Butane

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P377, P381, and P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H340: May cause genetic defects [Danger Germ cell mutagenicity]

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P318, P377, P381, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H220 (99.8%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H280 (35%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P377, P381, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2477 reports by companies from 47 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P319, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P203, P210, P222, P261, P271, P280, P304+P340, P319, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. If symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop, immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) pool fires, DO NOT USE water. Use dry chemical or high-expansion foam.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas... Rapid evaporation of the liquied may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors.

· Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075), Butane (UN1011), Butylene (UN1012), Isobutylene (UN1055), Propylene (UN1077), Isobutane (UN1969), and Propane (UN1978), also refer to the "BLEVE - Safety Precautions" section. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

· In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075), Butane (UN1011), Butylene (UN1012), Isobutylene (UN1055), Propylene (UN1077), Isobutane (UN1969), and Propane (UN1978), also refer to the "BLEVE - Safety Precautions" section.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.

Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F).

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors. Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Cool.

Butane in liquid form may be stored both above and below ground. Besides storage in liquefied form under its vapor pressure at normal atmospheric temperatures, refrigerated liquid storage at atmospheric pressure may be used. Such systems are closed and insulated, and the liquid petroleum gas vapor is circulated through pumps and compressors to serve as the refrigerant for the system. Butane may be stored in pits in the earth capped by metal domes and in underground chambers.

Storage temp: ambient; venting: safety relief.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

· Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

1000.0 [ppm]

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

Lower Explosive Limit = 19,000 ppm * = >10% LEL; ** = >50% LEL; *** = >100% LEL AEGL 1 - 10 min = ** 10,000 ppm AEGL 2 - 10 min = *** 24,000 ppm; 30 min/60 min/4 hr/8 hr = ** 17,000 ppm AEGL 3 - 10 mins = *** 77,000 ppm; 30 min/60 min/4 hr/8 hr = *** 53,000 ppm For values denoted as * safety considerations against the hazard(s) of explosion(s) must be taken into account. For values denoted as ** and *** extreme safety considerations against the hazard(s) of explosion(s) must be taken into account.

AEGLs Status: Final

5500 [ppm]

17000 [ppm]

53000 [ppm]

800 ppm (1900 mg/m³)

TWA 800 ppm (1900 mg/m³)

none See Appendix G

1600 ppm ; Based on 10% of the lower explosive limit. (NIOSH, 2024)

1600.0 [ppm]

1,600 ppm [10% LEL]

See: 2016-174

15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 1000 ppm

1000 ppm as STEL.

1000 ppm [2012]

2400 mg/m

· DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

· Water spray or fog.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) pool fires, DO NOT USE water. Use dry chemical or high-expansion foam.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, India, Switzerland: TWA 800 ppm (1900 mg/cu m).

Austria, Germany, Germany (DFG MAK): TWA 1000 ppm.

Butane is a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor. For transportation it may be stenched. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air. Any leak can be either liquid or vapor. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. It is used as a fuel, an aerosol propellant, in cigarette lighters, and to make other chemicals.

CBI; Other Solid; Gas Vapor; Gas Vapor; Liquid; Liquid

Colourless gas or liquid with mild, characteristic odour

Colorless gas with a gasoline-like or natural gas odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. A liquid below 31 degrees F; [NIOSH] Vapor density = 2.07 (heavier than air); [HSDB]

ODOURLESS COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS.

Colorless gas with a gasoline-like or natural gas odor.

Colorless gas with a gasoline-like or natural gas odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. A liquid below 31 °F.]

Colorless gas [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. A liquid below 31 degrees F]

Faint, disagreeable odor

31.1 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

-0.50 °C

-217.1 °F (NTP, 1992)

-138.3 °C

-76 °F (NTP, 1992)

Gas: -76 °F (-60 °C) (Closed cup)

NA (Gas)

61 mg/L at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 61.2 mg/L at 25 °C

Very soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, chloroform

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.0061

0.6 at 32 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.573 g/cu cm at 25 °C (p>1 atm)

Liquid density (at saturation pressure; 15.6 °C), kg/cu m: 583.0 /from table/

Relative density (water = 1): 0.6

0.6 at 32 °F

0.599 @25 °C

0.6 (Liquid at 31 °F)

2.11(relative gas density)

2.046 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.046 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.1

760 mmHg at 31.1 °F ; 1823 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

1820 mm Hg at 25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 21.1 °C: 213.7

2.05 atm

1820 [mm Hg] @25 °C

log Kow = 2.89

550 °F (USCG, 1999)

550 °F (287 °C)

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.

