OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOL

FOREWORDINTRODUCTION

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL(MIXED ISOMERS AND DOMINANT ISOMER)CAS N°:25265-71-8 & 110-98-5)

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1OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOL

SIDS Initial Assessment Reportfor11th SIAM(USA,January 23-26,2001)
ChemicalName:

Dipropylene glycol, mixed isomers anddominant isomer

CAS No:25265 -7 1-8 and 110-98 -5

SponsorCountry:

U.S.A

NationalSIDSContactPointinSponsorCountry:

HISTORY:

OscarHernandez
US EPA
401M St.,SW
Washington,DC 20460

At SIAM 11therecommendation of Low Priority for Further Workwasagreed.
RevisionstotheSIARand preparation of Robust Summarieswererequestedand
agreed.

COMMENTS:

Deadlineforcirculation:
DateofCirculation:

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SIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROFILECAS No.

25265 -71-8 and 110 -98-5

Chemical Name

Dipropylene glycol, mixed isomers and dominant isomer

Structural FormulaC H 3 -C H O H -C H 2 O-CH 2-C H O H -CH 3

RECOMMENDATIONS
The chemical is currently of low priority for further work.

SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS OF THE SIAR
Human Health
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is not acutely toxic by oral (LD 50 >13 g/kg bw/day from 7 rat studies and17.6 g/kg bw/day from a guinea pig study), dermal (LD 50 > 5g/kg bw/day in 2 rabbit studies) orinhal ation (no deaths observed in rats and guinea pigs at 6 to 8 g/m 3 ) routes of exposure. DPG isslightly irritating to the skin and eyes of rabbits. Based on human data, DPG is not a skin sensitizer.
Repeated exposures of rats to DPG did not result in adverse effects at levels up to 5% (estimated
NOAEL is about 6.2 g/kg bw/day) in drinking water. At about 12.5 g/kg bw/day (10%), kidney lesions
appeared in about 30% of the rats. Results from an OECD 422 combined repeat
dose/reproductive/developmental toxici ty test on the structural analogue, tripropylene glycol (TPG),
demonstrated a NOAEL of 200 mg/kg bw and a LOAEL of 1000 mg/kg bw for repeated dose toxicity,with increased relative weight for liver and kidney. Metabolic fate data on TPG demonstrates that TPG
is readily converted to DPG, PG, and CO 2 in rats. Thus, data from TPG are relevant to DPG. DPG did
not cause fetal toxicity or teratogenicity in rats (NOAEL = 5 g/kg bw/day) or rabbits (NOAEL = 1.2
g/kg bw/day). No reproductive studies have been conducted on DPG. However, the structural
analogues, propylene glycol and TPG, have been tested for reproductive effects and shown to have
NOAELs of 10.1 g/kg bw in mice and 1 g/kg bw in rats, respectively. Thus, the lack of reproductive
effects from TPG and the high NOAEL for PG reproductive toxicity indicate that no reproductive
effects are expected in animals exposed to DPG, in the absence of maternal toxicity. DPG is not a
genetic toxicant based on in vitro (bacterial and mammalian cells in culture) and in vivo (micronucleus)
studies.

Environment
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is not volatile, but is miscible with water. Air monitoring data are notavailable, but concentrations of dipropylene glycol in the atmosphere are expected to be extremely low
because of its low vapor pressure and high water solubility. Low levels of DPG (0.4 ng/l) in drinking
water were reported in one study. It is biodegraded in water and expected to be biodegraded in soil, as
indicated by >70% degradation after 28d in a Zahn-Wellens test. It is not expected to bioaccumulate,with measured BCFs between 0.3 and 4.6 in fish. Measured aquatic toxicity data on fish andamphibians report toxicity at >5,000 and 3,181 mg/L, respectively. Based on QSAR data for Daphnia
and algal toxicity, and the measured data for fish and amphibians, DPG is not expected to be toxic toaquatic organisms except at very high concentrations. Using an assessment factor of 100 and the fish
96-hour LC 50, the PNEC is >50 mg/l; if the amphibian data are used, the PNEC is 32 mg/l.

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOL

Exposure
Dipropylene glycol is produced as a byproduct of the manufacture of propylene glycol. The US
production capacity of DPG was 131 million pounds (59.5 kilotonnes) in 1998; the demand was 108
million pounds (49 kilotonnes). DPG is used (percent of demand) as follows: plasticizers, 38 percent;unsaturated polyester resins, 23 percent; cosmetics and fragrances, 10 percent; polyurethane polyols, 8
percent; alkyd resins, 7 percent; miscellaneous, including solvents and functional fluids (specialty deicers, inks, lubricants), 14 percent.

NATURE OF FURTHER WORK RECOMMENDED
No further work is recommended.

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UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

FULL SIDS SUMMARYCAS NO: 25265-71-8,

SPECIESPROTOCOL

RESULTS

110-98-5
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL
2.1

Melting Point--

NG<-39°C

2.2

Boiling Point--NG

228-236°C

2.3

Density--NG

1.022 g/cm3 at 25°C

2.4

Vapour Pressure--NG

0.0128 hPa at 20°C

2.5

Partition Coefficient(Log Ko w)--

NG-1.486

2.6
A.

Water Solubility--

NG

Miscible at at 25°C

PH

--

--

Pka

--

--

Oxidation: Reduction
Potential

--

--

B.
2.12

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE
AND PATHWAY
3.1.1

Photodegradation

--

--

---

3.1.2

Stability in Water--NG

No hydrolyzable groups

3.2

Monitoring Data

--

--

3.3

Transport andDistribution--

Fugacitymodel Level
III

0.11% to air; 46.1% to water; 53.7% tosoil; 0.08% to sediments.

3.5

Biodegradationa. Other TG:
EEC-87/302

a. >70% after 28 days (pre-adapted)

b. OECD TG
301C

b. No degradation.

