<< Back to Chemical Sampling Information

Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
Search (use word(s)/phrase)
Table of Contents
By Name
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

By CAS Number
Quick Links
General Description

Synonyms: Acetic acid; Butyl ester; Butyl acetate; Butyl ethanoate

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0440

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 123-86-4

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: AF7350000

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook [4 MB PDF, 392 pages]: 1123 129

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - n-Butyl Acetate: Physical description, chemical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Exposure Limits and Health Effects

Exposure Limit

Limit Values

HE Codes

Health Factors and Target Organs

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - General Industry
See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1

150 ppm
(710 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

 Narcosis
HE15 Eye and mucous membrane irritation

OSHA PEL - Construction Industry
See 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A

150 ppm
(710 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

Narcosis

HE15 Eye and mucous membrane irritation

OSHA PEL - Shipyard Employment
See 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards

150 ppm
(710 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

Narcosis

HE15 Eye and mucous membrane irritation

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)

150 ppm
(710 mg/m3) TWA

200 ppm
(950 mg/m3) STEL

HE7

Headache, dizziness, confusion
Target organs: Brain, central nervous system
HE8 Narcosis
HE15 Eye and mucous membrane irritation

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (2001)

150 ppm
(713 mg/m3) TWA

200 ppm
(950 mg/m3) STEL

 HE15

Eye and mucous membrane irritation
CAL/OSHA PELs

150 ppm
(710 mg/m3) TWA

200 ppm
(950 mg/m3) STEL

HE15

Eye and mucous membrane irritation

National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not listed

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

EPA Inhalation Reference Concentration (RfC): Not established

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Inhalation Minimal Risk Level (MRL): Not established

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration: 1,700 ppm (10% LEL)

Notes on Other Potential Health Effects and Hazards

  1. At temperatures above 22ºC, explosive vapor/air mixtures may be formed (NIOSH/IPCS 2003).

Date last revised: 09/06/2012

Literature Basis

  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - n-Butyl Acetate. 2001.
  • NIOSH: Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for n-Butyl Acetate. 1992.
  • NIOSH/IPCS: International Chemical Safety Cards - n-Butyl acetate. November 26, 2003.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

  • sampling media: Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh)
    analytical solvent: Carbon Disulfide
    maximum volume: 12 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.05 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 0.75 Liters
    maximum flow rate:     0.05 L/min (STEL)
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA 1009)
    method classification: Fully Validated
  • sampling media: Diffusive Sampler:
    • 3M 3520 Organic Vapor Monitor;
    • SKC 575-002 Passive Sampler
    analytical solvent: Carbon Disulfide
    minimum time: 15 to 240 Minutes
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA 1009)
    method classification: Fully Validated
    note: Persons using diffusive samplers to monitor workplace air must ensure that the sampling devices are properly closed before transporting such devices to the laboratory for analysis. The device will continue to sample until properly closed. Diffusive sampler accessories used for analysis of samplers must be included with transported samples. Persons using such devices must provide sampling-site station barometric pressure and temperature to the analytical laboratory to improve accuracy of sampling results.
  • sampling media: Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh)
    analytical solvent: (99:1) Carbon Disulfide:Dimethylformamide
    maximum volume: 10 Liters
    maximum flow rate:     0.2 L/min (TWA)
    maximum volume: 3 Liters
    maximum flow rate:     0.2 L/min (STEL)
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID
    method reference: NIOSH Analytical Method (NIOSH 1450 [107 KB PDF, 6 pages])
    method classification: Fully Validated
    note: Samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible after sampling and sent cold to the laboratory.

** All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.