Methyl ethyl ketone is a chemical compound, aliphatic ketone with all chemical properties peculiar to this class of agents. It usually exists in the form of an active volatile transparent liquid. It has comparably intermediate boiling and melting points, as well as shows its relatively easy adsorption by various biochars (Vikrant et al., 2019). Divers companies are supplied with this component by Shell Eastern Chemicals that is the main manufacturer of the chemical. The contact of this chemical agent with air masses can lead to an explosion. However, regardless of the hazards, methyl ethyl ketone is utilized in various industries and production processes, for example, as a solvent, fragrance, or is used in organic synthesis.
The utilization of this chemical compound mostly relates to the chemical and paint industries. The agent is used as a solvent or diluent for a wide range of materials such as perchlorovinyl, typographic, and nitrocellulose paint, acrylic enamel, glue. Methyl ethyl ketone is an intermediate in the production process of antioxidant, peroxide, and other chemical combinations. It is implemented in dewaxing of lubricating oils, reducing the volume of paraffin in those oils, and de-oil different kinds of paraffin. The agent can serve as a flavoring as well, therefore it is often implemented in perfumery products, nail polish, and care cosmetics for hair such as shampoos, conditioners, and face masks.
Due to its significant functional features, methyl ethyl ketone plays a great role in stationary production and development. With the direct utilization of the chemical compound, ink is produced and the continuous inkjet printing technology with the implementation of suitable printing machines for marking production is realized. Vikrant et al. (2019) state that MEK is a common component in hospitals, commercial buildings, and other indoor environments as various objects such as synthetic rubbers, cosmetics, or artificial leathers contain it. The agent allows putting the marking on various kinds of products which makes its use beneficial for entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Additionally, with the help of the chemical human skin can be deprived of fat. However, this feature is not used in medicine as methyl ethyl ketone does not produce a sanative effect on the body.
When working with this chemical compound, people need to adhere to safety appliances due to its destructive effects on their health. It can irritate the epipharynx, mucous tunic of the eyes, and coverlets as well as cause strong headaches and lead to the deprival of fat of the skin and dermatitis. Along with it, sometimes such side effects as the suppression of the central nervous system functioning, toxic influence upon the liver are observed. A continuous influence of this chemical agent leads to the worsening of reproductive functions for women. It may be quite harmful when swallowed, or inhaled. The chemical compound might cause drowsiness and dizziness, serious eye irritation as well. Hence workers dealing with methyl ethyl ketone should utilize protective devices, know the basic principles of first aid and acting in critical situations, check the parameters and correctness of storing the chemical, provide its containment.
The process of working with the chemical compound is often associated with a number of risks not only for people’s health but their lives, pollution, or fires as well. For example, methyl ethyl ketone is combustible, inflammable, and highly explosive. However, it is not considered an environmental hazard according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) criteria.
Reference
Vikrant, K., Kim, K. H., Peng, W., Ge, S., & Ok, Y. S. (2019). Adsorption performance of standard biochar materials against volatile organic compounds in air: A case sturdy using benzene and methyl ethyl ketone. Chemical Engineering Journal, 387. Web.