Highly flammable.

Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Saturated

Highly Flammable

BUTANE can explode when exposed to flame or when mixed with (nickel carbonyl + oxygen). It can also react with oxidizers. Strong acids and alkalis should be avoided. (NTP, 1992).

Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to ... oxidizers.

Addition of nickel carbonyl to an n-butane-oxygen mixture causes an explosion at 20-40 °C.

Strong oxidizers, (e.g., nitrates and perchlorates), chlorine fluorine (nickel carbonyl + oxygen).

Strong oxidizers (e.g., nitrates & perchlorates), chlorine, fluorine, (nickel carbonyl + oxygen)

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

n-Butane is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. It occurs as a component in natural gas from which it is refined. n-Butane is used as fuel, refrigerant and aerosol propellant. The acute toxicity of n-butane has been studied after inhalation exposure in experimental animals. LC50 (4h) was 658 mg/l in rats and LC50 (2h) was 680 mg/l in mice. In dogs, lethal concentrations ranged from 474 to 592 mg/l. A concentration of 308 mg/l caused light anesthesia in mice within 25 minutes, and an exposure to 521 mg/l had similar effect within one minute. n-Butane ... sensitiz/ed/ the myocardium to epinephrine-induced cardiac arrhythmias in dogs after inhalation. No reports on acute toxicity of n-butane in experimental animals by other administration routes were located in the available literature. In a 21-day inhalation toxicity study of a mixture of n-butane, isobutane, n-penta and isopentane, containing 25% of each, the absence of toxicity was evident up to 11.8 mg/l which was the highest concentration tested. The study was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats which were exposed 6 hours per day over three weeks for a total of 15 exposures. No long-term studies using pure n-butane were located in the available literature. No mutagenic activity was observed in several tests in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 1538, TA 98 and TA 100 with or without the addition of an exogenous metabolism system. No studies on carcinogenicity, reproduction toxicity and teratogenicity, immunotoxicity or allergy were located in the available literature. Several reports on human exposure to n-butane were available. The increasing abuse of volatile substances, n-butane being among them, increases the risk of sudden death in connection to inhalation of the gas. The range of concentrations that may lead to "high" feelings or to death has been noted to be very narrow. The use of a oven cleaner containing n-butane as propellant has caused transient myoclonus in one patient. No other physical abnormalities were noted. An aerosol spray which contained n-butane as propellant, was reported to cause deep frostbite symptoms ir the skin when sprayed directly on it. Because of the anesthetic effect of n-butane, truck drivers and terminal operators from different loading facilities and service stations were examined for exposure gasoline vapours containing 90 to 92 percent n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane and isopentane. Exposures to the gasoline vapor were substantially lower than the established ACGIH threshold values (300 ppm or 0.89 mg/l for gasoline, and 800 ppm or 1.9 mg/l for n-butane). Occupational exposure of 53 male refinery workers for an average of 11 years to n-butane (concentration varied from 0.0004 mg/l to 0.0178 mg/l) did not cause any clinical symptoms in the workers. ... In conclusion, exposure to low concentrations of n-butane has not been reported to cause adverse effects in humans. It is anesthetic to both humans and experimental animals. Sudden death may occur when n-butane is inhaled at high concentrations. The safety margin between anesthetic and lethal concentrations appears to be very narrow. Chronic exposure to n-butane has been reported to cause some symptoms in the central nervous system. Critical effects might be lethality when inhaled in high doses, and effects on the central nervous system in chronically exposed individuals.

