This study assessed the characteristics of emission and cell toxicology of Methylethylketone(MEK) in ambient air of industrial area. MEK is produced by the oxidation of sec-butyl alcohol and used as the solvent for making ink, printing, coating of film, bonding material and drug extraction. The MEK concentrations in the ambient-air of industrial area in Gimhae City was detected in the range of $25.4{sim}1,580{mu}g/m^3$ with an average $297.4{mu}g/m^3$. The concentration of MEK showed a descending tendency from April to August followed by its increased tendency since then. The effects of MEK on the human lung cancer A549 cells was examined by the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS) and cytotoxicity. The range of MEK concentration detected in the area induced ROS generation affecting the oxidation state with a little effects on the viability of the cells.