January 4, 2006—After an extensive review, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has removed methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from the Clean Air Act list of toxic air pollutants. EPA says that declassifying MEK will not compromise public health and may even pose a public health benefit as companies substitute MEK for more toxic or environmentally damaging chemicals. Although removed from the list of toxic air pollutants, MEK remains regulated as a volatile organic compound.
MEK is used as a solvent in the surface coatings industry, specifically in manufacturing vinyl lacquers, some lacquers, and acrylics. Industries also use MEK for producing adhesives, magnetic tapes, printing inks, degreasing and cleaning fluids, as a dewaxing agent for lubricating oils and as an intermediate in the production of antioxidants and perfumes.
For more information on this action, visit EPA.
