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ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol
CAS I D #: 57- 55- 6 Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs) Cancer Effects: None Chemical Classification: None Summary: Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is generally recognized as safe for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products. It is a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint and plastics industries. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions. Other names for propylene glycol are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, and trimethyl glycol. Propylene glycol is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature. It may exist in air in the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Propylene glycol is practically odorless and tasteless.

Community Members
ToxFAQs (/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=1121&tid=240) Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about a contaminant and its health effects. Public Health Statement (/phs/phs.asp?id=1120&tid=240) Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

Toxicological and Health Professionals

Toxicological Profile (/toxprofiles/tp.asp?id=1122&tid=240) Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance. Addendum to the Profile (PDF, 7 9KB) (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/propylene_glycol_addendum.pdf?id=1123&tid=240) Addendum to the Toxicological Profile for Propylene Glycol (December 2008)

Medical Education and Training

Case Study in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=12&po=0) Self-instructional publication designed to increase primary care provider's knowledge of a hazardous substance in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=240 1/2

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Pa g e la st r ev iew ed: Ma r ch 3 , 2 0 1 1 Pa g e la st u pda t ed: Ma r ch 3 , 2 0 1 1

ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Propylene Glycol

Con t en t sou r ce: A g en cy for T ox ic Su bst a n ces a n d Disea se Reg ist r y (h ttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov )

Agency for Tox ic Substances and Disease Registry , 47 7 0 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341 Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY : 888-232-6348

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=240

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