Is n-Butyl acetate safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to n-Butyl acetate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is n-butyl acetate?
The IUPAC name is butyl acetate.
Also known as: butyl acetate, Acetic acid, butyl ester, Butyl ethanoate, 1-Butyl acetate.
- IUPAC name
- butyl acetate
- CAS number
- 123-86-4
- Molecular formula
- C6H12O2
- Molecular weight
- 116.16 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCCCOC(C)=O
- PubChem CID
- 31272
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are more vulnerable to n-Butyl acetate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of n-Butyl acetate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified n-Butyl acetate.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 6 positive / 11 negative reports) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter n-butyl acetate
- Consumer Products — Nail polish, Lacquers, Coatings, Adhesives
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to n-Butyl acetate:
-
Fragrance-free formulations
Trade-offs: Consumer preference for scented productsRelative cost: Lower (ingredient elimination)
-
Essential oil-based fragrances (with disclosure)
Trade-offs: Natural does not mean safe — many essential oils are skin sensitizersRelative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is n-butyl acetate safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to n-Butyl acetate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain n-butyl acetate?
n-Butyl acetate appears in: Nail polish (Consumer products); Lacquers (Consumer products).
What should I do if my child is exposed to n-butyl acetate?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See n-Butyl acetate in the baby app
Look up products containing n-butyl acetate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- PubChem Compound CID 31272 — database
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID3021982 — epa
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 123-86-4 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →