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Chemical name: Propylene Glycol
Chemical formula: C3H8O2
Synonyms: 1,2-Propanediol
Common uses: Solvent, food additive, pharmaceutical agent, antifreeze in water-based solutions, ingredient in personal care products
CAS number: 57-55-6
Appearance: Colorless, almost odorless, slightly viscous liquid
Odor: Mild and slightly sweet
Molecular weight: 76.1 g/mol
Classification: Not considered hazardous under most regulatory schemes, but can cause temporary discomfort on eye or skin contact
Hazard statements: May cause mild eye irritation, may cause mild skin irritation on prolonged or repeated contact, ingestion of very high amounts may affect central nervous system or kidneys
Routes of exposure: Inhalation of mist, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symbols: Not classified as a hazardous chemical under the GHS system, but many labs note “harmful if swallowed in large quantities”
Potential chronic effects: Limited evidence of chronic toxicity; repeated exposures in occupational settings rarely show significant harm when good hygiene is maintained
Active substance: Propylene Glycol (≥ 99%)
Impurities: Trace water (commonly less than 1%), very low levels of other glycols may sometimes be present depending on source or grade
Physical state: Liquid
Purity standards: USP grade for food and pharmaceutical uses; industrial grades may vary slightly in purity
Common mix-ins: Rarely cut with stabilizers for industrial uses; food and pharmaceutical grades tightly controlled for contaminant levels
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; respiratory discomforts usually resolve quickly on exposure to clean air
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, seek further medical care if irritation persists
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected areas with soap and water, seek medical advice if redness or swelling develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice for large ingestions, rarely calls for medical intervention in small accidental intake
Symptom observation: Dizziness, staggering, or central nervous system effects possible only with very high doses, not from minor everyday exposures
Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Specific hazards: Burning can produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, smoke may irritate respiratory tract
Protective equipment: Firefighters wear standard protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire characteristics: Liquid isn’t highly flammable, but vapors may form flammable mixtures at higher temperatures; flash point typically around 99°C (210°F)
Special procedures: Cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire; avoid letting runoff reach waterways
Personal precautions: Wear gloves and eye protection for cleanup, ventilate area to disperse vapors
Environmental precautions: Prevent large spills from entering drains or waterways, absorb smaller spills with inert material
Methods for cleaning up: Mop up or absorb with vermiculite or sand, collect for disposal in suitable containers, wash residue with water
Special considerations: Surfaces may become slippery; avoid falls during cleaning
Safe handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid unnecessary contact with eyes and skin
Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed, wash hands thoroughly after use, don’t eat or drink while using
Storage conditions: Store in cool, dry area, protect from direct sunlight and sources of heat, containers made of compatible materials like HDPE or glass
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers such as nitrates and chlorine, avoid mixing with strong acids or bases
Shelf life: Typically stable for multiple years under recommended storage
Occupational limits: Workplace exposure limits often set at 10 mg/m³ for aerosols
Engineering controls: Ensure adequate ventilation in processing or blending areas
Personal protective equipment: Protective gloves, safety goggles or face shield, lab coat for regular handling
Respiratory protection: Not typically needed except for airborne mists or in confined spaces
Hygiene measures: Wash hands and face after handling, avoid bringing contaminated clothing home
Physical state: Liquid at room temperature
Color: Colorless
Odor: Slightly sweet, almost odorless
Melting point: -60°C
Boiling point: 188°C
Flash point: About 99°C (210°F)
Vapor pressure: Very low at room temperature
Density: About 1.036 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in alcohol, acetone
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in water
Viscosity: More viscous than water, thick but pourable
Chemical stability: Shelf-stable under normal room conditions
Reactive hazards: Rapid oxidation by strong oxidizers can cause exothermic reaction
Decomposition products: Breaks down to water and carbon oxides during combustion
Hazardous polymerization: Doesn’t polymerize spontaneously
Storage stability: Stable unless overheated or mixed with incompatible materials
Acute toxicity: Considered low, with an oral LD50 in rats over 20,000 mg/kg
Skin contact: Mild, potentially drying with repeated exposure
Eye contact: May cause stinging and redness, not permanent injury
Inhalation: Mist or vapor may irritate airways, usually mild and short-term
Long-term effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive harm under typical exposure scenarios, metabolizes in body to lactic and pyruvic acid
Aquatic toxicity: Not highly toxic to fish or aquatic organisms, breaks down in environment fairly quickly
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable, unlikely to persist in soil or water
Potential for bioaccumulation: Low, does not build up in tissues
Mobility: Fully soluble in water, disperses quickly if spilled
Effects on sewage treatment: High concentrations may cause oxygen depletion but typical spills don’t harm biological treatment processes
Disposal methods: Small quantities may be washed down the drain with plenty of water, larger amounts collected in suitable containers for approved chemical disposal
Legal compliance: Follow local, regional and national regulations for disposal; never dump into sewers in large volumes
Incineration: Material can be incinerated under controlled conditions
UN number: Not regulated as a hazardous material in most regions
Dangerous goods classification: Not classified as dangerous for road, rail, air, or sea transport under usual regulatory frameworks
Handling in transit: Secure containers to avoid leaks; keep upright if possible
Labeling: General chemical label with product name, no special hazard labels needed
Major chemical lists: Listed on most international chemical inventories, accepted for food and personal care use in many jurisdictions when meeting purity standards
Workplace regulation: Subject to occupational exposure limits for airborne mists in some countries
Consumer products: Approved for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics by regulatory authorities where product meets required specifications
Environmental controls: No restrictions on environmental discharge in small quantities, but larger releases may prompt reporting in some areas
