What are the dangers of propylene glycol? (2023)

What is danger of propylene glycol?

► Propylene Glycol can cause nausea and vomiting. ► Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and passing out.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as “generally recognized as safe,” which means that it is acceptable for use in flavorings, drugs, and cosmetics, and as a direct food additive.

Most processed foods contain at least some propylene glycol. While it is a low-toxicity substance, you may develop health complications if you eat foods that have it in large quantities. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid products that contain the substance. Instead, eat more fresh whole foods.

Other names for propylene glycol are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, and trimethyl glycol. Propylene glycol is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool. This increases the number of bowel movements and softens the stool so it is easier to pass.

Propylene glycol is “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA 2017). FDA considers an average daily dietary intake of 23 mg/kg of body weight to be safe for persons 2–65 years of age (ATSDR 2008). Various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products contain propylene glycol.

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.

Propylene glycol is found in a number of cheese starter cultures/rennet, if not as an ingredient in itself, then as a part of added colour. It is also found as an emulsifier and stabilizer in ice milk products, ice cream, and frozen yogurt.

The European authorities responsible for consumer health have approved the use of propylene glycol with food: in direct food contact regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives: Propane- 1,2-diol (propylene glycol USP/EP) is listed as an approved food additive in Annexes II+III under E1520.

What does propylene glycol do to 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.

All chemicals used on eggs during this process are required to be recognized as safe food additives, which includes propylene glycol. These chemicals are applied when the egg is at its most porous. It is common practice to feed commercial laying chickens feed containing propylene glycol.

Propylene glycol 20% is currently contained in the Mayo Clinic standard, gynecology, machinist, oral flavors and preservatives, and pediatric series.

Propylene glycol increased plasma glucose (14.0 vs. 5.35mg/dL) and insulin (7.59 vs. 1.11μIU/mL) concentrations compared with G, but only tended to increase glucose and insulin concentrations compared with 2G.

Propylene glycol is a colorless and odorless liquid which may be derived from either petroleum, natural gas, or vegetable sources.

This contact allergy may cause your skin to react when it is exposed to this substance although it may take several days for the symptoms to appear. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters.

IS IT "NATURAL"? While the raw materials used in the manufacturing of bio-based propylene glycol are naturally sourced, propylene glycol itself is not referred to as “natural” because it undergoes a transformation from one chemical to another.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a nontoxic and highly soluble compound that is minimally absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

How does polyethylene glycol affect kidneys?

Significant fluid and electrolyte shifts are therefore attenuated. However, several studies have shown that PEG may also impair renal function. One recent population-based study reported that the use of PEG was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury.

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 carcinogen.

PG produced a striking increase in AC-3 positive cells throughout the brain (Figure 1), as compared to saline-treated animals. The most severely affected areas were the caudate/putamen (CPu) and cortical regions (especially the retrosplenial, cingulate, and motor cortex).

You'll find propylene glycol in plenty of skin care and beauty products, especially products designed to moisturize. This ingredient is generally considered safe, even beneficial — though you might want to try it with caution if you have sensitive skin or eczema.

PG and PEG have dissimilar chemical structures. PG is a small, single molecule with 3 carbons and 2 OH groups ( ie a double alcohol). PEG is a multi-unit polymer with a differing molecular weight and backbone.

Certified Organic or Made With Organic Products – According to the National Organic Program under the USDA, the current annotation for flavors, synthetics solvents such as propylene glycol and hexane are prohibited, as well as synthetic carriers and artificial preservatives.

Abstract. Propylene glycol is a commonly used solvent for oral, intravenous, and topical pharmaceutical preparations. Although it is considered safe, large intravenous doses given over a short period of time can be toxic. Underlying renal insufficiency and hepatic dysfunction raise risk for toxicity.

Summary To avoid propylene glycol in foods, read labels and look for it as an ingredient or as the additive number E1520. Use online sources to help identify hygiene products that contain it. For medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Foods Containing Propylene Glycol

In the beverage world, soft drinks, flavored teas, powdered drink mixes and alcoholic beverages may also contain propylene glycol. It is also used in some flavoring extracts for baking, as well as in some types of food coloring.

Is propylene glycol a hazardous material?

Hazard statement: This material is NOT HAZARDOUS by OSHA Hazard Communication definition. Propylene Glycol is a slightly combustible liquid. Do not handle near heat, sparks or open flame. May cause eye irritation.

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 carcinogen.

Although PG is generally considered safe, when used in high doses or for prolonged periods, PG toxicity can occur. Reported adverse effects from PG include central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, hyperosmolarity, hemolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, agitation, and lactic acidosis.

Propylene glycol is “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA 2017). FDA considers an average daily dietary intake of 23 mg/kg of body weight to be safe for persons 2–65 years of age (ATSDR 2008). Various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products contain propylene glycol.

The European authorities responsible for consumer health have approved the use of propylene glycol with food: in direct food contact regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives: Propane- 1,2-diol (propylene glycol USP/EP) is listed as an approved food additive in Annexes II+III under E1520.

Propylene glycol increased plasma glucose (14.0 vs. 5.35mg/dL) and insulin (7.59 vs. 1.11μIU/mL) concentrations compared with G, but only tended to increase glucose and insulin concentrations compared with 2G.

Formaldehyde is a known degradation product of propylene glycol that reacts with propylene glycol and glycerol during vaporization to produce hemiacetals (Figure 1). These molecules are known formaldehyde-releasing agents that are used as industrial biocides.

All chemicals used on eggs during this process are required to be recognized as safe food additives, which includes propylene glycol. These chemicals are applied when the egg is at its most porous. It is common practice to feed commercial laying chickens feed containing propylene glycol.

New research shows that propylene glycol can also generate methylglyoxal, an alpha di-carbonyl compound recently shown to cause epithelial necrosis at even lower concentrations than diacetyl, the flavoring chemical associated with bronchiolitis obliterans ("Popcorn Lung").

How does propylene glycol affect the brain?

PG produced a striking increase in AC-3 positive cells throughout the brain (Figure 1), as compared to saline-treated animals. The most severely affected areas were the caudate/putamen (CPu) and cortical regions (especially the retrosplenial, cingulate, and motor cortex).

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.

In general, polyethylene glycol is: Non-Toxic.

Summary To avoid propylene glycol in foods, read labels and look for it as an ingredient or as the additive number E1520. Use online sources to help identify hygiene products that contain it. For medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Regular Strength 325 mg

Each elongated, capsule-shaped white tablet, engraved "TYLENOL" on one side and "325" on the other side, contains 325 mg of acetaminophen. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, cornstarch, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, and sodium starch glycolate.