Butane is a simple asphyxiant and causes toxicity by displacing oxygen. It also affects the central nervous system by enhancing glycine receptors and inhibiting N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. (L1284, A352)

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

n-Butane is found in gasoline, which is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). (L135)

Butane targets the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Inhalation of butane can cause frostbite which can result in death from asphyxiation and ventricular fibrillation. (L1283, L1284)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)

Inhalation (L1283)

Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

drowsiness, narcosis, asphyxia; liquid: frostbite

Inhalation of butane can cause euphoria, hallucinations, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, increased salivation, drowsiness, narcosis, asphyxia, cardiac arrhythmia, and frostbite. (L1283, L1284)

central nervous system

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

LC50 (rat) = 658,000 mg/m3

LC50: 658 g/m3 over 4 hours (Inhalation, Rat) (T14)

LC50 Rat inhalation 658 mg/l/4 hr

LC50 Mouse inhalation 680 mg/l/2 hr

LC50 Rat inhalation 658 g/cu m/4 hr

LC50 Mouse inhalation 680 g/cu m/2 hr

Treatment for butane poisoning is supportive and symptomatic. Stimulants should not be administered. Recovery normally occurs quickly once exposure has ceased but support of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems may be needed. (L1284)

... Mixing butane and isobutylene produced an additive ... /CNS depressant/ effect in 2 of 12 mice and a potentiating effect in the remaining 10 animals. In rats, the butane-isobutylene mixture showed a summation of effects in 9 of 12 animals and a potentiation of effects in the remaining animals.

... Exposure of dogs to 1-20% n-butane for ... 2 min to 2 hr hypersensitized the heart to ventricular fibrillation induced by epinephrine. /In a separate study/ ... exposure of dogs to concn of 15-90% for 10 min caused the heart to be sensitized to epinephrine-induced arrhythmias.

FIRST AID: Skin--ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention; Eyes--ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID FROSTBITE. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Treat frostbite with rapid rewarming techniques ... ./Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously.Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Mildly toxic by inhalation. Causes drowsiness. An asphyxiant.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A 10-minute exposure at 10,000 ppm (1%) butane gas results in drowsiness, but no other evidence of systemic effects.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... A spray /from a cigarette lighter/ on the eye (pre-ignition) repeatedly caused transient blurring of vision.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ On direct contact, liquefied butane may cause burns or frostbite to the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. The inhalation of 10,000 ppm for 10 min may result in CNS depression but produces no systemic effects. It can cause blurred vision and can be aspirated resulting in pneumonitis.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for n-Butane (23 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Butane is an essentially nontoxic petroleum gas that causes no disturbance of the eye, even when injected into the anterior chamber experimentally in rabbits, disappearing spontaneously from the eye in 2 to 4 days.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ...Concn of 2.1 to 5.6% cause sniffing & chewing movements with rapid rate of breathing /in guinea pigs/, but quick recovery after cessation of exposure.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Concns of 5,000 ppm in the anesthetized dog may cause hemodynamic changes, such as decreases in cardiac output, left ventricular pressure and stroke volume, myocardial contractility, and aortic pressure.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ...Respiratory exposure of mice to 27% (270,000 ppm) for 2 hr caused death in 40% of the animals and 310,000 ppm for 2 hr caused 60% mortality. In dogs, lethality was observed at concentrations of 200,000-250,000 ppm; anesthesia and relaxation preceded death. ...There was only a small margin of safety between anesthetic and lethal concn. ...n-Butane is somewhat more toxic than isobutane... .

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for n-Butane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/PLANTS/ Butane inhibits the growth of some bacteria, mold, fungi, and plant seeds. It also inhibits enzymatic lysis of bacterial spores.

