Public Health Statement for 2-Butanone   August 1998  Public
Health Statement for 2-Butanone  CAS# 78-93-3   This Statement
was prepared to give you information about 2-butanone (methyl
ethyl ketone) and to emphasize the human health effects that may
result from exposure to it. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has identified 1,177 sites on its National Priorities List
(NPL). 2-Butanone has been found at 137 of these sites. However,
we do not know how many of the 1,177 NPL sites have been
evaluated for 2-butanone. As EPA evaluates more sites, the
number of sites at which 2-butanone is found may change. The
information is important for you because 2-butanone may cause
harmful health effects and because these sites are potential or
actual sources of human exposure to 2-butanone.    What is
2-butanone?  2-Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone
(MEK), is a colorless liquid with a sweet, but sharp odor.
2-Butanone is manufactured in large amounts for use in paints,
glues, and other finishes because it