INFORMATION REGARDING MESITYL OXIDE IN ADHESIVE, IN LABELS, AND IN STRAPPING TAPE 

Mesityl oxide

Mesityl oxide is a derivative of acetone and is used as a glue base in the making of plastics, acetates, and films. It is also used as a solvent in gums, resins (particularly vinyl resins), lacquers, varnishes, enamels, and nitrocellulose.

The hazards of mesityl oxide include flammability and moderate fire risk (curators are well aware of the flammability of decomposing nitrate negatives). This solvent may become free as the molecular structure of film breaks down with age (Nancy Odegaard, 1985). Mesityl oxide can affect the skin, eyes, respiratory system and central nervous system. Symptoms of exposure are irritated eyes, skin irritation, irritation of the mucous membrane, vertigo, and in extremes cases of overexposure, coma.

SOURCE:  http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/coll/healthhazard/results.shtml