n-Butane's production and use in many products associated with the petroleum and natural gas industries may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. The combustion of gasoline is a major mechanism for the release of n-butane into the atmosphere. Waste incinerators, hazardous waste disposal sites, and landfills also release n-butane into the environment. n-Butane occurs as a highly-volatile constituent in the paraffin fraction of crude oil, in natural gas, liquefied natural gas and substitute natural gas. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1820 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-butane will exist solely as a gas in the atmosphere. Gas-phase n-butane will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6.3 days. Data also suggest that nighttime reactions with radical species and nitrogen oxides may contribute to the atmospheric transformation of n-butane. n-Butane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, n-butane is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 40. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 0.95 atm-cu m/mole. n-Butane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. A biodegradation rate of 1.8 mg C/day/kg dry soil suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil. If released into water, n-butane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 50 minutes and 3 days, respectively. While volatilization is expected to be the dominant fate process in both soil and water, n-butane is also susceptible to biodegradation processes. Complete biodegradation was reported in 34 days using an activated sludge inoculum, suggesting biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water. An estimated BCF of 40 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9). Occupational exposure to n-butane may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-butane, or petroleum and natural gas containing n-butane, is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that n-butane is a widely occurring atmospheric pollutant. The most likely pathway by which the general population may be exposed to n-butane is via inhalation of ambient air; in addition, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with this compound in liquids such as crude oil and gasoline and other liquid products containing n-butane may result in exposure, although these pathways are considered minor when compared to inhalation. (SRC)

n-Butane occurs in ambient urban air. n-Butane is a major constituent in liquefied natural gas and substitute natural gas(1). Raw natural gas contains on average 0.30 mol% n-butane(2). In warmer climates, liquid petroleum gas is predominately butane(1). n-Butane occurs in petroleum; in natural gas and refinery cracking products; recovered from natural and refinery gases(3).

n-Butane is a constituent in the paraffin fraction of crude oil and natural gas.

n-Butane's production and use in many products associated with the petroleum(1,2,14-16) and natural gas industries(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). n-Butane has been detected in the exhaust of gasoline engines(17); therefore, the combustion of gasoline is a major mechanism for the release of n-butane into the atmosphere(3-9,14). In addition, waste incinerators(10), hazardous waste disposal sites(11,17) and landfills(12,13,17) also release n-butane into the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.89(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that n-butane is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-butane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.95 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1820 mm Hg(4) and water solubility, 61.2 mg/L(5). The potential for volatilization of n-butane from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). While volatilization from soil surfaces is expected to be the predominant fate process of n-butane released to soil, this compound is also susceptible to biodegradation(SRC). A biodegradation rate of 1.8 mg C/day/kg dry soil(6) suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.89(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that n-butane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.95 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1820 mm Hg(5) and water solubility, 61.2 mg/L(6). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 50 minutes and 3 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 40(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). Photolysis(8) or hydrolysis(4) of n-butane in aquatic systems are not expected to be important environmental fate process in water(SRC). While volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be the predominant fate process in water, this compound is also susceptible to biodegradation(SRC). Complete biodegradation was reported in 34 days using an activated sludge inoculum(9), suggesting biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-butane, which has a vapor pressure of 1820 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase n-butane is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6.3 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.54X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg(3). Experimental data showed that 7.7% of the n-butane fraction in a dark chamber reacted with nitrogen oxide to form the corresponding alkyl nitrate(4,5), suggesting nighttime reactions with radical species and nitrogen oxides may contribute to the atmospheric transformation of n-butane(SRC). Based on data for iso-octane and n-hexane(6), n-butane is not expected to absorb UV light at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: A mean half-life of 5.9 days was reported for all detectable hydrocarbons in an aerobic biodegradation study of gasoline in water from a domestic sewage treatment plant(1). Among the last compounds to be degraded was butane, for which a degradation half-life was calculated as 15 days(1). Within 24 hrs, n-butane was oxidized to its corresponding methyl ketone, 2-butanone(2,3), and the corresponding alcohol, 2-butanol(3,4), by cell suspensions of over 20 methyltrophic organisms isolated from lake water and soil samples(1-3). After 192 hrs, the concentration of n-butane contained in gasoline was reduced from 0.63 to 0.37 uL/L for both a sterile control and a mixed culture sample collected from ground water contaminated with gasoline; these data indicate that n-butane was not biodegraded over the study period(5). The biodegradation of n-butane in a Columbia River soil was measured over 50 days; a degradation rate of 1.8 mgC/day/kg dry soil was reported without the addition of nitrogen(6). When nitrogen at 0.15 mg per bottle was added, the degradation rate increased to 11.4 mg C/day/kg dry soil(6). 100% of the initially added n-butane (32.9 mg/L) was biodegraded over 34 days in a screening study using an activated sludge inoculum(7).

