Is propylene glycol toxic to humans?
Propylene glycol is “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA 2017). Propylene glycol toxicity generally is not a factor in environmental or occupational exposures. Iatrogenic propylene glycol overdose is the most common cause of propylene glycol poisoning.
Can you swallow propylene glycol?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to consume foods containing propylene glycol (PG). Propylene glycol can only be toxic if used intravenously at high dosage or when applied to compromised skin (burns). Once ingested, PG is either excreted in the urine or is metabolized to lactic acid, a normal metabolic product.
How much propylene glycol is toxic to humans?
A safe maximum intravenous PG dose has not been reported in the literature. However, one study reported that serum levels of PG greater than 18 mg/dL can be toxic. Other investigators have shown that toxicity is most likely to occur when the serum PG concentrations exceed 25 mg/dL.
What is propylene glycol used for?
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.
Why is propylene glycol bad for you?
Very high amounts of propylene glycol were used in both of these studies, yet another study found effects at smaller doses. Summary At toxic levels, propylene glycol has been found to cause seizures and severe neurological symptoms. There have also been cases of nausea, vertigo and strange sensations.
How bad is propylene glycol for your lungs?
Vaping propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine may lead to lung inflammation. Researchers have found that using e-cigarettes with the e-liquid refills containing propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) may lead to inflammation of the lungs over a period of time.
What food or drink has propylene glycol?
Foods that Contain Propylene Glycol
- Seasoning blends.
- Dried soups.
- Salad dressings.
- Baking mixes for foods like cakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, biscuits, cupcakes, and pancakes.
- Powdered drink mixes.
- Flavored teas.
- Soft drinks.
- Alcoholic beverages.
How long does propylene glycol stay in your system?
Propylene glycol breaks down in the body in about 48 hours.
What does propylene glycol do to your lungs?
What does propylene glycol do to your skin?
Propylene glycol is a humectant, which means that it is an ingredient that is added to cosmetics to increase moisture retention in skin and hair. If these molecules are skin toxins like pollutants or harsh chemical ingredient, they could harm the lipid barrier and cause skin irritation.
What are the health effects of propylene glycol?
Ingestion of propylene glycol could cause irritation, burning sensations to the throat and mouth, nausea and vomiting. The side effects of prolonged inhalation of propylene glycol found in room deodorizers can cause irritation of the mucous membranes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Is propylene glycol dangerous?
Normal use of these products is not dangerous or toxic to the skin or airways. However, prolonged or excessive application can cause redness and itching to sensitive skin. Ingestion of propylene glycol could cause irritation, burning sensations to the throat and mouth, nausea and vomiting.
What are the properties of propylene glycol?
The properties of propylene glycol are similar to those of ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol, or MEG). Propylene glycol is miscible with water and various organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, acetone , and chloroform. Moreover, it is hygroscopic, that is, it readily absorbs water from the surrounding air.
What is polypropylene glycol?
Polypropylene glycol (PPG) is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is a polymer of propylene oxide.
