Preventing Occupational Methyl Acetate Poisoning—A Toxic and Harmful Aromatic Killer

February 27, 2026

Methyl Acetate (MeOAc) (Chemical Formula: C3H6O2), also known as methyl ethanoate, methyl ester, or methyl ester of acetic acid, is a colorless, transparent liquid with a fruity aroma. It is a volatile organic solvent, slightly soluble in water, and miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Under acidic conditions, methyl acetate can decompose into Acetic Acid and Methanol. It is widely used in industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, glues, dyes, synthetic resins, and fragrances.

Occupational methyl acetate poisoning is usually caused by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of methyl acetate during industrial production processes, leading to inhalation through the respiratory tract.

1. Clinical Manifestations of Methyl Acetate Poisoning

Central Nervous System Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, coma.

Respiratory System Symptoms: Respiratory tract irritation, potentially causing difficulty breathing.

Eye Irritation: Eye pain, tearing, blurred vision.

Skin contact: Dry skin, redness, swelling, and peeling.

2. Diagnostic criteria for occupational methyl acetate poisoning

♦ A clear history of occupational exposure.
♦ Corresponding clinical manifestations.
♦ Laboratory tests, such as determination of methyl acetate concentration in blood or urine.
♦ Exclusion of similar symptoms from other causes.

3. Treatment measures

Immediate evacuation: Remove the patient from the exposure environment to fresh air.

Supportive treatment: Provide appropriate supportive treatment according to symptoms, such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and analgesia.

Detoxification treatment: Use adsorbents such as activated charcoal to reduce the absorption of methyl acetate in the body.

Symptomatic treatment: Treat specific symptoms, such as using anticonvulsants to control seizures.

4. Preventive measures

♠ Improve the working environment and ensure good ventilation (especially important in winter).

If necessary, set up negative pressure isolation rooms or small chambers in the operating area;
Emergency ventilation devices should be installed in material storage areas;
Local ventilation and detoxification systems should be installed at work stations where methyl acetate is used.

♠ Technological innovation and improvement should prioritize automation and mechanization. Manual labor should be avoided to minimize exposure.

♠ Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used, and occupational health operating procedures for methyl acetate should be established, specifying protective measures for each operation, such as masks, safety glasses, and gloves.

♠ A qualified occupational health service organization should be commissioned to regularly monitor the concentration of occupational hazard factors in the workplace; regular occupational health examinations should be conducted to promptly identify and address potential health problems. If symptoms such as decreased vision occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.

♠ Workers should receive safety training to improve their awareness of chemical hazards. Materials should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated place. Strict adherence to operating procedures is required during use:

When temporary storage in the workplace is necessary, sealed containers should be used;
Measures should be taken to prevent leakage and adsorption on work surfaces;
Work surfaces and floors should be cleaned promptly before the end of the workday to reduce secondary volatilization of methyl acetate;
Cleaning tools and waste materials contaminated with methyl acetate or other toxic substances should be sealed and disposed of promptly.