Please conduct a current literature search and check the appropriate current online database for the most recent quantitative information. Chronic inhalation studies in animals have reported effects on the central nervous system, liver, and respiratory system. No information is available on the developmental or reproductive effects of methyl ethyl ketone in humans. Reduction of fetal development and fetal malformations has been reported in mice exposed to methyl ethyl ketone in the air.
Limited data are available on the carcinogenic effects of methyl ethyl ketone.
No human data are available and the only available animal study did not report skin tumors from dermal exposure to methyl ethyl ketone. EPA has classified methyl ethyl ketone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. Exceedance of the RfC does not imply that an adverse health effect would necessarily occur. As the amount and frequency of exposures exceeding the RfC increase, the probability that adverse health effects may be seen also increases. Methyl ethyl ketone can be produced in outdoor air by the photooxidation of certain air pollutants, such as butane and other hydrocarbons.