AEROBIC: The degradation of n-alkanes by microorganisms is similar to the degradation of fatty acids. The terminal methyl group is enzymatically oxidized by incorporation of molecular oxygen by a monooxygenase producing a primary alcohol with further oxidation to an acid group, although involvement of a dioxygenase is also postulated. Once the fatty acid is produced, it is degraded into 2-carbon units via the beta-oxidation pathway. ... Another pathway for n-alkane degradation that is encountered less often is the oxidation of both terminal carbons to form a dioic acid with subsequent beta-oxidation. Subterminal oxidation of the 2-carbon atom is seen mainly in C3-C6 alkanes. ... A dehydrogenation of the n-alkane may also occur yielding an alkene which is then converted to an alcohol, although there is little evidence for this theory. Some microorganisms have been shown to have both terminal and subterminal oxidation, each having very different rates of activity. /In a study comparing/ ... growth on long and short chain alkanes by some bacteria ... the initial oxygenase had a broad specificity and would oxidize C1-C8 alkanes ... /but/ cells grown on C4-C8 alkanes did not oxidize the shorter chain alkanes to a significant extent. ... /n-Alkanes/

AEROBIC: Incubation with natural flora in the groundwater in presence of the other components of high octane gasoline (100 uL/L): biodegradation: 0% after 192 hr at 13 °C (initial concentration 0.63 uL/L).

PURE CULTURE: ... Mycobacterium crassa & M phlei grow on butane. In combination with various concn of oxygen, butane supports the growth of Neurospora crassa, as well as the germination of N. ascrospores & growth of Escherichia coli strains B & Sd4, thus rendering butane potentially biodegradable.

A detailed mechanism is presented for reactions occurring during irradiation of ppm concn of propene and/or n-butane and oxides of nitrogen in air. A smog chamber solar simulator facility designed for providing data suitable for quantitative model validation was used to elucidate several unknown or uncertain kinetic parameters and details of the reaction mechanism. Products of the photooxidation in the presence of NOx included 2-butyl nitrate, butyraldehyde, 1-butyl nitrate, methyl nitrate, peroxyacetyl nitrate, propene oxide, propionaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde.

Estimated lifetime under photochemical smog conditions in SE England: 15 hr.

The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of n-butane with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.54X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 6.3 days(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). Experimental data showed that 7.7% of the n-butane fraction in a dark chamber reacted with nitrogen oxide to form the corresponding alkyl nitrate(3,4); this suggests that nighttime reactions with radical species and nitrogen oxides may contribute to the atmospheric transformation of n-butane. The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of n-butane with photochemically-produced nitrate radicals is 4.59X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.9 years(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(5). n-Butane is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(6). Based on data for iso-octane and n-hexane(7), n-butane is not expected to absorb UV light at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). The n-butane concentration of an air sample, initially 286 ppbC, was reduced by 14% within 6 hrs of irradiation by natural sunlight in downtown Los Angeles, CA(8).

The photooxidation rates for n-butane in air and water with ozone and peroxy radicals were 3.1X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec(1) and 3.0X10-4 L/molecule-sec(2) at 30 and 28 °C, respectively. Neither reaction is expected to be environmentally important(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 33 was calculated for n-butane(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.89(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC).

The Koc of n-butane is estimated as 900(SRC), using a measured log Kow of 2.89(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that n-butane is expected to have low mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for n-butane is estimated as 0.95 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure, 1820 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 61.2 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-butane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 50 minutes(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 3.0 days(SRC). n-Butane's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). n-Butane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

GROUNDWATER: One of 11 groundwater monitoring wells near the Granby Landfill, CT contained n-butane at a concentration of 20 ppb.

DRINKING WATER: n-Butane was listed as one of the many organic chemicals identified in drinking water in the USA as of 1974(1-3).

SURFACE WATER: n-Butane was listed as a contaminant present in the waters of Lake Ontario(1). The Inner Harbor Navigation Canal of Lake Pontchartrain at New Orleans, LA was found to contain n-butane at an average concn for 8 samples of 2.4 ppb on May 6, 1980(2).

