PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Chemical Identification
CAS #	57-55-6
Formula	C₃H₈O₂
Synonyms	1,2-dihydroxypropane; methylethylene glycol; monopropylene glycol; 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-propylene glycol; 1,2-propylenglycol

Physical Properties
Physical description	Thick odorless colorless liquid.
Boiling point	370.8°F	Molecular weight	76.1
Freezing point/melting point	-76°F	Vapor pressure	0.08 mmHg
Flash point	210°F	Vapor density	2.62
Specific gravity	1.04	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)	2.6%	Upper explosive limit (UEL)	12.6%
NFPA health rating	0	NFPA fire rating	1
NFPA reactivity rating	0	NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	P108
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	OSHA versatile sampler (OVS-7) - 13 mm XAD-7 tube (270/140 mg) with GFF enclosed (no longer available) [SKC 226-57]
Sampling time^*	60 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	60 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	1 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*	15 L
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*	1 L/min
Analytical method instruments	GC-FID
Method reference	OSHA PV2051 (partially validated)
Notes	Media no longer available. SKC recommends the 200/100 mg variant with the same media [SKC 226-57]
Special requirements

^* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA		REL-TWA		TLV-TWA		PEL-TWA
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	NA	Skin notation	NA	Skin notation	NA	Skin notation	NA
Notes: Not established		Notes: Not established		Notes: Not established		Notes: Not established
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Propylene glycol

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Propylene glycol

Literature References

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.

Last Updated Date : 01/11/2021

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References