Routes Of Exposure
Absorbed through skin, inhaled, ingested, eye contact.
Skin Contact
The material is not thought to have harmful health effects (as classified under EC Directives); the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions, or abrasions. A single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in the material being absorbed in harmful amounts.
Inhalation
The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified by EC Directives using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of vapours, fumes, or aerosols, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.
Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual. Ingestion of propylene glycol produced reversible central nervous system depression in humans following ingestion of 60mL. Symptoms included increased heart-rate (tachycardia), excessive sweating (diaphoresis) and grand mal seizures in a 15 month child who ingested large doses (7.5mL/day for 8 days) as an ingredient of vitamin preparation. Excessive repeated ingestions may cause hypoglycaemia (low levels of glucose in the blood stream) among susceptible individuals; this may result in muscular weakness, incoordination and mental confusion.
Eye Contact
Irritation of the eyes may produce a heavy secretion of tears (lachrymation). Limited evidence of practical experience suggests, that the material may cause eye irritation in a substantial number of individuals. Repeated or prolonged eye contact may cause inflammation characterized by temporary redness (similar to windburn) of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis); temporary impairment of vision and/or other transient eye damage/ulceration may occur.
Chronic
There exists limited evidence that shows that skin contact with the material is capable either of inducing a sensitization reaction in a significant number of individuals, and/or of producing positive response in experimental animals. Propylene glycol is thought, by some, to be a sensitizing principal following the regular use of topical creams by eczema patients. A study of 866 persons using a formulation containing propylene glycol in a patch test indicated that propylene glycol caused primary irritation in 16% of exposed individuals probably caused by dehydration. Undiluted propylene glycol was tested on 1556 persons in a 24 hour patch test.
Toxicity To Animals
Propylene Glycol:
- acute_oral_ld50_rat: 8 - 46 g/kg
- acute_oral_ld50_mice: 25 - 32 g/kg
- acute_oral_ld50_guinea_pig: 18 - 20 g/kg
- dermal_ld50_rabbit: > 2000 mg/kg
Irritation Data
- Eye (rabbit): 100mg - mild
- Eye (rabbit): 500mg/24h - mild
- Skin (human): 104mg/3d Intermit Mod
- Skin (human): 500mg/7 days mild