is not expected to bioaccumulate.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of methyl isobutyl 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 isobutyl ketone is expected to be confined to the local area within which it is emitted. Since it does not bind to soil well, methyl isobutyl ketone that makes its way into the ground may move through the ground and enter groundwater (bore water).
Where it ends up
Methyl isobutyl ketone quickly evaporates to a gas if released as a liquid. It dissolves when mixed with water. It evaporates from both water and soil when exposed to air. It will quickly break down in the air into acetone, formaldehyde, and 2-methylpropanal. In the soil and water bacteria will break it down.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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