The Ketones Panel (panel), chartered in 1980, was formed to address the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) activities on methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), mesityl oxide (MO), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and isophorone. The panel also has addressed issues related to secondary butanol and other ketones.
Generally, ketones are highly efficient solvents used to make high solids coatings with lower solvent content and lower solvent emissions. To support the use of ketones, the panel continues to promote product stewardship activities, regulatory advocacy, and research programs.
The panel is comprised of three U.S. solvent manufacturers: The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, and ExxonMobil Chemical Company. All three companies are members of the American Chemistry Council and implement ACC’s Responsible Care® Program.
For further information, please contact William Gulledge, Manager of the ACC Ketones Panel.
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news and highlights
On June 18, 2007, EPA published a draft list of chemicals for EPA’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and isophorone were placed on the list as candidate pesticides for screening. As a result of EPA’s proposal, the panel submitted on December 13, 2007 a letter requesting that EPA remove MEK from the list of initial substances for screening. The panel is not aware of any current use of MEK in pesticide formulations. |
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