Propylene glycol - the diatomic alcohol capable to absorb moisture from the environment. Substance has a number of valuable properties and is used almost in all areas of life, but it is considered harmful to a human body.
Properties of propylene glycol
Propylene glycol - the chemical which is diatomic alcohol. It is colourless transparent viscous liquid. On density it concedes to glycerin a little. Liquid has a specific smell and sweetish smack. Propylene glycol is good solvent for many organic matter. At the same time it is well dissolved in alcohol and water, but it is bad in benzene and air.
Substance boiling temperature - 45.5 °C. At increase in pressure, liquid begins to boil quicker. The formula of propylene glycol (pro-pan-diol) can have several types. It means that there are several isomers of the same substance. The arrangement of atoms in a molecule and their ability to rotate the polarization plane in a certain party almost does not influence physical properties. But in terms of chemical activity one of polymers is capable to react quicker with other substances.
Propylene glycol enters interaction with organic and inorganic acids, with alkalis. As a result of oxidation of substance, lactic acid, formaldehyde are formed. After multistage disintegration there are only water and carbon dioxide therefore the pro-pan-diol is considered harmless to the environment.
Use of propylene glycol
A half of all produced propylene glycol is used as raw materials for production of nonsaturated polyester pitches. Further on their basis make various polymers.
Propylene glycol is also applied in many other spheres of life:
- cosmetology;
- food industry;
- pharmaceutical industry.
Substance is used as the heat carrier. It is applied in heatinstallations with a wide temperature range. Fill with propylene glycol or structures with its addition systems for fast conditioning, ventilation and also cooling of products. The low ability of substance to corrosion allows to keep the equipment. At addition in water propylene glycol lowers solution temperature. This property allows to use substance for creation of portable refrigerators. If necessary to prolong an expiration date of perishable goods fall of temperature of the environment even by several degrees helps to achieve result.
The ability to attract water, to disperse, improve consistence allows to use propylene glycol at production practically of all cosmetic products. Substance is a part of creams, shampoos, pastes, ointments and also decorative cosmetics. The low chemical activity and safety in terms of ecology does this component very popular. At the same time its cost is lower than the cost of some substances with similar properties. For example, propylene glycol is much cheaper than glycerin. Substance attracts water and interferes with its exit in the natural way through a time therefore it is a part of many modern antiperspirants.
In the food industry the pro-pan-diol is applied as the dispersing, water-retaining agent. It is added to vegetable oils, artificial vegetable cream, canned food. He can be met in the list of ingredients of forages for animals. Propylene glycol is excellent preservative. For marking of food which part this substance is the marking of ""E1520"" is used.
Propylene glycol is applied at production of electronic cigarettes and also in smoke cars in need of creation of beautiful effects.
Influence on an organism and harm of propylene glycol on the person
Now negative impact of propylene glycol on a human body did not receive official confirmation. But some scientists consider that to apply it outwardly and internally follows carefully. Substance can cause severe allergies.
In the cosmetic industry propylene glycol is used very widely. Creams and gels which part this product is have property to attract moisture thanks to what skin looks fresher, young and tightened. But pulling of molecules of water from deeper layers terms is in certain cases possible that gradually leads to presenilation. So happens when using creams in rooms to the low level of humidity. Propylene glycol at regular drawing on skin is capable to force out some valuable components from its deep layers that also leads to deterioration in its appearance.
Cosmetic medicines with propylene glycol are not recommended to be applied at the expressed allergic reaction to this component and also to care for small children. Some researchers consider that the regular contact of propylene glycol with gentle children's skin is capable to lead to violations in work of kidneys and a liver subsequently. In 1991 the scientists from the American Academy of dermatology published the clinical review which proves that even in low concentration the pro-pan-diol causes irritation on skin of babies.
As a part of medicines propylene glycol is not dangerous to a human body if it is about its small amounts. Scientists made a number of experiments with animals and established that the regular use of high doses of medicines with this component promotes increase in acidity and influences course of some biochemical processes.
Propylene glycol with composition of liquid for filling of electronic cigarettes can cause allergies and heavy feelings in a breast. But harm of such smoking is not proved now and is an object of disputes. Many experts advise to get cigarettes with glycerin, but not with propylene glycol. It is especially relevant concerning the people inclined to an allergy.
As nutritional supplement it is possible to use only one of propylene glycol isomers. Substance has to be previously purified. Technical propylene glycol is forbidden to be eaten. The products containing this substance in concentration no more than 1 g/l are considered as safe. Cases of poisoning with propylene glycol are known, but it was the result of ingestion it in the form of solution of high concentration. The substance use in pure form in a large number can lead to bradycardia, hypotension, hay fever, dairy acidosis or even by a lethal outcome.
How to keep health
Experts do not advise the people inclined to an allergy and also children under 2 years to apply cosmetics with addition of propylene glycol and to use drugs, products at which list of ingredients there is this substance. It is necessary for maintaining own health:
- it is attentive to read marking on goods (propylene glycol is designated on some products as a propane-2.3-diol or E1520);
- to buy hypoallergenic cosmetics (it is especially frequent and in high concentrations propylene glycol is added to lotions, to liquids for impregnation of children's napkins);
- to try to use natural products with the minimum extent of processing.
Propylene glycol is a part of some solutions for injections, performing function of the solvent improving comprehensibility of medicines. At tendency to an allergy it is necessary to avoid use of such drugs, replacing them with similar, but on the basis of water or physiological solution.