Use Of Mek As A Glue

[The Pensmith]

I've recently seen multiple exhortations of the use of MEK as a plastics/resin glue on this site. From personal experience, the stuff is invasive, highly inflammable (even in the absence of direct naked flame or heat), poisonous and, downright dangerous! Exposure of my (very healthy and much younger) apprentice to a small (5 ml) quantity of MEK for a very short period of time in an open and well-ventilated environment) was enough to convince me that the stuff should be banned from sale, world-wide, let alone used!

 

Pardon me for being a wimp but have a look at the following:

 

 

OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet EPA 749-F-94-015

 

CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: METHYL ETHYL KETONE (CAS NO. 78-93-3)

prepared by

OFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND TOXICS

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

September 1994

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

Chemicals can be released to the environment as a result of their

manufacture, processing, and use. EPA has developed information

summaries on selected chemicals to describe how you might be exposed to

these chemicals, how exposure to them might affect you and the

environment, what happens to them in the environment, who regulates

them, and whom to contact for additional information. EPA is committed

to reducing environmental releases of chemicals through source reduction

and other practices that reduce creation of pollutants.

_______________________________________________________________________

 

WHAT IS METHYL ETHYL KETONE, HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?

 

Methyl ethyl ketone (also called MEK and 2-butanone) is a colorless,

flammable liquid. It occurs naturally in certain foods and beverages.

It is produced in large amounts (estimated to be 500 million pounds in

1992) by three companies in the United States. US demand for MEK is

likely to decrease gradually until makers of protective surface coatings

begin using other substances. Once companies make this change, US

demand for MEK is likely to fall more rapidly. The largest users of MEK

are companies that add it to protective surface coatings. Other

companies add MEK to adhesives, printing inks, paint removers, and

special lubricating oils. Companies also use MEK to make other

chemicals, including those used as drugs and cosmetics. Small amounts

of MEK are used to sterilize surgical instruments, hypodermic needles,

syringes, and dental instruments. It is also used to extract vegetable

oil.

 

Exposure to MEK can occur in the workplace or in the environment

following releases to air, water, land, or groundwater. Exposure can

also occur when people use certain paints, paint removers, or adhesives.

Methyl ethyl ketone enters the body when breathed in with contaminated

air or when consumed with contaminated food or water. It can also be

absorbed through skin contact. It is not likely to remain in the body

due to its breakdown and removal in expired air and in urine.

 

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO METHYL ETHYL KETONE IN THE ENVIRONMENT?

 

Methyl ethyl ketone evaporates when exposed to air. It dissolves

when mixed with water. Most direct releases of MEK to the environment

are to air. It can also evaporate from water and soil exposed to air.

Once in air, it is expected to break down to other chemicals.

Microorganisms that live in water and in soil can also break down MEK.

Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, MEK that makes

its way into ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater.

Plants and animals are not likely to store methyl ethyl ketone.

 

HOW DOES METHYL ETHYL KETONE AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT?

 

Effects of methyl ethyl ketone on human health and the environment

depend on how much MEK is present and the length and frequency of

exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the

condition of the environment when exposure occurs.

 

Breathing MEK for short periods of time, such as when painting in a

poorly vented area, can adversely affect the nervous system. Effects

range from headaches, dizziness, nausea, and numbness in fingers and

toes to unconsciousness. MEK vapor irritates the eyes, the nose, and

the throat. Direct, prolonged contact with liquid methyl ethyl ketone

irritates the skin and damages the eyes. These effects are not expected

to occur at levels of MEK that are normally found in the environment.

 

Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming

smaller amounts of methyl ethyl ketone over long periods of time are not

known. Workers have developed dermatitis, upset stomachs, loss of

appetite, headaches, dizziness, and weakness as a result of repeated

exposure to MEK. Laboratory studies show that exposure to large amounts

of MEK in air causes animals to give birth to smaller offspring.

Studies also show that repeat exposure to large amounts of MEK in air

causes adverse liver and kidney effects in animals.

 

Methyl ethyl ketone by itself is not likely to cause environmental

harm at levels normally found in the environment. MEK can contribute to

the formation of photochemical smog when it reacts with other volatile

organic carbon substances in air.