Other TG:

BOD5 = 92 mgO2/L

APHA 219

COD = 1840 mg/g

Cyprinus
carpioOECD TG
305C

BCF of 0.3-1.4 (42 days at 3 mg/L)

3.6
3.7

BOD5, COD
Bioaccumulation

BCF of <2.2-4.6 (42 days at 3 mg/L)

ECOTOXICOLOGY
4.1

Acute/Prolonged
Toxicity to Fish

Carassius
auratus24-hr lethality
Other TG:
APHA 1971

LC50 = >5000 mg/L (static)

4.2

Acute Toxicity to
Aquatic Invertebrates(Daphnia)----

No data

4.3

Toxicity to Aquatic
Plants e.g. Algae----

No data

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CAS NO: 25265-71-8,

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
SPECIESPROTOCOL

RESULTS

110-98-5
4.4

Toxicity to
Microorganisms

Pseudomon
as putida

Other TG:
L T w S-Nr 10

EC10 = 1000 mg/L (static, 18 hr)

4.5.1

Chronic Tox icity to
Fish

--

--

No Data

4.5.2

Chronic Toxicity to
Aquatic Invertebrates(Daphnia)----

No Data

4.6.1

Toxicity to Soil
Dwelling Organisms----

No Data

4.6.2

Toxicity to Terrestrial
Plants----No Data

4.6.3

Toxicity to Other Non Mammalian Terrestrial
Species (Including
Birds)

4.9

Additional Remarks

No Data

XenopuslaevisNG

LC50 = 3,181 mg/L (48 hr, static)a. RatAcutelethality NG

a. LD50 = 16,000 mg/kg (est. from
15.8 mL/kg)

TOXICOLOGY
5.1.1

Acute Oral Toxicity

b. Mouse
5.1.2

Acute Inhalation
Toxicity

Rat, guinea
pig

5.1.3

Acute Dermal Toxicity

Rabbit5.2.1

Skin Irritationa. Rabbit
b. Humanb. LD50 = >2, 000 mg/kg
AcutelethalityNG
Acutelethality
NG

Not lethal: 6000-8000 mg/m3 (aerosol,
nominal concentration)a. Draize test
NG
b. NG

a. Slightly irritating (500 mg, 24 hr,
occluded)b. None to mild irritation (2 mL of 25%
solution; 24 hr; semi-occluded)

LD50 > 5000 mg/kg

5.2.2

Eye Irritation

RabbitDraize test
NG

Slightly irritating (0.1 mL of 100%solution; 4 hr)

5.3

Skin Sensitization

Human

NG

1 of 503 was sensitized to synthesis
grade

5.4

Repeated DoseToxicity

Rat

9-77 days, indrinking
water.

NOAEL 5%LOAEL = 10%

NG
Dog

Rat

4 or 6 gavage
doses
NG
15 wk, oralNG

5.5

Genetic Toxic ity In
Vitro
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UNEP PUBLICATIONSNOAEL 20 mL/kg

NOAEL = 12% in dietOECD SIDS
CAS NO: 25265-71-8,

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
SPECIESPROTOCOL

RESULTS

Salmonella

Mutagenicity;

Negative (with and without activation)

typhimuriu
mAmes test(TA 98, 100, 1535, 1537)

Mouse

Lymphomaassay;

110-98-5
A.

B.

Bacterial Test
(Gene mutation)

Non-Bacterial In Vitro
Test

NG
Negative (with and without activation)

5.6

Genetic Toxicity In
Vivo

Mice

5.7

Carcinogenicity--

NG
Micronucleus
assayOECD TG474
EPA 870.5395--

5.8

Toxicity to
Reproduction----

No Data

5.9

Developmental
Toxicity/
Teratogenicity

Rat

GavageOther TG:NTPNOAEL = 800 mg/kg maternal toxicity
NOAEL = 5000 mg/kg teratogenicity

Rabbit5.10

Other Relevant
Information

Rat

GavageOther TG:
NTP
104 wk, oral

Negative (2000 mg/kg, gavage)

No Data

NOAEL = 1200 mg/kg maternal
toxicity
NOAEL = 1200 mg/kg teratogenicity
Propylene glycol tested:NG

No treatment related increase in tumors
at dietary levels up to 50000 ppm
propylene glycol (approx. 1700 -2100
mg/kg/day)

Mouse

Drinking
water;
continuousfrom 7 days
prior tomatingNG

Propylene glycol tested:
NOAEL = 5% (parents)
NOAEL = 5% (F1 offspring)
NOAEL = 5% (F2) offspring
5% propylene glycol = 10,000 mg/kg

Rat

Gavage;prematingthrough Day 3
of lactation

Tripropylene glycol tested:
NOAEL = 200 mg/kg (parents)
NOAEL = 1000 mg/kg (reproductive)
NOAEL = 1000 mg/kg (developmental)

OECD TG
422
5.11

Experience with
Human Exposure

ss

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLESIDS Initial Assessment Report
1 . Identity
Commercial dipropylene glycol (CAS # 25265-71-8; (CH 3 -CHOH-CH 2 O-CH 2 -CHOHCH 3 ) is composed of 3 isomers (2,2' -dihydroxydiisopropropylether (CAS-No.: 108-61-2);
2,2' -dihydroxydipropylether (CAS-No.: 110-98-5); 2-hydroxypropyl-2'-hydroxyisopropylether (CAS-No.: 106-62-7) and is typically 98% pure. It is a liquid that possesses thefollowing physico-chemical properties and characteristics:
P roperty
Chemical Formula
Molecular Weight
PurityImpurities
Solubility
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Vapor Pressure
Log Kow
Synonyms

8

Value(CH 3 CHOCH 2 )2 O
134.2>= 98% w/w
Miscible with water< -39 °C
222.2 – 236 °C
1022-1025 mg/ml at 20 ºC
0.01 hPa at 20°C
0.05 hPa at 21°C
-1.486
DPG; Di-1,2propyleneglycol;
oxybispropanol; Practical

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2.

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

General Information on Exposure

2.1

Production

Dipropylene glycol is produced as a byproduct of the manufacture of propylene glycol.
The United States (US) production capacity of dipropylene glycol (i.e., byproductproduction capacities of propylene glycol plants) was 131 million pounds (60 thousand
tonnes) in 1998. The US Domestic demand in 1998 was 108 million pounds (49 thousand
tonnes). In 1998, dipropylene glycol was produced in the US by The Dow Chemical
Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Huntsman Corporation, Lyondell Chemical
Company, and Olin Corporation. (ChemExpo Chemical Profile, 1998). Worldwide
capacity is estimated at 235 million pounds (107 thousand tonnes).
2.2

Use

Dipropylene glycol is used primarily as an industrial intermediate, but is also used as a
substance in consumer products, and as an ingredient in pesticidal formulations. Uses of
dipropylene glycol as a substance capitalize on its superior performance as a plasticizer aswell as properties (e.g., high solvency, high viscosity) that permit dipropylene glycol to
act as a functional ingredient of fluids. The uses of dipropylene glycol are listed in thefollo wing table.
USES OF DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLUSESAPPLICATIONFUNCTION%PRODUCTION

Intermediate
Intermediate
Substance

Specialty plasticizer
Non-reinforced polyesters
Cosmetics and Fragrances

Plasticizer
Resin monomer
Humectant,Emollient
Plasticizer
Resin monomer
Solvent,functional
fluid, coolant

38 %
23 %
10 %

Intermediate
Intermediate
Substance,
Intermediate

Polyurethane polyols
Alkyd resins
Miscellaneous (e.g., dyes &inks, paints & coatings;
functional uses in hydraulicbrake fluids; cutting oils)(Source: ChemExpo Chemical Profile (1998)).

