Evaluation of odor and sensory irritation thresholds for methyl isobutyl ketone in humans

Odor and irritation sensitivity for methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was evaluated by obtaining olfactory detection thresholds and irritation (lateralization) thresholds, as well as perceived odor intensity and irritation ratings for three predetermined concentrations of MIBK, acetone, and phenylethyl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American Industrial Hygiene Association journal 2000-01, Vol.61 (3), p.340-350
Main Authors: DALTON, P. H, DILKS, D. D, BANTON, M. I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bias
Biological and medical sciences
Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases
Chemicals
isopropylacetone
Localization
Medical sciences
methyl isobutyl ketone
Nose
Occupational safety
Odors
Perceptions
Ratings & rankings
Solvents
Studies
Toxicology
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Summary:Odor and irritation sensitivity for methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was evaluated by obtaining olfactory detection thresholds and irritation (lateralization) thresholds, as well as perceived odor intensity and irritation ratings for three predetermined concentrations of MIBK, acetone, and phenylethyl alcohol. Subsequently, perceived annoyance ratings for the three concentrations were measured for 25 of the 40 volunteers. The mean odor detection threshold for MIBK was 10 ppm, and mean lateralization threshold was 8874 ppm. Calculating the fifth percentile for lateralization thresholds revealed that 95% of the sample population did not experience sensory irritation at or below 1802 ppm. Thus, while odor thresholds were well below the current recommended exposure limits (50 ppm, threshold nit value; 75 ppm short-term exposure limit, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), irritation thresholds were significantly higher. Odor and irritation intensity ratings for the chemicals increased with increasing concentrations and were higher for MIBK than for acetone. However, when the affective component of the irritation response (annoyance) was rated separately from the sensory component (perceived irritation), no significant differences were found between the irritancy of MIBK and acetone, suggesting that negative hedonic evaluations of MIBK (perhaps based on odor unfamiliarity) contributed to ratings of perceived irritation.
ISSN:0002-8894
2163-369X
DOI:10.1080/15298660008984542;TIB-Z809/LmedZ324