Toxicity Profile for 2,3-Butanedione (2002)

Abstract

2,3-Butanedione was irritant to the skin and eyes of rabbits. A limited report suggests that occupational contact has caused sensitization. Acute oral toxicity in rats and guinea-pigs and dermal toxicity in rabbits was moderate to low. Severe airway disease has been reported among several workers exposed to butter flavouring containing 2,3-butanedione; similar effects were recorded in rats following acute inhalation exposure to butter flavour vapours which included the dione. Repeated oral administration of 2,3-butanedione caused stomach damage and blood effects in rats. There was evidently no reproductive toxicity in rodents treated orally. 2,3-Butanedione appeared to cause DNA damage when administered orally to rats and induced chromosome effects in mammalian cells in culture. It was mutagenic in some Ames bacterial tests.