10 %
7 %
14%

The uses listed in the table above have been grouped and assigned a publicly available
percentage of production. The Environmental Defense (ED) Scorecard website (Source:www.scorecard.org). for dipropylene glycol lists 6 consumer product types and 18
pesticidal products containing dipropylene glycol. Data available from the US EPA
indicates that in 2001 there are two pesticidal products containing dipropylene glycol as
an ingredient registered in the US, whereas 20 such products have been registered overtime (Source: California Department of Pesticide Registration website,
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/cgi-bin/epa/chemdet.pl?pccode=068604).

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2.3

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Exposure

As most dipropylene glycol in the US is used in industrial applications, occupational
exposures via the dermal or inhalation route present a potential for exposure. In thecommercial service and consumer settings use as a functional fluid (e.g. in hydraulic brakefluids, cutting oils) or as an ingredient in pesticides present a potential for inhalation
exposure in addition to dermal exposure.
In the consumer setting, dermal exposure, and to a lesser degree inhalation exposure are to
be expected where dipropylene glycol is formulated into cosmetic or fragrance products.
DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL EXPOSURE POTENTIAL
POPULATION
Occupational Exposure

ROUTE(S) OF EXPOSURE
DermalInhalation

Consumer

DermalInhalation

SOURCE(S)
Manufacturing
Industrial use as Intermediate
Commercial Service
Cosmetics, fragrances,germicidal products

The use concentration of dipropylene glycol in branded pesticidal products is alsoavailable. This is summarized in the following table.
PESTICIDAL FORMULATI ONS CONTAINING DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL
RANGE OF CONCENTRATION (%)

No. of Brand Name Products

<1

1-5

>5

1

16

1

(Source: EDF Website: www.scorecard.org)

Only two of the 18 branded products shown in the above table currently (May, 2001)
maintain active registrations in the US, and both contain dipropylene glycol in the 1 to 5
percent range.
Exposure of dipropylene glycol from environmental sources is expected to be low. Very
low levels of dipropylene glycol have been reported in drinking water (0.2 and 0.4 ng/l)
and 5 paper mill waste water treatment plants effluents (11 µg/l ). Because of its low
volatility detection of dipropylene glycol in air samples is not expected.

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3. Environment

3.1

Environmental Exposure

Based on the available data, dipropylene glycol is expected to present a low hazard to theenvironment. If released into the environment, it will preferentially partition into water.
Because of its low soil sorption coefficient (Koc ), dipropylene glycol is expected tomobilize if spilled on soil and will not adsorb to particles. Volatility is not expected to bea significant fate process for this material due to its low vapor pressure and high watersolubility. Photodegradation of the material in air or water is also not expected to be asignificant fate process. Once in the environment, dipropylene glycol is capable of being
degraded under aerobic conditions by bacteria present in soil and water. As is typical for
ethers and glycols, dipropylene glycol is hydrolytically stable. Results of theoctanol/water partition coefficient (expressed as log Kow) and from bioaccumulation
studies with carp (MITI, 1992) indicate that dipropylene glycol is not expected tosignificantly accumulate in aquatic organisms (BCF 0.3 to 4.6).
3.2

Environmental Partitioning

Based on the EPIWIN Level III Fugacity Model (Mackay, 1991), dipropylene glycol is expected topartition primarily to water and soil.
Compartment

Percent

Air
Water
Soil
Sediment

0.107
46.1
53.7
0.0768The results predicted by the model are consistent with study data generated on dipropylene glycol.
Based on the low soil sorption coefficient (Koc 3 to 56.2), dipropylene glycol would be expected tomobilize following exposure to soil and would not bind to sediment or soil particles. Mathematicalmodeling of photodegradation gives an estimated atmospheric half-life of 13 hours, supporting themodel results suggesting that the air compartment is not a significant fate process following releaseof dipropylene glycol. Hydrolysis of dipropylene glycol in water and soil is also not expected to be
an important fate process.
Results from biodegradation studies show that dipropylene glycol is biodegraded in water andexpected to be biodegraded in soil. Degradation (>70% in 28 days) was observed when the ZahnWellens test was used (BASF, 1989), but not when the same compound was evaluated in the MITI
test (MITI, 1992). Differences in the technique used to add dipropylene glycol to the test flasks
was an important variable in determining the potential degradation of the test substance under theconditions used in these tests. Additional biodegradation tests with Corynebacterium sp. undervigorous shaking conditions and with soil bacteria confirmed that dipropylene glycol isbiodegradable when contact between the test substance and bacteria is enhanced (Kawai et al.,
1977, 1985). Evaluation of the BOD5/COD plants (Bridie et al., 1979b) and the acute toxicity of
dipropylene glycol to Pseudomonas putida (Claussen, 1993) demonstrate that dipropylene glycol is
not expected to be toxic or to cause a significant oxidative load to wastewater treatment
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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

3.3 Effects on the Environment
Based on a combination of test data, quantitative structure activity relationship analysis(QSAR), and data on analogs (propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol), dipropylene glycol
presents a low hazard concern for the environment. Representative results for dipropylene
glycol include:
Organism

Duration

LC 50 /EC 50(hrs.)(mg/l)

24>5,000Bridie et al., 1979a

48

5,300

48

3,181

Nishiuchi, 1984
DeZwart and Slooff, 1987

18

1,000

Claussen, 1993

SourceFishCarassium auratus
Amphibians
Rana brevipoda porosa
Xenopus laevis
Bacteria

Pseudomonas putida(EC1 0 )Toxicity predictions using QSAR support the general conclusions of low toxicity. QSAR
predictions for dipropylene glycol based on SARs (chemical class = alcohol ether) for neutral
organic chemicals include:
Fish 96-hour LC50
Daphnid 48-hour LC50
Green algal 96-hour LC50
Fish chronic value (ChV)
Daphnid ChV
Algal ChV

>10,000 mg/l
>10,000 mg/l
>10,000 mg/l
>1,000 mg/l
470 mg/l
340 mg/l

Toxicity values for the analogs propylene glycol and tripropylene glycol also support the expectedlack of aquatic toxicity, with fish LC50 values of >46,000 mg/l and >1,000 mg/l, invertebrate EC50
values of 10,000 mg/l and > 1,000 mg/l and aquatic plant EC50 values of 19,000 mg/l and >1,000
mg/l for propylene glycol and tripropylene glycol, respectively. Although chronic study data for
dipropylene glycol are not available, QSAR predictions suggest that this test substance will notcause chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms. Published studies are not available on the effects ofdipropylene glycol on terrestrial organisms or plants, however, little effect is expected, sincedipropylene glycol degrades in soil, has very low bioaccumulation potential, and is of low toxicity
to aquatic organisms.
Based on the QSAR data for Daphnia and algal toxicity, and the measured data for fish andamphibians, dipropylene glycol is not expected to be toxic to aquatic organisms except at very highconcentrations. Using an assessment factor of 100 and the goldfish (Carassius auratus) data (LC 50>5,000 mg/l), a predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) of >50 mg/l is obtained. Using theclawed toad (Xenopus laevis) data (LC50 3,181 mg/l), and an assessment factor of 100, the PNEC is
32 mg/l.

