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Isoamyl acetate
May 1994
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH)
CAS number: 123–92–2
NIOSH REL: 100 ppm (525 mg/m3) TWA
Current OSHA PEL: 100 ppm (525 mg/m3) TWA
1989 OSHA PEL: Same as current PEL
1993-1994 ACGIH TLV: 100 ppm (532 mg/m3) TWA
Description of substance: Colorless liquid with a banana-like odor.
LEL(@212°F): 1.0% (10% LEL(@212°F), 1,000 ppm)
Original (SCP) IDLH: 3,000 ppm
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statement by ACGIH [1971] that slight narcotic effects were noted in cats exposed for 6 hours at 2800 ppm [Flury and Wirth 1933]. This is the only useful data available on which to base the IDLH.
Short-term exposure guidelines: None developed
ACUTE TOXICITY DATA:
Lethal concentration data:
| Species | Reference | LC50(ppm) | LCLo(ppm) | Time | Adjusted 0.5-hrLC (CF) | Derived value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | Flury and Wirth 1933 | —– | 6,470 | ? | ? | ? |
Lethal dose data:
| Species | Reference | Route | LD50(mg/kg) | LDLo(mg/kg) | Adjusted LD | Derived value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RabbitRat | Munch 1972Yakkyoku 1981 | oraloral | 7,42216,600 | ———- | 9,603 ppm21,479 ppm | 960 ppm2,148 ppm |
Other animal data: Slight narcotic effects were noted in cats exposed to 2,800 ppm for 6 hours [Flury and Wirth 1933].
Human data: Isoamyl acetate is considered more irritating than butyl acetate. Exposure to 1,000 ppm for 30 minutes resulted in irritation, dyspnea, fatigue, and increased pulse [Amor 1950]. It is considered dangerous to life after 5 hours of exposure to 10,000 ppm [Browning 1965].
| Revised IDLH: 1,000 ppmBasis for revised IDLH: The revised IDLH for isoamyl acetate is 1,000 ppm based on acute toxicity data in humans [Amor 1950] and animals [Munch 1972]. This value is also equal to 10% of the lower explosive limit of 1% (which was determined at 212°F). |
REFERENCES:
1. ACGIH [1971]. Isoamyl acetate. In: Documentation of the threshold limit values for substances in workroom air. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, pp. 138-139.
2. Amor AJ [1950]. The toxicity of solvents. Paint Manufacture 20:53-58.
3. Browning E [1965]. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial solvents. New York, NY: Elsevier Publishing Company, p. 539.
4. Flury F, Wirth W [1933]. Zur toxikologie der lösungsmittel (Verschieden ester, aceton, methylalkohol). Arch Gewerbepath Gewerbehyg 5:1-90 (in German).
5. Munch JC [1972]. Aliphatic alcohols and alkyl esters: narcotic and lethal potencies to tadpoles and to rabbits. Ind Med Surg 41(4):31-33.
6. Yakkyoku (Pharmacy) [1981]; 32:1241-1247 (in Japanese).