Product Name: Propylene Glycol
Chemical Formula: C3H8O2
Synonyms: 1,2-Propanediol, Methyl glycol, Propanediol
CAS Number: 57-55-6
Manufacturer or Supplier Contact: Emergency phone number and address of the producer appear on product packaging or can be found through professional chemical suppliers.
Recommended Uses: Ingredient in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, antifreeze solutions.
Classification (GHS US): Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause mild skin and eye irritation. Not expected to be toxic if inhaled or swallowed under normal use. May aggravate pre-existing eczema, asthma, or respiratory conditions.
Precautionary Statements: Use good industrial hygiene practices, keep away from extreme heat sources, ventilate if heated or misted.
Appearance: Clear, colorless, and slightly viscous liquid.
Chemical: Propylene Glycol
Synonyms: 1,2-Propanediol
Chemical Family: Alcohol
Concentration: About 99.5% or greater (typically sold in technical or USP grades)
Impurities: Trace amounts of dipropylene glycol and water may be present depending on the grade and handling.
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air if symptoms develop. Seek medical attention if irritation or breathing difficulty continues.
Skin Contact: Wash off with plenty of water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. If skin irritation persists, get medical advice.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing until irritation subsides. Obtain medical attention if irritation remains.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Get medical advice if symptoms arise or large amount is swallowed.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Specific Hazards: Combustible liquid. Vapors and mist may form flammable mixtures above 99°C/210°F. Decomposition can generate carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Advice for Firefighters: Cool exposed containers with water spray and avoid inhaling combustion products.
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area. Wear suitable gloves and eye protection. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to waterways, soil, or storm drains.
Methods for Containment: Stop leak if safe to do so. Contain spill with sand, earth, or inert absorbent material.
Cleanup Methods: Collect spillage into suitable containers. Wash spill area with water after material pickup. Dispose of collected material according to local regulations.
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact. Use proper personal protective equipment.
Hygienic Practices: Wash hands after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers away from heat and strong oxidizers. Keep container dry and in a cool, well-ventilated space. Maintain temperature below 40°C (104°F) to prevent degradation.
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set no specific permissible exposure limits for this compound, though industry generally observes threshold limit value (TLV) of 10 mg/m3 (aerosol).
Engineering Controls: General ventilation recommended. Local exhaust if misting or heating.
Personal Protection: Safety goggles or face shield and chemical-resistant gloves. Protective apron or clothing for extended exposure.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators under conditions producing mists or where exposure limits are exceeded.
Environmental Controls: Prevent spilled material from entering drains or watercourses.
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Odorless, slightly sweet taste
Boiling Point: 188.2°C (370.8°F)
Melting Point: -59°C (-74.2°F)
Flash Point (Closed Cup): Above 99°C (210°F)
Autoignition Temperature: 421°C (790°F)
Vapor Pressure: 0.129 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 1.036 g/cm3 at 20°C
Solubility: Completely miscible in water
Viscosity: About 58 mPa·s at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions of use.
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition may generate carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heating beyond flash point, strong oxidizing agents, and strong acids.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers.
Polymerization: Dangerous polymerization does not occur.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 20,000–34,000 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 20,800 mg/kg.
Health Effects: Generally recognized as safe in food and pharmaceuticals. Prolonged or repeated skin exposure can cause dryness or irritation.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mildly irritating in high concentration or with extended exposure.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause slight, temporary irritation.
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of mist may cause mild irritation.
Chronic Effects: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction.
Other Data: No evidence for allergic skin reactions in humans.
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. LC50 (Fish, 96h): > 40,000 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable. Half-life in surface water typically less than several days.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation. Log Kow: -0.92.
Mobility in Soil: High solubility and mobility in water. Does not adsorb strongly to soil.
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may deplete oxygen in water and impact aquatic organisms.
Waste Treatment Methods: Recover and reuse if possible. Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
Disposal of Product: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber or landfill in accordance with government regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse container before recycling or disposal.
Environmental Precautions: Do not release large quantities into the environment. Avoid disposal through sewage systems.
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for ground, air, or sea transport.
Proper Shipping Name: Propylene Glycol
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous good
Packing Group: None required
Special Precautions: Transport in accordance with local regulations. Protect from excessive heat and freezing during transit.
US TSCA Inventory: Listed
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not hazardous
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
EU REACH Regulation: Registered
Canada WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
FDA Status: Approved for specific food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical uses.
Other Registration: Each country may have separate requirements for labeling or use; proper classification can be checked in local chemical inventories.