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4.

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Human Health

4.1 Toxicity Studies
4.1.1.

Acute Toxicity

Dipropylene glycol is not acutely toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure. Acuteoral toxicity has been examined in the rat, mouse, and guinea pig and the reported LD50s
were 15.8 ml/kg (16000 mg/kg), >2000 mg/kg and 17600 mg/kg, respectively. The study
that provides the best documentation of design and results was reported by Spanjers andTil, 1980. The authors dosed 5 groups of animals with graded amounts of dipropylene
glycol. There was no indication of clinical signs in the report, but the necropsy
examination after death or at the end of the 14-day observation period was reported tohave found no gross alterations of the internal organs. The authors determined an LD50
for the study of 15.8 ml/kg (approximately 16000 mg/kg). In a study designed to assess
micronuclei, 6 male mice received two consecutive daily doses of dipropylene glycol via
oral gavage; survivors were terminated 24 hours later. There were no deaths in the study;
therefore, the LD 50 for this study was >2000 mg/kg (Dow, 1999).
Dipropylene glycol vapor and aerosol has been examined for acute inhalation toxicity. An
aerosol atmosphere of 6000 to 8000 mg/m3 dipropylene glycol was not lethal to rats orguinea pigs (Oettel and Hofmann, 1961), but vaporized degradation products produced byheating dipropylene glycol to 170 °C was lethal to 5 of 6 rats exposed for 8 hours. No
mortality occurred from vapors generated at 120°C. Pathologic abnormalities were notobserved in any of the animals (Oettel and Hofmann, 1961).
Dipropylene glycol did not produce deaths when administered to the skin of animals.
Rabbits that were reportedly administered 5000 and 20000 mg/kg dipropylene glycol totheir skin did not die from the treatment (BIBRA, 1991; Opdyke, 1978; Deichman andGerarde, 1969). Details of these studies are not available.
Based on the above acute data, dipropylene glycol is practically non-toxic by the oral,
inhalation and dermal routes.
4.1.2.

Irritation and Sensitization

Dipropylene glycol is slightly irritating to the skin and eyes. Dipropylene glycol was
described as slightly irritating to rabbit skin in a report that did not provide details on test
conditions or results (BIBRA, 1991). Similar minimal skin effects were seen in a humanvolunteer study where 0.2 ml of 25% dipropylene glycol in water was applied semiocclusively to 33 subjects for 24 hours. Nine subjects had mild erythema at either 30
minutes or 24 hours; two had mild erythema at both 30 minutes and 24 hours. Twenty-two
subjects had no reaction after 30 minutes or 24 hours (Acklin and Plaza, 1995).
Dipropylene glycol was reported to be mildly irritating when it was placed full strength in
rabbit eyes, but only transient eye irritation was reported from a formulation containing
7.2% dipropylene glycol (BIBRA, 1991). The details of the study were not provided.
Dipropylene glycol appears to have low potential to produce allergic skin reactions. There
are no experimental animal studies reported, but there is a human clinical study. A
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13OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

dermatology clinic tested 503 (212 men, 291 women) consecutive patients with eczema forsensitivity to dipropylene glycol, using 1 to 10% dipropylene glycol applied for 2 days.
This was not a standard sensitization test because there was no specific induction phaseand the subjects at the onset of the study were not clinically normal. One individual was
found to be sensitized; 22 had questionable erythema; and 480 were unreactive (Johansen
et al., 1995).
4.1.3.

Repeated Dose Toxicity

The available information indicates that dipropylene glycol has a low order of repeatedexposure toxicity. Dipropylene glycol repeatedly administered at very high doses
produced lethality, kidney damage, and apparent neurobehavioral changes in laboratory
animals. Dipropylene glycol was administered at 10% in the drinking water of twenty fiverats for 9 to 68 days. Seven animals died between days 10 and 30; five had kidney lesions
described as hydropic degeneration of renal epithelium. Four of the 18 animals thatsurvived to termination also had kidney lesions. The severity of kidney lesions was notreported. No effects were seen in seven rats given dipropylene glycol in the drinking
water at 1 to 5% for 33 to 77 days (Kesten et al., 1939). Interpretation of this study isdifficult due to the very high doses administered (10%). Under current guidelines,
materials are not normally administered at greater than 5% in diet or drinking water
because of concerns about interference with normal nutrition. Thus in this study, it can
not be discerned whether these effects were directly related to dipropylene glycol or tonutritional imbalance; however, the NOAEL was established to be >5% in the drinking
water.
In another study, investigators administered dipropylene glycol at 12% of the diet to rats
for 15 weeks. The purpose of the study was to compare effects of dipropylene glycol withpropylene glycol on running behavior. Administration of dipropylene glycol at 12% in thediet resulted in decreased running activity (van Winkle and Kennedy, 1940). The
magnitude and temporal nature (relative to daily dosing and over the course of the study)
to the changes in running behavior were not reported. The lack of details on study design,assessment method, and results limit the interpretation of this study.
There is a study of dogs that received multiple doses of dipropylene glycol over the apparent courseof a couple of days. Dipropylene glycol was administered to dogs by gavage as follows: one dog
received 6 doses of 1.5 cc/kg/dose (9 cc/kg); two dogs received 6 doses of 2.0 cc/kg/dose (12cc/kg), and one dog received 4 doses of 5 cc/kg/dose (20 cc/kg). Based on the density of
dipropylene glycol, these administered dosages are approximately equivalent to total doses of 9400,
12500, and 20800 mg/kg. Frequency of administration was not stated, but it was probably 3 times
per day. Emesis and recovery was observed in one dog of the middle dose. No deaths and no othersigns of toxicity were observed in any of the dogs (Hanzlik et al., 1939). The design limitations of
the study hamper its applicability to the repeated exposure hazard characterization for dipropylene
glycol.
In a study that was designed to assess effects of dipropylene glycol on the development ofoffspring to dams, investigators exposed pregnant rats to dipropylene glycol on gestation
days 6 to 15. At 2000 mg/kg/day and above, some rats died and there were signs of
toxicity as well as reduced body weight, food consumption and increased water
consumption. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity was 800 mg/kg/day. In pregnant rabbits
exposed on gestation days 6-19, no maternal toxicity was seen; hence, the NOAEL for the
study was 1200 mg/kg/day (Bates et al., 1992a; 1992b).
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A repeat exposure/reproductive screen study was conducted on tripropylene glycol, whichis rapidly converted to dipropylene glycol in vivo . Males and females exposed by gavage
to tripropylene glycol for 14 days at 1000 mg/kg/day had increased liver weights; thus thestudy NOAEL was 200 mg/kg/day (Tanaka e t a l., year not reported).
The available data from repeated dosing studies indicate toxic effects only at very highdoses of dipropylene glycol. The studies are summarized below:
SpeciesTreatment

NOAEL/LOAEL(mg/kg bw/day)
5% in drinking water;
data do not permit
calculation in terms of
mg/kg/dayRat

1% - 10% in
drinking waterfor 9-77 d

Rat

12% in feed for
15 weeks

Not established

Dog

Total dose of 9,
12 or 20 cc/kg
divided among
multiple doses

9400

Rat

800 mg/kg/day

Rabbit

800, 2000, and5000 mg/kg/day
days 6 -15 ofgestation
200, 400, 800,
and 1200
mg/kg/day days
6-19 ofgestation

4.1.4.