SEAWATER: All 8 near-surface seawater samples from the intertropical Indian Ocean contained n-butane at a mean value of 52 pMol/L(1). n-Butane was measured in surface seawater collected from the mid-Atlantic Ocean in September/October 1988 at mean concentrations for each transect ranging from 2.8 to 32 pMol/L(2). n-Butane was measured in seawater at 0.21 and 0.3 nL/L(3).

In flue gas of municipal incinerator: < 0.4 ppm; exhaust gas of diesel engine: 5.3% of emitted hydrocarbons; in combustion gas of household central heating: approx 50 ppm at 7% carbon dioxide system on gasoil, 3.3 g/kg gasoil at 6% carbon dioxide, 1.6 g/kg gasoil at 7% carbon dioxide; in gasoline: 4.31-5.02 vol %; in auto exhaust (gasoline engine): 62 car survey, 5.3 vol % of total exhaust hydrocarbons; 15 fuel study, 4 vol % of total exhaust hydrocarbons; engine variable study, 2.3 vol % of total exhaust hydrocarbons; evaporation from gasoline fuel tank: 16.5-48.5 vol % of total evaporated hydrocarbons; evaporation from carburetor: 9.1-23.0 vol % of total evaporated hydrocarbons.

n-Butane was identified in effluents from cookstoves used in urban and rural China(1). Molar emission ratios in CO2 (X10-7) were (stove type): 1.95 (honeycomb briquette-metal without a flue); not detected (honeycomb briquette-improved metal without a flue); 3.95 (coal briquette-metal); 368 (washed coal powder-metal with a flue); 134 (unprocessed coal powder-metal with a flue); 7.59 (unprocessed coal-brick with a flue); 3.81 (wood-brick with a flue); 3.55 (wood-improved brick with a flue); 5.18 (wheat-brick with a flue); 5.87 (maize-brick with a flue); 14.0 (maize-improved brick with a flue); 0.537 (kerosene-wick without a flue); 1.33 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas-traditional without a flue); 1.22 (coal-gas traditional without a flue); 3.48 (natural gas-traditional without a flue)(1). n-Butane concentrations in gasoline and gasoline powered tailpipe emissions were 7,620 ug/g gasoline, 1,620 ug/km in a catalyst equipped engine, 191,000 ug/km in a noncatalyst equipped engine(2). Vehicle emissions were analyzed in the Maria Maluf Tunnel in Sao Paulo, Brazil in May 2004(3). Average emission factors for n-butane were reported; May 5 morning, 321.6 mg/kg; May 5 evening, 452.1 mg/kg; May 6 morning, 2043.4 mg/kg; May 6 evening, 455.4 mg/kg(3). n-Butane has also been measured as exhaust from diesel engines at 22 ppm(5).

Flue gases emitted from a waste incinerator at Babylon, Long Island, NY contained n-butane at concentration generally less than 0.4 ppm(1). Two of five Hazardous waste sites listed on the National Priorities List emitted gaseous n-butane with a 75 to 100% frequency of occurrence(2). Landfills also release n-butane into the environment(3). One of 11 groundwater monitoring wells near the Granby Landfill, CT contained trace quantities of n-butane(4). A landfill gas sample collected from a U.K. waste disposal facility in 1994 contained unreported quantities of butane(5). n-Butane was present at 0.006% volume in landfill gas collected during the anaerobic decomposition stage at a Palos Verdes, CA municipal landfill site(6). n-Butane was detected in landfill gas samples collected from the Fresh Kills municipal solid-waste landfill at an average concentration of 3.80 ppmv (n=250)(7).

A Texaco refinery located in Tulsa OK was attributed with emissions to the surrounding atmosphere; n-butane concn were measured as 175.2 and 342.7 ppbC for two min before and after 1:33 PM(1). The n-butane content of the air downwind of a Mobil natural gas facility in Rio Blanco CO was 56.0 ppbC(1). Underwater hydrocarbon vent discharges from offshore oil production platforms were found to contain n-butane concn in the vapor phase at 740 umol/L of gas(2). n-Butane was emitted to the air from a Swedish catalyst-cracking petroleum refinery; air samples collected 100 m downwind from the fluid catalytic cracking unit contained n-butane ranging from 3.3 to 9.8% by weight(3).

