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Product Safety Assessment: DOWTm Methyl lsobutyl Carbinol <br />• Process — DOWTM methyl isobutyl carbinol is recovered as a co- product during methyl <br />isobutyl ketone (MIBK) manufacture or produced by hydrogenation of MIBK.8 <br />Back to top <br />Product Description9 <br />DOWTM methyl isobutyl carbinol is a flammable, colorless stable liquid with a mild alcohol odor. It <br />is slightly soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. <br />Back to top <br />Product Uses10,11 <br />The major application of methyl <br />isobutyl carbinol is in the manufacture <br />of lube -oil additives, followed by its <br />use as a flotation frother in treating <br />copper ore and ores of other metals. <br />Use as a solvent in surface coatings <br />comprises a minor portion of MIBC <br />consumption. <br />Back to too <br />Uses for Methyl lsobutyl Carbinol10 <br />Lube -oil <br />Exposure Potential 12,13 <br />DOWTM methyl isobutyl carbinol is used in the production of industrial products. Based on the <br />uses for this material, the public could be exposed through: <br />• Workplace exposure — Exposure can occur either in a methyl isobutyl carbinol <br />manufacturing facility or in the various industrial or manufacturing facilities that use this <br />material. In most applications, this product is produced, distributed, stored, and consumed in <br />closed systems. Those working with methyl isobutyl carbinol in manufacturing, mining, <br />coating or other operations could be exposed during maintenance, sampling, testing, or other <br />procedures. Each manufacturing facility should have a thorough training program for <br />employees and appropriate work processes, ventilation, and safety equipment in place to <br />limit unnecessary exposure. See Health Information. <br />• Consumer exposure to products containing methyl isobutyl carbinol — Dow does not <br />sell methyl isobutyl carbinol for direct consumer use, and it is unlikely to be present in any <br />product a consumer would handle. See Health Information. <br />• Environmental releases — Methyl isobutyl carbinol is moderately volatile and moderately <br />soluble in water. Once introduced to water it will have a tendency to remain in water. <br />Because methyl isobutyl carbinol is readily biodegradable, it will be removed by sewage <br />treatment plants. In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to prevent <br />contamination of soil and surface or ground water. Eliminate all sources of ignition <br />immediately. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information. <br />• Large release — Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and generally contained. If a large <br />spill does occur, the material should be captured, collected, and reprocessed or disposed of <br />according to applicable governmental requirements. Positive - pressure, self- contained <br />breathing apparatus (SCBA) with an approved full -face mask is recommended for emergency <br />work. Eliminate all sources of ignition immediately. Use only explosion -proof equipment. <br />Ground and bond all containers and handling equipment. See Environmental, Health, and <br />Physical Hazard Information. <br />• In case of fire — Deny any unnecessary entry into the area. Use water fog or fine spray, dry- <br />chemical or carbon - dioxide extinguishers, or foam to fight the fire. Alcohol- resistant foam is <br />a'" Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( "Dow ") or an affiliated company of Dow <br />Created: June 26, 2009 The Dow Chemical Company Page 2 of 6 <br />