Genotoxicity

1200

Comments

SourceSome animals from 10%
exposure group died ;some had hydropic
degeneration of tubule
epithelium in kidneys.
Decreased running
activity after 15 weeks.

Kesten etal., 1939

One of two dogs dosed
at 12 cc/kg (12500
mg/kg) had emesis, but
recovered. No otherindication of toxicity instudy.
Deaths, reduced foodconsumption and bodyweight at two higher
doses
No adverse effects seen.

van Winkle
andKennedy,
1940
Hanzlik etal., 1939

Bates etal., 1992a

Bates etal., 1992b

Dipropylene glycol is not toxic to genetic material based on in vitro and in vivo study
findings. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted Ames assays of dipropylene
glycol using S9 from livers of rats and hamsters induced by feeding of Aroclor 1254, andwithout metabolic activation, using strains TA98, TA100, TA 1535 and TA1537. It was astandard plate assay with concentrations of dipropylene glycol up to 10000 µg/plate.
Tables of revertants at each dose level were not provided, but the results werecharacterized by NCI as negative (CCRIS, 2001). Similarly NCI conducted a mouse
lymphoma assay of dipropylene glycol using L5178 (TK+/TK-) cells. Testing was
conducted with and without metabolic activation using S9 from livers of rats fed Aroclor
1254. Concentrations of dipropylene glycol were 29-60 µl/ml without metabolic
activation and 30-50 µl/ml with activation. Detailed results were not provided, but werecharacterized by NCI as negative (CCRIS, 2001).
Male CD -1 mice (6 per treatment group) were treated by gavage with 0, 500, 1000, or
2000 mg/kg/day dipropylene glycol for 2 consecutive days. Cyclophosphamide (120mg/kg) was administered as a positive control. Bone marrow was isolated and stained for
examination of 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) for the presence of micronuclei.
The number of cells with micronuclei ranged from 1.3 to 2.8 cells/2000 PCE in the treatedand negative controls groups (Dow, 1999). None of the treated groups had significantly
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

more micronuclei than the controls or a change in the percentage of PCEs. In contrast,
cyclophosphamide caused 40 micronuclei/2000 PCE, indicating the assay was sufficiently
sensitive to detect induction of micronuclei by a known clastogen.
4.1.5.

Carcinogenicity

Dipropylene glycol has not been tested specifically for carcinogenicity; however, based on
the results of a cancer bioassay of propylene glycol (to which dipropylene glycol is
rapidly converted), dipropylene glycol is not expected to have carcinogenic potential.
Propylene glycol was administered in the diet of male and female Crl:CD rats at
concentrations of 0, 6250, 12500, 25000, and 50000 ppm for 104 weeks. No increases intumor incidence were found in the treated rats compared to the controls. Daily exposure
to propylene glycol in the high-dose group was calculated at 1700 to 2100 mg/kg/day(Gaunt e t a l., 1972).
4.1.6.

Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity

No reproduction studies have been conducted for dipropylene glycol; however the
structural analogues tripropylene glycol and propylene glycol have been teste d for
reproductive effects and no effects on fertility and reproductive performance were foundat doses that did not result in maternal toxicity. The negative reproductive findings fortripropylene glycol and propylene glycol support an expected similar lack of reproductive
toxicity for dipropylene glycol because the metabolism data demonstrates that
tripropylene glycol is rapidly hydrolyzed to dipropylene glycol, which is further rapidlyhydrolyzed to propylene glycol.
Tripropylene glycol was administered by gavage from premating through day 3 oflactation at doses of 0, 8, 40, 200, and 1000 mg/kg/day to groups of 12 male and 12
female Crj:CD rats. There was no effect on paternal body weight, food consumption,
hematology, clinical chemistry, necropsy or histopathology. Males and females thatreceived 1000 mg/kg/day had increased liver weights and males also had increased kidneyweights. The NOAEL for parental effects was 200 mg/kg/day. There were no differencesin estrus cycle, mating, pregnancy rate, length of gestation, gestation index, mean litter
size, mean live litter size, pup survival through day 4, sex ratio, or external abnormalities.
The NOAEL for reproduction and developmental effects was >1000 mg/kg/day (Tanaka eta l., year not reported).
In a continuous breeding study in mice, propylene glycol was administered at 0, 1, 2.5 and
5% in the drinking water of male and female CD-1 mice for 7 days premating and through98 additional days of cohabitation. Estimated daily doses were: 1800, 4800 and 10100
mg/kg/day. The outcome of the study was that no adverse effects were found in the F0, F1
or F2 generation animals or in their ability to reproduce (Morrissey et al., 1989).
Developmental toxicity has been studied for dipropylene glycol using rats and rabbits.
These studies found no differences in developmental parameters between exposed andcontrol animals when dipropylene glycol was administered to rats at up to 5000 mg/kg/day
days 6-15 of gestation or to rabbits at up to 1200 mg/kg/day days 6-19 of gestation.
Dipropylene glycol was administered to groups of 26 or 27 pregnant Crl:CD rats by
gavage at doses of 800, 2000 or 5000 mg/kg/day on days 6-15 of gestation. Dams were
necropsied on gestation day 20. One dam at 2000 mg/kg/day and two dams at 5000
mg/kg/day died prior to termination. At 2000 and 5000 mg/kg/day ataxia, unstable gait
16

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

and piloerection were seen in the dams. At 5000 mg/kg/day, dams also had reduced bodyweight gain, reduced food consumption and increased water consumption. Dipropylene
glycol did not affect resorptions, number of live fetuses, sex ratio, fetal weight, or skeletal
or visceral abnormalities or variations (Bates et al., 1992a).
Dipropylene glycol was administered to groups of 24 pregnant New Zealand White rabbits
by gavage at doses of 200, 400, 800, or 1200 mg/kg/day on days 6-19 of gestation. Dams
were necropsied on gestation day 30. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity,although mortality was seen in a preliminary study at 800 and 1500 mg/kg/day.
Dipr opylene glycol did not affect resorptions, number of live fetuses, sex ratio, fetal
weight, or skeletal or visceral abnormalities or variations (Bates et al., 1992b).
The following NOAELS and LOAELS were obtained :SpeciesTreatment
mg/kg bw/dTreatment
periodRat

800, 2000,
5000
200, 400,
800, 1200

G D 6-15

LOAEL
2000

NOAEL
800

LOAEL
NA

NOAEL
>5000

G D 6-19

NA

>1200

NA

>1200

RabbitMaternal

Fetal

Thus based on reproduction studies with tripropylene glycol and propylene glycol anddevelopmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits with dipropylene glycol, dipropylene
glycol represents a low hazard potential for developmental or reproductive effects inhumans.
4.1.7.

