A toxicological review of the propylene glycols

Fowles, JR; Banton, MI; Pottenger, LH

HERO ID

3038211

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23656560

HERO ID 3038211
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2013
Title A toxicological review of the propylene glycols
Authors Fowles, JR; Banton, MI; Pottenger, LH
Journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology
Volume 43
Issue 4
Page Numbers 363-390
Abstract The toxicological profiles of monopropylene glycol (MPG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG) and polypropylene glycols (PPG; including tetra-rich oligomers) are collectively reviewed, and assessed considering regulatory toxicology endpoints. The review confirms a rich data set for these compounds, covering all of the major toxicological endpoints of interest. The metabolism of these compounds share common pathways, and a consistent profile of toxicity is observed. The common metabolism provides scientific justification for adopting a read-across approach to describing expected hazard potential from data gaps that may exist for specific oligomers. None of the glycols reviewed presented evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive/developmental toxicity potential to humans. The pathologies reported in some animal studies either occurred at doses that exceeded experimental guidelines, or involved mechanisms that are likely irrelevant to human physiology and therefore are not pertinent to the exposures experienced by consumers or workers. At very high chronic doses, MPG causes a transient, slight decrease in hemoglobin in dogs and at somewhat lower doses causes Heinz bodies to form in cats in the absence of any clinical signs of anemia. Some evidence for rare, idiosyncratic skin reactions exists for MPG. However, the larger data set indicates that these compounds have low sensitization potential in animal studies, and therefore are unlikely to represent human allergens. The existing safety evaluations of the FDA, USEPA, NTP and ATSDR for these compounds are consistent and point to the conclusion that the propylene glycols present a very low risk to human health.
Doi 10.3109/10408444.2013.792328
Pmid 23656560
Wosid WOS:000318651900003
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Dipropylene glycol; monopropylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; toxicology; tripropylene glycol