Chemical Sampling Information
	Propylene glycol
Quick Links General Description Health Factors Monitoring Search    [use word(s)/phrase] Table of Contents By Name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z By CAS Number General Description Synonyms: 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; Methylethylene glycol; Monopropylene glycol; 1,2-Propanediol, 1,2-Propylene glycol; 1,2-Propylenglycol OSHA IMIS Code Number: P108 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 57-55-6 NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: TY2000000 Chemical Description and Physical Properties: colorless, odorless, hygroscopic, viscous liquid molecular formula: C3H8O2 molecular weight: 76.11 boiling point: 188.2°C flash point: 99°C open cup melting point: -59°C vapor pressure: 0.05 mmHg @ 20°C Health Factors Potential symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory tract; throat dryness, cough; SKIN ABS. Health Effects: Irritation-Eyes, Nose, Throat, Skin---Mild (HE16). Affected organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system Notes: OSHA does not have a PEL for propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is listed by the FDA as a direct food substance that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), the maximum allowable percentage ranging from 2% to 97% for specific food substances (21 CFR 184.6666). Although several cases of allergy to propylene glycol have been reported, with an increased risk in those having lower leg dermatitis, deliberate attempts to sensitize skin in human and animal studies have yielded negative results. The mean half-lives of propylene glycol in serum (or plasma) after intravenous, rectal or multi-dose oral administration to adults have been reported to be 2.3, 2.8, and approximately 4 hours, respectively. Propylene glycol is excreted in the urine unchanged and as a glucuronic acid conjugate. Some is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to lactaldehyde and then by aldehyde dehydrogenase to lactic acid. Intoxication with propylene glycol could cause excessive production of lactic acid and result in metabolic acidosis. Date Last Revised: 05/08/2007 Literature Basis: International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Propylene glycol. EPA Integrated Risk Information System: Propylene glycol (CASRN 57-55-6). Lessmann, H., Schnuch, A., Geier, J. and Uter, W.: Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol. Contact Dermatitis 53(5): 247-259, 2005. Kollöffel, W.J., Weekers, L.E. and Goldhoorn, P.B.: Pharmacokinetics of propylene glycol after rectal administration. Pharm. World Sci. 18(3): 109-113, 1996. Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Propylene Glycol. In, Sittig’s Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 2. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 1971-1972. Speth, P.A., et al.: Propylene glycol pharmacokinetics and effects after intravenous infusion in humans. Ther. Drug. Monit. 9(3): 255-258, 1987. Wieslander, G., Norbäck, D. and Lindgren, T.: Experimental exposure to propylene glycol mist in aviation emergency training: acute ocular and respiratory effects. Occup. Environ. Med. 58(10): 649-655, 2001. Yu, D.K., Elmquist, W.F. and Sawchuk, R.J.: Pharmacokinetics of propylene glycol in humans during multiple dosing regimens. J. Pharm. Sci. 74(8): 876-879, 1985. Monitoring Methods used by OSHA Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method: sampling media: OSHA Versatile Sampler (OVS-7) - 13 mm XAD-7 tube (270/140 mg sections, 20/60 mesh) with a Glass Fiber Filter enclosed analytical solvent: Methanol maximum volume: 60 Liters   maximum flow rate: 1 L/min (TWA) maximum volume: 15 Liters   maximum flow rate: 1 L/min (Ceiling) current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA PV2051) method classification: Partially Validated note: Ship cold to the laboratory for analysis. All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.