Material Safety Data Sheet: Propylene Glycol (PG)

Identification

Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol
Synonyms: 1,2-Propanediol, Propane-1,2-diol
CAS Number: 57-55-6
Recommended Use: Used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, antifreeze, and as a carrier solvent
Manufacturer Contact: Reliable details provided on the packaging or via official website; for emergencies use CHEMTREC or local poison control
Emergency Phone Number: Check label or SDS provided by supplier
Product Code: Information listed on invoice or container
Formula: C3H8O2

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most uses; considered low toxicity but good practices are necessary
Signal Word: None required under GHS guidelines
Hazard Statements: May cause mild eye or skin irritation upon contact, can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in high amounts
Precautionary Statements: Avoid prolonged contact with skin and eyes, ensure good ventilation, keep away from incompatible materials
Potential Health Effects: Symptoms can include slight eye redness, minimal skin irritation, and in rare cases, dizziness or vomiting if large quantities are swallowed
Environmental Hazards: Generally low risk, but large releases to the environment may stress aquatic organisms.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Propylene Glycol
Percentage: >99.5% by weight
Impurities: Trace water, very minor organic acids, negligible levels of other glycols under normal manufacturing conditions

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush the eye gently with tepid water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical help if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek help if irritation develops
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air; provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing becomes difficult; call for medical help if symptoms appear
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; offer water to drink; seek medical care for large ingestions or unusual symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread material
Hazards from Combustion: Burning produces carbon oxides (CO, CO2), dense smoke may occur
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool reusable containers and nearby structures with water fog, ventilate area after fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, avoid direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or water supplies
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with sand, earth, or inert material; shovel into labelled waste drum
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water and detergent, ventilate space to remove vapors

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing mist or vapors, avoid direct skin and eye contact, practice good hygiene especially before eating
Storage: Keep tightly sealed in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight and heat sources
Compatibility: Do not store near strong acids, oxidizers, or incompatible industrial materials
Special Storage Needs: Use corrosion-resistant tanks, label all containers, keep secondary containment for bulk storage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Workplace exposure guidelines set at 10 mg/m3 for aerosol (ACGIH TLV)
Ventilation: Use mechanical or local exhaust to avoid high airborne levels
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or PVC gloves, safety glasses with side shields, lab coat or chemical apron
Respiratory Protection: Not usually needed for proper handling, but use approved mask if mist levels become significant
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, do not eat or drink in work area, shower before leaving

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless, nearly odorless, syrupy liquid
Boiling Point: 188.2°C
Melting Point: -59°C
Flash Point: 99°C (closed cup)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 371°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.13 mm Hg at 20°C
Solubility: Fully miscible in water, alcohol, acetone
Specific Gravity: 1.036 at 20°C
pH: Neutral (near 7 in aqueous solution)
Viscosity: 58 centipoise at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling
Reactivity: Inert to many chemicals, but may react with strong oxidizing substances
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, flames, hot surfaces around open product
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkali, oxidizers such as nitrates, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide at high temperatures
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral rat about 20,000 mg/kg (low toxicity for ingestion)
Inhalation: High concentrations of mist can cause mild respiratory irritation
Skin: Mild irritation possible after repeated contact
Eyes: Mild, temporary discomfort on direct exposure
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenicity or developmental issues, not classed as mutagenic or teratogenic by IARC or EPA
Routes of Exposure: Absorption through skin negligible, ingestion and inhalation possible pathways

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to fish, Daphnia, and aquatic organisms; LC50 (Fish, 96h): >1000 mg/L
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to accumulate in aquatic organisms due to high water solubility
Mobility: Moves readily in water; risk to groundwater is minor at typical use
Other Information: Chemical degrades by standard wastewater treatment, risk to environment primarily from spills or improper disposal.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Methods: Dispose of through licensed hazardous waste contractor, incineration may be used
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, puncture and send drums to recycler if allowed
Disposal Regulations: Follow local, national, and regional guidelines to prevent contamination of groundwater, water bodies or sewers
Precautions: Avoid landfill disposal, do not burn in open air

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Propylene Glycol
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels: No special label needed for routine shipment
Special Precautions: Containers must be leakproof, stowed upright, and protected from bumps or crushing

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed as a hazardous chemical
TSCA Status: Listed
FDA: Permitted for use in food and pharmaceuticals under specific guidelines
REACH Status: Pre-registered in Europe, not considered a substance of very high concern
Inventory Status: Listed on AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada), EINECS (Europe), ENCS (Japan), KECI (Korea)
Special Requirements: Safety training should be provided for handling large volumes; follow regional and national chemical regulations