For more Effluent Concentrations (Complete) data for n-Butane (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SEDIMENT: n-Butane was detected in 10 of 10 sediment samples from Walvis Bay of the Namibian shelf of SW Africa at concentrations of 2.2, 0.45, 2.2, 1.5, 0.31, 0.24, 0.01, 0.22, 0.52, and 0.27 ng/g(1). Sediments from the Bering Sea contained n-butane gas at concentrations ranging from 4 to 43 nL/L(2).

Ground level concentration at Point Barrow, AK, Sept 1967: 0.03-0.19 ppb; at downtown Los Angeles, 1967: 10th percentile 20 ppb, average 46 ppb, 90th percentile 80 ppb; expected ground level concentration in USA urban air: 0.05-0.45 ppm.

URBAN: The average n-butane concn for 2 samples per 4 sites in Tulsa, OK was 102.0 ppbC with a range of 16.5 to 342.7 ppbC(1). The n-butane concn for 6 sites in Rio Blanco, CO averaged 10.3 ppbC with a range from 0.7 to 56.0(1). n-Butane was detected in 21 of 21 air samples from Houston, TX ranging in concn from 11.5 to 1604.1 ppm with an average of 316.1 ppm(5). According to the Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) conducted in New Jersey, 4 of 12 air samples contained n-butane(2). Roadway air samples collected during the summer of 1990 along a heavily used road in the Atlanta metropolitan area contained n-butane at 4.11 ppbC%(3). Air samples collected within Atlanta's airport on August 27, 1990 contained n-butane at 2.89 ppbC%(3). Urban air samples collected in Southern California over September 8-9, 1993 during a severe Los Angeles area photochemical smog episode contained n-butane (average, 16.45 ug/cu m; range, 7.10-45.10 ug/cu m; n=36)(4). Air samples collected over 15 days between July and September 1987 in downtown Chicago contained n-butane at average concentrations of 5.96 and 8.44 ug/m3(4 and 20 hour sample times, respectively)(6). n-Butane was measured in 100% of air samples collected from 6 locations in Columbus, OH at mean and maximum concentrations of 2.75 and 10.01 ppbV, respectively(7).

URBAN: The average n-butane concentration in the air at the 6th floor of the Cooper Union Building in New York City NY was 43, 48 and 38 ppbC for 19, 12 and 10 samples taken at 6:00-9:00 AM, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM, respectively, in July 1978(1). The average n-butane concentration in the air at the 82nd floor of the Empire State Building in New York City NY was 17, 27 and 19 ppbC for 18, 21 and 17 samples taken at 6:00-9:00 AM, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM, respectively, in July 1978(1). At street level at the Empire State and World Trade Buildings in Manhattan, NY the average n-butane concentration of 4 samples was 72 ppbC in July 1978(1). In 1975 the average n-butane concentration of 14 air samples taken between 05:30-08:30 and 12:30-15:30 at the World Trade Center in New York City NY were 36 and 30 ppbC, respectively(1). In 1975 the average n-butane concentration of 11 and 8 air samples taken between 5:30-8:30 AM and 12:30-3:30 PM at the Interstate Sanitation Commission in New York City, NY were 64 and 97 ppbC, respectively(1). n-Butane was detected at an average concentration of 27.4 ug/cu m for 5 samples collected at the 82nd floor of the World Trade Center in New York City between 5:00 AM - 5:30 PM Aug 23, 1977(2).

