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Butane

Key Points

Fire

  • Flammable
  • Reacts with oxidisers, chlorine and fluorine
  • Emits toxic fumes of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when heated to decomposition
  • In the event of a fire involving butane, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus.

Health

  • Harmful by inhalation
  • CHIP: Extremely flammable
  • Inhalation causes euphoria, agitation, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, flushing and headache. Respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, coma and death may occur.
  • Dermal exposure with liquid butane may cause burns and frostbite.

Environment

  • Avoid release into the environment
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

 

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