Butane Toxicity - An Overview

Introduction

Butane is a colorless gas with a natural gas-like smell. It makes gasoline, aerosol propellants, and chemicals for the plastics and rubber industries. Natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) both contain butane. It does not dissolve well in water. 1.9 % is the lower explosive limit.

• Threshold for odor = 50,000 ppm

• Diverse odor thresholds exist. No one can solely rely on smell to identify possibly dangerous exposures.

What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Butane Toxicity on Human Beings?

Butane can adversely affect the human body:

• Inhaling butane can harm humans.

• Frostbite of the skin and eyes can result from contact with liquid butane.

• High exposure levels may result in headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting due to oxygen deprivation.

• Butane is a significant fire hazard and a flammable gas.

Health Consequences

After being exposed to butane, the following acute (short-term) health problems could happen:

• Ingestion of liquid Butane can result in skin and eye frostbite. High exposure levels may result in headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting due to oxygen deprivation.

• After exposure to butane, the following chronic (long-term) health problems may appear at some point and may last for months or years:

• The danger of cancer. Butane has been tested for its capacity to cause animal cancer.

• The New Jersey Department of Health now knows that butane has not been evaluated for its potential to impact reproduction.

• Butane has not been tested for other chronic (long-term) health effects.

What Are the Workplace Controls and Practices of Butane?

If a less hazardous chemical cannot be substituted, highly toxic compounds, reproductive risks, or sensitizers require specialist advice on management strategies. Enclosing chemical processes for extremely caustic and unpleasant substances. Utilizing local exhaust ventilation for substances that could be dangerous with a single exposure. Controlling exposure to skin and eye irritants by general ventilation.

The following practices are recommended:

• Label process containers.

• Inform and train workers about hazards.

• Check airborne chemical concentrations. Use engineering controls if concentrations are higher than advised exposure levels.

• Give out emergency showers and eyewash stations.

• If skin comes into contact with a dangerous substance, the employee should shower to avoid injury.

• Change into clean garments if clothing becomes contaminated. Always wash after a work shift.

• Take no contaminated garments home with you.

• To wash contaminated garments and receive specialized instruction.

• Avoid eating, smoking, and drinking in locations where chemicals are handled, processed, or stored. Before smoking, drinking, applying cosmetics, or using the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly.

• Check that there is enough oxygen (19.5%) before entering a confined location where there is butane.

• Ensure there isn't an explosive concentration before entering an area containing butane.

What Are the Personal Protective Equipment Required for Butane Toxicity?

The following are the essential equipment types used for butane toxicity:

Gloves and Clothing:

Avoid getting butane on the skin. Wear personal protection equipment made of materials impervious to this substance and will not be damaged by it. Safety equipment suppliers and manufacturers might suggest the business's best glove and apparel materials. Employees should be equipped with insulated Neoprene or Rubber gloves and protective apparel to prevent body tissues from freezing where exposure to cold equipment, fumes, or fluids may occur. Before starting work, all protective gear (suits, gloves, shoes, and helmet) should be available, cleaned, and put on daily.

Eye Protection:

When dealing with fumes, gases, or vapors, use non-vented, impact-resistant goggles as eye protection.Wear face protection and goggles when working with hazardous, highly irritating, or corrosive substances.

Respiratory Protection:

Rigid use of respirators is risky. Only if the employer has an established program that considers industrial conditions, worker training requirements, respirator fit testing, and medical examinations can respirators be employed. Exposure to butane is risky because it can replace oxygen, leading to suffocation.

What Are the Fire Hazards Related to Butane?

The employees must be adequately trained before dealing with fire:

• Butane is a flammable gas. Please turn off the gas or let the fire burn out.

• Use water spray to disperse gas, keep cylinders exposed to fire cold, and shield those trying to halt leaks.

• Poisonous gases are produced in a fire. Containers may explode in fire. Vapors could travel to an igniting source and then flashback. Since moisture is heavier than air, it can move far from its origin to start a fire or explode.

What Steps Should Be Taken in Case of Spill Emergency of Butane?

The following steps can be taken in an emergency:

• First, eliminate ignition sources and evacuate workers.

• Second, secure and control access to the area.

• Third, ventilate the leak area to disperse the gas.

• Finally, stop the flow of gas.

• If a cylinder is the source of the leak and the leak cannot be halted immediately, relocate the leaking cylinder to a secure outdoor location where it can be repaired or emptied.

• Keep butane away from confined areas, such as sewers, due to the risk of explosion.

• Butane may need to be contained and disposed of as hazardous waste. Contact your area's regional environmental protection agency (EPA) office for specific advice or your state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

How Should the Storage of Butane Be Done?

The following steps should be followed:

• Store in firmly closed containers away from the heat in a cool, well-ventilated location.

• Where butane is used, handled, or stored, ignition sources, such as smoking and open flames, are banned.

• When opening and sealing butane containers, use only non-sparking tools and equipment.

• Keep items colder than 52 degrees Celsius.

How Can a First Aid Be Provided for Butane Toxicity?

The following steps can be taken:

Eye Contact: Lift the upper and lower lids and flush with copious amounts of cool water for at least 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before flushing. Immediately seek medical help.

Skin Contact: Put the injured area under warm water. Look for medical help.

Inhalation: Remove the person from exposure if they inhale. If breathing has ceased, start CPR; if the heartbeat has stopped, begin rescue breathing (while taking general safety precautions). Then, quickly transfer to a medical facility.

Conclusion

Butane has a low level of toxicity. Therefore, in butane misuse, high exposure concentrations can be expected. Central nervous system (CNS) and cardiac consequences are the most frequently seen effects in cases of abuse. Case studies have also shown that high single exposures at weeks 27 or 30 of pregnancy can result in significant brain damage and undeveloped organs in fetuses.