Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Potential Acute Health Effects

Eye Contact Causes eye irritation. Symptoms of exposure may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling and blurred vision. Skin Contact: May cause moderate skin irritation. Burning sensation may result. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause defatting and drying of skin which may result in skin irritation and dermatitis. Inhalation: Respiratory irritation signs and symptoms may include a temporary burning sensation of the nose and throat, coughing and difficulty breathing. If material enters lungs, signs and symptoms may include coughing, choking, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest congestion, shortness of breath and fever. High concentrations may cause central nervous system depression resulting in headaches, dizziness and nausea; continued inhalation may result in unconsciousness and/or death. Ingestion: May cause headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. Aspiration hazard! Small amounts aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting may cause lung injury, possibly leading to death. Symptoms of aspiration into the lungs include coughing, gasping, choking, shortness of breath, bluish discolored skin, rapid breathing and heart rate. Chemical pneumonitis from aspiration may result in fever. Pulmonary edema or bleeding, drowsiness, confusion, coma and seizures may occur in more serious cases. Symptoms may develop immediately or as late as 24 hours after the exposure, depending on how much chemical entered the lungs.