Toxicokinetics

Dipropylene glycol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed it isreadily converted into propylene glycol, which is further converted to lactic and pyruvic
acids. These acids are normal body constituents and are further broken down to carbon
dioxide and water or incorporated into glycogen. Propylene glycol that is not metabolized
is excreted into the urine. These conclusions are drawn from a metabolism study of
tripropylene glycol and propylene glycol (Dow, 1995). 14C -Labelled tripropylene glycol
was administered by gavage to male F344 rats; exhaled air, urine and feces were collected
for 24 hours. After 24 hours the animals were sacrificed for collection of blood, liver,kidney, fat, brain, muscle, and the remaining carcass. 73% of administered dose wasrecovered as CO 2 (21%) or urinary metabolites (53%); 10% remained in the tissues. The
urine contained 13 %, 8%, and 4% of administered dose as tripropylene glycol +tripropylene glycol conjugates, dipropylene glycol + dipropylene glycol conjugates, andpropylene glycol + propylene glycol conjugates, respectively. When propylene glycol was
similarly administered, only urine was collected. 12% of the administered dose was foundin the urine. This study demonstrates that tripropylene glycol is rapidly metabolized todipropylene glycol which is further metabolized to propylene glycol to lactic and pyruvic
acids which either enter the citric acid cycle with exhaled CO2 as a byproduct of energy
production, or are incorporated into tissue components such as glycogen.

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OECD SIDS
5.

5.1

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusions

Commercial dipropylene glycol (CAS # 25265-71-8; (CH 3 -CHOH-CH 2 O-CH 2 -CHOHCH 3 ) is composed of 3 isomers and is typically 98% pure. The commercial product istypically composed of up to 48% isomer 110-98-5. Dipropylene glycol is produced as a
byproduct of the manufacture of propylene glycol. The US production capacity of
dipropylene glycol was 131 million pounds (60 thousand tonnes) in 1998. Dipropylene
glycol is used as both a reactive intermediate and as a solvent. Reactive intermediate end
uses in the US include: plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane polyols,
and alkyd resins. Solvent end uses in the US include: cosmetics, pesticides and functional
fluids: specialty deicers, inks, lubricants.
Dipropylene glycol is a liquid at room temperature, it has a low vapor pressure, and is
miscible with water. Releases to the environment are expected to partition primarily towater and soil where they will be degraded. It is not expected to bioaccumulate due to
BCFs measured at 0.3 to 4.6. Testing in aquatic species showed a low hazard concern.
PNECs of >50 mg/L were obtained from a fish LC 50 of 5000 mg/l and 32 mg/l from aclawed toad ( Xenopus laevis) LC 50 of 3181 mg/l. The mammalian acute toxicity of
dipropylene glycol is low, with values around 16000 mg/kg reported in tests in rats.
Dipropylene glycol is only minimally irritating to the skin and eye. It appears to have low
potential to produce allergic skin reactions, as only 1 of 503 patients with eczema reacted
to dipropylene glycol. Longer-term studies of dipropylene glycol and the structural
analogues, propylene glycol and tripropylene glcyol, demonstrate a low concern forchronic, reproductive, and developmental effects. Dipropylene glycol is not genotoxic
and not expected to be carcinogenic.

5.2

Recommendations

The chemical is currently a low priority for further work.

18

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6.

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

References
Acklin, A., and Plaza, M.E. (1995). Evaluation of Primary Irritation Potential in
Humans. Hill Top Research, Inc. Report No. 94-1373-70. Submitted to The Dow
Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan.
BASF. (1989). Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt com Juli 1989, BASF
Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.
Bates, K.H. et al. (1992a). Final Report on the Developmental Toxicity of Dipropylene
Glycol (CAS-No. 25265-71-8) in Sprague-Dawley (CD) Rats. National Toxicology
Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92 -196179.
Bates, K.H. et al. (1992b). Final Report on the Developmental Toxicity of Dipropylene
Glycol (CAS-No. 25265-71-8) in New Zealand White Rabbits. National Toxicology
Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92 -238294.
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991). Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research Association,
1-4.
Bridie, A.L. et al. (1979b). BOD and COD of some petrochemicals. Water Res . 13,
627-630.
Bridie, A.L., Wolff, C.J.M., Winter, M. (1979a). The acute toxicity of somepetrochemicals to goldfish. Water Res. 13, 623-626.
CCRIS (Chemical Carcinogenesis Research Information System from National Cancer Institute).
Dipropylene glycol; available online through ToxNet, listing on 4/25/01 at
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?CCRIS.
CDPR (California Department of Pesticide Registration). (2001). Available online at
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/cgi-bin/epa/chemdet.pl?pccode=068604.
ChemExpo Chemical Profile of Dipropylene Glycol (1998). Available online at
http://www.chemexpo.com/news/PROFILE980720.cfm
Claussen, T. (1993). Dipropylene Glycol. Determination of the Acute Toxicity to
Pseudomonas putida. Unpublished report, The Dow Chemical Company, Horgen,
Switzerland.
De Zwart, D., Slooff, W. (1987). Toxicity of mixtures of heavy metals andpetrochemicals to Xenopus laevis. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 38: 345-351.
Deichmann, W.B., Gerarde, H.W. (1969). Acute toxicity of glycols. Toxicology ofDrugs and Chemicals , 4. AFL., Academic Press, New York, 731.
The Dow Chemical Company. (1995). Metabolism of tripropylene glycol in rats.
Unpublished report, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, pp. 1-36.
The Dow Chemical Company. (1999). Evaluation of dipropylene glycol in the mousebone marrow micronucleus test. Unpublished report, The Dow Chemical Company,
Midland, Michigan.
Gaunt, I.F., Carpanini, F.M.B., Grasso, P., Lansdown, A.B.G. (1972). Long-term
toxicity of propylene glycol in rats. Fd. Cosmet. Toxicol.10, 151 – 162.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Hanzlik, P.J. et al. (1939). Toxicity, fats and excretion of propylene glycol and otherglycols. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap . 65: 101-113.
Johansen, J.D., Jemec, G.B.E., Rastogi, S.C. (1995). Contact sensitization to
dipropylene glycol in an eczema population. Contact Dermatitis. 33: 211-212.
Kawai, F., Hanada, K., Tani, Y., Ogata, K. (1977). Bacterial degradation of waterinsoluble polymer (polypropylene glycol). J. Ferment. Technol. 55: 89-96.
Kawai, F., Okamoto, T., Suzuki, T. (1985). Aerobic degradation of polypropylene
glycol by corynebacterium sp. J. Ferment. Technol. 63: 239-244.
Kesten, H.D. et al. (1939). Pathologic effects of certain glycols and related
compounds. Archives of Pathology 27: 447-465.
Mackay, D. (1991). Multimedia Environmental Models, Chelsea, Lewis Publishers,
185-227.
MITI (1992). Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing institute Japan:
Data of existing chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry
Ecology-Toxicology and Information Center, 2-56.
Morrissey, R.E., Lamb, J.C., Morris, R.W., Chapin, R.E., Gulati, D.K., Heindel, J.J.
(1989). Results and evaluations of 48 continuous breeding reproduction studies
conducted in mice. Fund. Appl. Toxicol. 13, 747 – 777.
Nishiuchi, K. (1984). Toxicity of agrochemicals to freshwater organisms. CIII.
Solvents. Suisan Zoshoku - The Aquiculture Japan 31: 115-119.
Oettel, H., Hofmann, H .T. (1961). Dipropylene Glycol. Report of Acute Inhalation of
Dipropylene Glycol n Rats and Guinea Pigs. BASF internal report, 2 pages.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978). Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16, Suppl.
In: Monographs on Fragrance of Raw Materials, 729-730.
Spanjers, M.T., Til, H.P. (1980). Determination of the acute oral toxicity of
dipropylene glycol in rats. Unpublished report, The Dow Chemical Company, Horgen,
Switzerland.
Tanaka, N., Yamakage, K., Kusakabe, H., Hashimoto, K., Shibuya, T., Hara, T., Kato,
M., Ishihara, N. (no date). Toxicity studies with tripropylene glycol. Research Report;
Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan,
pp. 253-276.
Van Winkle, W. jr., Kennedy, N.K. (1940). Voluntary activity of rats fed propylene
glycol and other glycols. J.Pharmac. exp. Ther. 69: 140.

