Health monitoring for butanone

The guide helps doctors to monitor the health of workers exposed to butanone.  

Butanone (CAS 78-93-3) is also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). It’s a colourless, flammable liquid with a sweet acetone-like smell. 

You find butanone in paints, glues and finishes because it quickly evaporates in air and will dissolve in many substances. 

Examples of work with butanone include: 

• as a solvent in the application of protective coatings and adhesives 

• magnetic tape production 

• dewaxing of lubricating oils 

• extraction solvent in food processing 

• making varnishes and glues 

• making synthetic rubber 

• making paraffin wax 

• industrial and automotive paint 

• leather cleaning 

• laboratory work 

• making cleaning agents 

• making explosives and smokeless gun powders.  

This guide is part of a health monitoring guide collection. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 

• guide for workers 

• registered medical practitioners 

• hazardous chemicals