Definition

2-Hexanone (methyl butyl ketone, MBK) is a ketone used as a general solvent and in paints. It dissolves cellulose nitrate, vinyl polymers and copolymers, and natural and synthetic resins. It is recommended as a solvent because it is photochemically inactive;however it has a very low safe threshold limit value.
2-Hexanone is absorbed through the lungs, orally and dermally and its metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione, is neurotoxic.Animal tests have shown that the neurotoxic effect of 2-hexanone may be potentiated by simultaneous administration of 2-butanone (methyl ethyl ketone, MEK).

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Health Effect

    Acute Effects

  • Contact with 2-hexanone can irritate the skin and eyes.
  • Inhalation can cause coughing and wheezing.
  • Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting.

    • Chronic Effects

  • Prolonged inhalation of 2-hexanone can harm the nervous system.
  • Workers who were exposed to 2-hexanone in the air for almost a year felt weakness, numbness, and tingling in the skin of the hands and feet.
  • Chronic exposure can also cause drying and cracking of the skin with redness and rash.

    • Reproductive/Development Effects

  • 2-hexanone damaged the male (testes) reproductive system
  • Pregnant rats inhaled it did not gain as much weight during their pregnancy, had fewer babies, and had babies that were smaller and less active than the rats that were not exposed.
  • 2-hexanone affects human reproduction or causes birth defects.

    • Carcinogenicity

    The Department of Health and Human Services has not classified 2-hexanone as to human carcinogenicity. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have not classified 2-hexanone as to human carcinogenicity. There is no information available on the potential carcinogenic effects of 2-hexanone in people or in experimental animals.

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