20

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLESIDS DOSSIER

Dipropylene glycol, mixed isomers anddominant isomer (DPG)(CAS No. 25265-71-8 and
110-98-5)

Sponsor Country: U.S.A.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

1.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.01

SUBSTANCE INFORMATIONA.

CAS-Number:

25265 -71-8 and 110 -98-5

B.

Name (IUPAC name)dipropylene glycol, mixed isomers and dominant isomerstructural isomers (as mixture in the technical product):(1) 2,2'-dihydroxydiisopropropylether (CAS-No.: 108-61-2);(2) 2,2'-dihydroxydipropylether (CAS-No.: 110 -98-5);(3) 2-hydroxypropyl-2'-hydroxyisopropylether (CAS-No.: 106-62-7);

C.

Name (OECD name):

DPG

D.

CAS Descriptor

E.

EINECS-Number

F.

Molecular FormulaC 6H 14 O 3G.

Structural FormulaC H 3 -C HOH -C H 2 O-CH 2 -C H O H -CH 3

H.

Substance GroupI.

Substance Remark

J.

Molecular Weight

1.02

OECD INFORMATIONA.

Sponsor Country:
B.

U.S.A.

Lead Organisation:
Name of Sponsor Country: United States of America
Contact point:
Oscar Hernandez
EPA/Office of Toxic Substances RAD (7403M)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460
Telephone: (202) 564 -7649
Fax: (202)-564 -7450

Name of Lead Organisation:
Contact per son:
Address:

22

American Chemistry Council Propylene Glycol Ethers Panel
Anne LeHuray.
American Chemistry Council
1300 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
U.S.A.
Tel: 703-741-5630
Fax: 703-741-6091
Email:LeHuray_Anne@americanchemistry.com

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

1.1

GENERAL SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

A.

Type of SubstanceB.

Physical State (at 20°C and 1.013 hPa)gaseous [ ]; liquid [ X ]; solid [ ]C.

Purity (indicate the percentage by weight/weight)

1.2

SYNONYMS :element [ ]; inorganic [ ]; natural substance [ ]; organic [ X ];organometalic [ ]; petroleum product [ ]1,1' -Oxybis-2-propanol; 1,1' -Oxydi-2-propanol; 2,2'Dihydroxydipropylether; Bis(2 -hydroxypropyl)ether; Di-1,2propylenglycol; dipropylene glycol; dipropyleneglycol2-(2hydroxypropoxy)-1-propanol (CAS No. 108-61-2)
2,2’oxybis - 1- propanol (CAS No. 106- 62- 7)

1.3

IMPURITIES

1.4

ADDITIVES

1.5

QUANTITY
Dipropylene glycol is produced as a byproduct of the manufacture of
propylene glycol. The United States (US) production capacity of
dipropylene glycol (i.e., byproduct production capacities of propylene
glycol plants) was 131 million pounds (60 thousand tonnes) in 1998. The
US Domestic demand in 1998 was 108 million pounds (49 thousand
tonnes). In 1998, dipropylene glycol was produced in the US by The Dow
Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Huntsman Corporation,
Lyondell Chemical Company, and Olin Corporation. (ChemExpo Chemical
Profile, 1998). Worldwide capacity is estimated at 235 million pounds(107 thousand tonnes).

1.6

LABELLING AND CLASSIFICATION
LabellingType:
Specific limits:
Symbols:
Nota:
R-phrases:
S-phrases:
Text of S-phrases:
Remarks:
Classification
Type:
Category of danger:
R-phrases:
Remarks:

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

1.7

USE PATTERNA.

GeneralType of Use:
USES OF DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLUSESAPPLICATIONFUNCTION% PRODUCTION

Intermediate
Intermediate
Substance

Specialty plasticizer
Non -reinforced polyesters
Cosmetics and Fragrances

Plasticizer
Resin monomer
Humectant,Emollient
Plasticizer
Resin monomer
Solvent,functional fluid,
coolant

38 %
23 %
10 %

Intermediate
Intermediate
Substance,
Intermediate

Polyurethane polyols
Alkyd resins
Miscellaneous (e.g., dyes & inks,
paints & coatings; functional uses
in hydraulic brake fluids; cutting
oils)(Source: ChemExpo Chemical Profile (1998)).

B.

10 %
7 %
14%

Uses in Consumer Products
Cosmetics, fragrances, germicidal products
The use concentration of dipropylene glycol in branded pesticidal products is also availabl e. Thisis summarized in the following table.

PESTICIDAL FORMULATIONS CONTAINING DIPRO PYLENE GLYCOL
RANGE OF CONCENTRATION (%)

No. of Brand Name Products

<1

1-5

>5

1

16

1

(Source: EDF Website: www.scorecard.org)

1.8

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUE

1.9

SOURCES OF EXPOSURE(a)Media of release:
Source:Remarks:
Reference:(b)
Media of release:
Source:Remarks:
Reference:

24

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

1.10

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

A.

