First Aid Treatment for Propylene Glycol Accidents

Propylene glycol is generally considered non-toxic by the US FDA and is safe for different commercial
preparations. However, it can jeopardize health if substance is mishandled. It is very important that
care should be taken in following precautions and to administer proper first aid treatment in case of an
accident.

Ingestion Problem

Consuming small amounts of propylene glycol poses no substantial risks, but intake of greater than 3-4
oz. (or approximately 100 ml.) may cause stomach pain, nausea, or even vomiting. Medical assessment
may reveal hemoglobinuric nephrosis and surface changes in EEG, especially with patients suffering
from kidney problems. Long-term ingestion can cause lactic acidosis and seizures. Give two to four
glasses of water or milk to dilute the substance if ingested. However, DO NOT induce vomiting if taken
in large amounts. Call instead the local poison control center to mitigate the problem and to get proper
guidance. Victim should be constantly monitored for signs of central nervous system dysfunction and
acidosis.

Inhalation Problem

Propylene glycol does not usually cause inhalation problems but can cause breathing difficulties if
used in areas with poor ventilation. Transfer victim immediately in areas with fresh, circulating air.
Supplement with oxygen if symptoms persist and seek medical help.

Skin Exposure

Skin exposure might cause mild irritation. Remove any tainted clothing and wash exposed skin areas
with plenty of water and soap. Irritation subsides usually. Apply an antibacterial cream if exposed areas
develop rashes.

Eye Exposure

Liquid and vaporized propylene glycol can cause mild eye irritation for some people. If it causes stinging
and redness, wash eyes with cold, running water to soothe. Victims should remove and clean contact
lenses and eyeglasses as well.

Chronic exposure

Propylene glycol may be detrimental for the reproductive system and natal development. Laboratory
studies reveal it to be a suspected teratogen. It can also depress the central nervous system if taken in
large doses.

For more detailed information, visit J.T. Baker (http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p6928.htm)
or the University of Akron database (http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p6928.htm).

Inhibited Glycol

Inhibited glycol is another form of propylene glycol widely utilized for a variety of industrial applications like secondary cooling and heating functions, freezing and bursting protection of pipes during the cold season, and for other defrosting, de-icing, and dehumidifying purposes. 

Propylene glycol is propane-1,2-diol in IUPAC nomenclature and is synthesized through propylene oxide hydration. Its single atom has three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms forming a chain. Other than industrial usage, propylene glycol is usually added to foods, toiletries, and cosmetic products as a preservative and humectant.

Different glycol fluids are employed for the same functions because of their similarity in physical characteristics. Inhibited glycol is one of the safer alternatives. It has a slightly better freeze and burst protection with minimal environmental contamination or toxicity. 

Common Applications:

• Boilers
• Chillers
• Cold room dehumidifiers
• Heat recovery
• Sidewalk snow-melt systems
• Refrigeration coil defrosting
• Refrigeration warehouse floor heating
• Liquid food chillers
• Outdoor wood boilers
• Thermal energy storage (TES) systems
• Freeze/burst/corrosion protection for HVAC system
• Air preheating
• Immersion freezing or chilling for solid, wrapped foods
• Ground source heat pumps
• Process heating and chilling
• Moderate temperature batch processing
• Conveyor roller defrosting
• Fermentation and indirect food cooling
• Solar heating
• Ice skating rinks
• Beverage processing for wines and beers
• Hydronic heating systems
• Radiant floor heating

Inhibited glycol by Chemicals Direct is commonly used by large industries for their systems that require freeze protection or heat transfer improvement. This alcoholic inhibitor is low in toxicity, making it very safe for closed water system use. Package provides an effective chemical combination to protect steel, cast iron, copper, cupric alloys, and aluminum as well. Dilute with water to meet required temperature. Inhibited glycol comes in pink fluorescent appearance for ease of detection. Product is in stock and ready to be shipped the same day!

Propylene Glycol

95% Inhibited Propylene Glycol is a low hazard, propylene glycol based heat transfer fluid concentrate for use in closed water systems. The corrosion inhibitor package provides an effective combination of inhibitors for steel, cast iron, copper, cupric alloys, and aluminum. 95% Inhibited Propylene Glycol is designed to be used in systems requiring freeze protection. Comes clear or with a pink fluorescence.

DOWFROST is a propylene glycol-based fluid that contains a specially formulated package of industrial inhibitors that help prevent corrosion. Because propylene glycol fluids have low acute oral toxicity, DOWFROST is often used in applications where contact with food or beverage products could occur. Specific applications for DOWFROST include: Cooling liquid foods, Packaging carbonated beverages, Fermentation cooling, Process heating, Solar heating. Custom blends readily available in any container size. Convenience of 1, 5, and 55 gallon containers