Agent Name |
Propylene glycol |
CAS Number |
57-55-6 |
Formula |
C3-H8-O2 |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
(+-)-1,2-Propanediol; (+-)-Propylene glycol; (RS)-1,2-Propanediol; 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; 1,2-Propylene glycol; 1,2-Propylenglykol [German]; 2,3-Propanediol; 2-Hydroxypropanol; DL-1,2-Propanediol; Dowfrost; Isopropylene glycol; Methylethyl glycol; Methylethylene glycol; Monopropylene glycol; PG 12; Propane-1,2-diol; Propylene Glycol USP; Propylene glycol; Sentry Propylene Glycol; Sirlene; Solar Winter BAN; Solargard P; Trimethyl glycol; Ucar 35; alpha-Propyleneglycol; dl-Propylene glycol; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Glycols |
Description |
Clear,colorless, viscous liquid; [ChemIDplus] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in antifreeze and deicing solutions for cars, boats, and aircraft; also used as a solvent for paints and plastics and to create harmless, artificial smoke for training and theatrical purposes; [ATSDR ToxFAQs] |
Comments |
Propylene glycol is designated by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use as a food additive. It is commonly used in cosmetics and topical medications. Patch testing with propylene glycol is difficult because of irritant effects. It may cause allergic contact dermatitis in a small percentage of cases. It may also cause non-immunologic contact urticaria. [Marks, p. 156-7] Allergic contact dermatitis in a photographic developer using Flexicolor; [Kanerva, p. 1169] Can cause nonimmunologic contact urticaria; [Kanerva 2004, p. 103] An eye irritant; [ICSC] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
Vapor Pressure |
0.12 mm Hg |
Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 99 deg C; |
Half Life |
Whole body: 1.4-30.5 hours (longer in infants and shorter in adults); [TDR, p. 1056] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
Adverse Effects |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PROPYLENE GLYCOL
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