If inhaled, butane can have serious health consequences that can be fatal (asphyxiation, ventricular fibrillation). These risks can also come from the combustion of butane which releases harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide. When combustion is incomplete due to insufficient oxygen, the combustion of butane also creates carbon or carbon monoxide.

Butane is a central nervous system depressant when its concentration reaches 17,000 ppm. At high concentrations it acts as a simple asphyxiant, it can displace the oxygen necessary for breathing. It constitutes a danger in confined spaces where its concentration must be less than or equal to 10% of the LEL (lower explosive limit) or 1,600 ppm.

Butane is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in alcohol and ether. Odorless and colorless, it is found in the gaseous state at room temperature but can liquefy at relatively low pressure. Butane is a highly flammable gas. It ignites rapidly in air in the presence of static electricity, a spark, a flame or any other source of ignition. It forms an explosive mixture with air in the limits of 1.6% to 8.4% volume.