URBAN: The ground level atmospheric concentration of n-butane was 29 ppb at 13:25 and 165 ppb at 08:00 for Huntington Park, CA(1). At 1500 ft the n-butane concentration was 8 ppb at 07:43 and at a height of 2,200 ft the n-butane concentration was 3 ppb at 8:07(1). The n-butaneio concentratn ranged from 21 to 70 ppb of volume at a downtown Los Angeles location for the Fall of 1981(2). The n-butane concn at 1100 ft just east of Antioch, CA was 13.5 ug/cu m, at 1000 ft near Pittsburg, CA was 21.0 ug/cu m, at 1100 ft over Carquinez Strait, CA was 2.5 ug/cu m and at 1000 ft over San Pablo Bay, CA was 0.5 ug/ cu m(3). According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median urban atmospheric concentration of n-butane is 9.174 ppb of volume for 546 samples(4). 87.5% of air samples collected from Washington DC from March 1990 to March 1991 during the Chemical Manufacturers Association Urban Baseline VOC Measurement Program contained n-butane at a mean concentration of 4.29 ppbV (median = 3.3 ppbV; max = 30 ppbV)(5). A median n-butane concentration of 40.3 ppbC was determined based on measurements of air samples from 39 U.S. cities from 1984 to 1985 (range = 4.5-5448 ppbC)(6).

For more Atmospheric Concentrations (Complete) data for n-Butane (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Butane, not specified as n-butane, was detected in beef volatiles at an unreported concentration(1). n-Butane emission rates from hamburger meat charbroiling over a natural gas-fired grill was 107,000 ug/kg of meat cooked(2). Butane comprised of 14.4, 24.42, 10.25 and 6.23 ppbC% of nonmethane organic carbon emissions monitored in restaurants, tortillerias, rotisseries and near food frying operations in Mexico City, respectively(3).

n-Butane was detected in 6 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).

An air sample taken near an oil fire was found to contain n-butane and n-butene at a combined concn of 1.63 mg/cu m(1). The background measurements utilized as a set of controls for air expired from humans contained n-butane in 8 of 20 samples collected over 18 months(2). Butane was one of the most abundant compounds in gasoline with reported concentrations of 4.7% and 24.2% wt in summer and winter headspace vapor, respectively , and 0.5% and 3.4% wt in summer and winter liquid gasoline, respectively, as reported in a diurnal and seasonal variability analysis of gasoline-related volatile organic compound emissions in Riverside, California(3). Analysis of six fine (foliar) fuels common to fire prone US ecosystems revealed the presence of butane in the primarily carbonaceous PM2.5 particulate matter as follows (biomass type (mg/kg biomass burned): in Pinaceae loblolly pine (63.5); Western hemlock (44.5); Ponderosa pine (70.9); in mixed ecosystems: Acereae/Fagaceae (36.0); Palmea/Pinaceae (27.2); Poceae/Pinaceae (27.0)(4).

Butane was released from one of four lignin samples at a concentration of ranging from 80 mg/kg(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of n-butane is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 988,880 workers (186,786 of these were female) were potentially exposed to n-butane in the US(1). Exposure may occur via inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-butane, or petroleum and natural gas containing n-butane, are produced or used(SRC). A 1984 study showed n-butane was emitted from gasoline exposing outside operators at the refineries to an average air concentration of 3.437 mg/cu m; n-butane was detected in 54 of 56 samples(2). Transport drivers were exposed to n-butane at atmospheric concentration of 9.701 mg/cu m and n-butane was detected in 49 of 49 samples(2). Gas station attendants were exposed to n-butane at atmospheric concentration of 21.605 mg/cu m and n-butane was detected in 49 of 49 samples(2). Attendants at a high volume service station in eastern PA were exposed to levels of n-butane ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 ppm for 18 of 18 air samples(3). Workers at separate gasoline bulk handling facilities were exposed to vapors that contained n-butane at concentration of 33.7% by weight, 21.2% by weight and 38.1% by volume(4) of total hydrocarbons. Exposures to total hydrocarbons at one of the facilities exceeded 240 ppm for 5% of the sampling time(4). n-Butane is a highly volatile compound and monitoring data indicate that it is a widely occurring atmospheric pollutant(SRC). These data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-butane via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with this compound in liquids such as crude oil and gasoline and other liquid products containing n-butane(SRC).

Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Fire or Explosion: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for n-Butane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1011; Butane

IMO 2.1; Butane

49 057 06; Butane

49 057 02; Butane (waste, petroleum by-product)

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Gas

Symbol: F+; R: 12; S: (2)-9-16-33; Note: C

UN Hazard Class: 2.1