 

WHAT EPA PROGRAM OFFICES REGULATE METHYL ETHYL KETONE, AND UNDER WHAT LAWS

IS IT REGULATED?

__________________________________________________________________________

EPA OFFICE LAW PHONE NUMBER

__________________________________________________________________________

Pollution Prevention Toxic Substances Control Act (202) 554-1404

& Toxics Emergency Planning and Community

Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

Regulations (Sec. 313) (800) 424-9346

Toxics Release Inventory data (202) 260-1531

Air Clean Air Act (919) 541-0888

Solid Waste & Comprehensive Environmental

Emergency Response Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act (Superfund)/

Resource Conservation and Recovery

Act / EPCRA (Sec. 304/311/312) (800) 424-9346

Water Safe Drinking Water Act (800) 426-4791

 

A technical support document can be requested from the TSCA Assistance

Information Service, (202) 554-1404.

 

 

WHAT OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES OR GROUPS CAN I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ON

METHYL ETHYL KETONE?

__________________________________________________________________________

AGENCY/GROUP PHONE NUMBER

__________________________________________________________________________

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (404) 639-6000

American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists (513) 742-2020

Consumer Product Safety Commission (301) 504-0994

Food and Drug Administration (301) 443-3170

National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) (800) 356-4674

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(Check your local phone book under U.S. Department of Labor)

[Ron Z]

All of the solvents used for repairing plastics are hazardous. But they are the only way to reliably repair celluloid. The stuff used on acrylic is even worse. Even the adhesives from Testors (which I don't recommend using) has it's hazards. The key is to control the level and length of exposure.

 

Read the warnings, and take precautions to minimize the risks. If you aren't comfortable with that, don't use MEK or other solvents. In the mean time, I'll be happy to repair your pens for you.

[wheezur]

As noted by Ron Z virtually all solvents and adhesives used for working with plastic materials are hazardous.

 

If you are uncomfortable using MEK, then don't. But don't make the mistake of assuming that other solvents and adhesives are safe simply because you have not looked up the data sheet, or one is not readily available, or because they are not MEK. The data sheets on most organic solvents are similarly alarming and this would include most of the solvents and ingredients in proprietary adhesives that are sold. Even when no data sheets are readily available for a commercial product you would do best to assume that it is at least moderately hazardous and exercise caution. Use good ventilation, wear gloves, use a syringe or other small implement to apply them so that you minimize the amount used (and spilled). Buy only small amounts. Don't pour excess down the drain - take the time to dispose of it properly.

 

BTW, if you use dry erase markers on a white board then you should probably stop. MEK is often used as the solvent in the markers.

 

You say that exposure of your apprentice to MEK for a short time convinced you that it should be banned worldwide - on what basis?

[freehand]

As noted above, it helps to use a syringe or better, get the plastic solvent bulbs with thin tubes (I think David Nishimura's Vintage Pens site sells them). Carry the can of MEK, acetone, whatever outdoors to fill the solvent bulb, then cap the can and put it away. Don't ever apply solvent in the same room where you keep the can. Cooler temperatures and shade reduce the volatility and using a solvent bulb (as opposed to a cotton swab or toothpick) reduces the amount of solvent escaping to the air. Before you apply it, take a deep breath and hold it as you use the stuff. Then step back (or hold the pen at armslength) and take several deep breaths of clean air. Give it a couple minutes to evaporate before you closely examine the repair. Return the excess solvent in the bulb or syringe to the can.

 

I've used MEK and other solvents on a larger scale, to repair inflatable rafts and boating gear. It pays to be extremely careful, both about inhaling the stuff and potential ignition.

Edited July 3, 2010 by freehand

[Vintagepens]

Forget the breath-holding stuff -- work outdoors if at all possible, and put a fan behind you (with the wind at your back, naturally). Also not a bad idea to get a respirator mask with cartridges made for organic solvents. They aren't all that expensive.

[EMQG]

Just thought I'd bring this thread back up - it was linked in a thread I posted asking about using MEK for bakelite repair, and after reading I'm going to be much more cautious and follow David's advice. Important stuff.