Methyl isobutyl ketone is used as a solvent for gums, resins, paints, varnishes, lacquers, and nitrocellulose. Acute (short-term) exposure to methyl isobutyl ketone may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, and cause weakness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, dizziness, incoordination, narcosis in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to methyl isobutyl ketone has been observed to cause nausea, headache, burning in the eyes, weakness, insomnia, intestinal pain, and slight enlargement of the liver in humans. Lethargy and kidney and liver effects have been observed in rats and mice chronically exposed by gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach), ingestion, and inhalation. EPA has classified methyl isobutyl ketone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

See origin →