| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| What is this chemical? | Propylene glycol or (PG) is a compound usually a tasteless, odorless clear liquid, determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be “generally recognized as safe” for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines. |
| What is its purpose? | Propylene glycol is used to store and or retain moisture in foods and other products such as cosmetics and personal care products. It is a solvent for food colors and flavors. Propylene glycol is used to make antifreeze and deicing solutions for cars, airplanes and boats; to make polyester compounds; and as a solvent in the paint and plastics industries. |
| Where is it found? |
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HEALTH CONCERNS Is this chemical a carcinogen? No How can it affect me? Propylene glycol, in small amounts, is considered safe. It is not likely to exist in large amounts in air. About half of the propylene glycol that enters the air will break down in 24-50 hours. Propylene glycol increases the amount of acid in the body. However, large amounts of propylene glycol are needed to cause this effect. Often mistaken for ethylene glycol (a sweet but poisonous syrupy liquid used as an antifreeze and solvent), propylene glycol is non-toxic to humans and laboratory animals even in elevated amounts. Ethylene glycol was replaced by the less toxic propylene glycol to prevent illness and death in dogs and cats after drinking the anti-freeze.
It may cause allergic contact dermatitis in a small percentage of cases. It may also cause nonimmunologic contact urticaria, which is an itchy skin eruption characterized by wheals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified propylene glycol for carcinogenicity. Animal studies have not shown this chemical to be a carcinogen. Propylene glycol breaks down very quickly in the body, and is very difficult to detect, even though symptoms may be present.
Are there controversial issues? No
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