Options for disposal
Remarks:
Reference:B.

Other remarks

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OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

2.

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA

2.1

MELTING POINT
Value
MethodGLP:= - 39 degree C – pour point

Reference:

2.2

No data
Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980): Glycols. Kirk Othmer Ency clopedia of Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. Auf 1., John Wiley &Sons, New York, ISBN -0-471-02063 -8; 933-956.
Hommel, G. (1983): Dipropyleneglycol. Handbuch der gefaehrlichen Gueter, 3ueberarb. Auflage, Springer Verlag, Berlin, Merkblatt 478.

BOILING POINT
Value= 222.2 - 225.7 degree C
Pressure:1013 hPa
Decomposition
GLP:
No data
Reference:
Sexton, A.R.; Britton, E.C. (1953): Synthesis and identification of dipropylene
glycol isomers. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 75: 4357-4358.
Value= 232 degree C
Pressure
Decomposition
GLP:
No data
Reference:
Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980): Glycols. Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. Auf 1., John Wiley &Sons, New York, ISBN -0-471-02063 -8; 933-956.
Value=
Pressure
Decomposition
GLP:
Reference:

2.3

26

233 degree C

No data
Hawley, G.G. (1981): Dipropylene Glycol.
Hawley, G.G.: The Condensed
Chemical Dictionary, 10. Auflage, New York: van Nostrand Reinhold, 383.

DENSITY
Value =
Temperature:
GLP:
Reference:

1.023 g/cm 3
20 degree C
No dataElm, R.; Falbe, J.; Hahn, H.-D., Gelbke, H.-P. (1980): Propandiole. Ullmanns
Enzyklopaedie der technischen Chemie, 4. neubearb. u. er. AFL. Band 19, Verlag
Chemie, Wenham. 427-432.

Value =
Temperature:
GLP:
Reference:

1.0252 g/cm3
20 degree C
No data
Browning, E. (1965): Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial
solvents, Elsevier Verlag, Amsterdam, 653 -655.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2.4

2.5

2.6

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

VAPOUR PRESSURE
Value =
Temperature:
GLP:<.01 hPa
20 degree C
No data

Reference:

Browning, E. (1965): Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial
solvents, Elsevier Verlag, Amsterdam, 653 -655.

Value =
Temperature:
GLP:<.013 hPa
20 degree C
No data

Reference:

Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980): Glycols. Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. AFL., John Wiley &Sons, New York, ISBN 0-471 -02063-8; 933-956.

Value =
Temperature:
GLP:.05 hPa
21 degree C
No data

Refe rence:

DOW (1991a): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juni 1991,
DOW Deutschland Inc., Frankfurt, 5 S.

PARTITION COEFFICIENT log 10Pow
log Pow =Temperature
GLP:-1.486degree C
No data

Reference:

Battersby, R.V. (1993c): Berechnung eines Verteilungs - koeffizienten fuer
Dipropylenglykol. Schriftliche Mitteilung vom 18.10.1993, IBR Forschungs
GmbH, Hannover, 9S.

log Pow =Temperature
GLP:

-.687
degree C
No data

Reference:

Pomona College, Medicinal Chemistry Project (1987): Dipropylene glycol.
MedChem Software Manual, Release 3.52, Medicinal Chemistry Project, Pomona
College, Claremont.

WATER SOLUBILITY
Described as miscible
GLP:
No data
Reference:
Reference:

DOW (1991): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juni 1991,
DOW Deutschland Inc., Frankfurt, 5 S.
Elm, R.; Falbe, J.; Hahn, H.-D.; Gelbke, H.-P. (1980): Propandiole. Ullmanns
Enzyklopaedie der technischen chemie, 4. neubearb. u. er. AFL. Band 19,
Verlag Chemie, Wenham, 427 -432.

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OECD SIDS
2.7

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

FLASH POINT (liquids)
Value =Type:
GLP:
Method:118 degree C
otherNo data
ASTM D56.

Reference:

Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980): Glycols. Kirk- Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. AFL., John Wiley & sons, New York,ISBN 0-471-02063-8; 933-956.
120 degree C
closed cup
No data
DIN 51758

Value =Type:
GLP:
Method:Reference:

Elm, R.; Falbe, J.; Hahn, H.-D.; Gelbke, H.-P. (1980): Propandiole. Ullmanns
Enzyklopaedie der technischen Chemie, 4. neubearb. u. er. AFL. Band 19,
Verlag Chemie, Wenham, 427 -432.

Value =Type:
GLP:
Method:121 degree C
closed cup
No dataPensky Martens

Reference:

DOW (1991a): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt com Juni 1991, DOW
Deutschland Inc., Frankfurt, 5 S.
138 degree C
otherNo dataother

Value =Type:
GLP:
Method:Reference:

Hommel, G. (1983): Dipropylenglykol. Handbuch der gefaehrlichen Gueter, 3.
Ueberarb. Auflage, Springer Verlag, Berline, Merkblatt 478.
Merck (1992): Dipropyleneglycol.
1992/93 - Merck-Katalog, 522.

2.8

2.9

AUTO FLAMMABILITY (solid/gases)
Value =
Pressure
GLP:

371 degree C

Reference:

Material Safety Data Sheet, Arco Chemical Company, 1993

No data

FLAMMABILITY
No data

2.10

EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIESNo data28

Reagenzien, Diagnostica, Chemikalien

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2.11

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLEOXIDIZING PROPERTIESNo data

2.12

ADDITIONAL REMARKS
Remarks:

No additional remarks

2.13

ADDITIONAL DATA

A.

Partition co-efficient between soil/sediment and water (Kd)
Value:
Method:GLP:
Remarks:
Reference:B.

No studies located

Other data
Results:
Remarks:
Reference:

No studies located

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

29

OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

3.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

3.1

STABILITY

3.1.1

PHOTODEGRADATION
(a)
Type:
Air [ X ]; Water [ ]; Soil [ ]; Other [ ]Light source:
Sun light [ ]; Xenon lamp [ ]; Other [ X ]Light spectrum:
Relative intensity:
Concentration of Substance: molecule/cm3
Temperature:
Direct photolysis:
Half life:
Degradation:
Quantum yield:
Method:GLP:Test substance:
Remarks:
Result:Reference:

13 hours

calculated [ ]; measured [ ]OtherYes [ ] No [ ] ? [ x ]The rate constant for the reaction of DPG with photochemically induced
OH radicals was calculated by a mathematical model (AOP) to a value of
29.7 x 10 - 11 cm 3/molecule x sec at a temperature of 25 degrees C. This
results in an atmospheric half life of ca. 13 hours at an atm osphericconcentration of 5 x 105 OH radicals per cm 3 .
AOP (1992): Atmospheric Oxidation Program, Version 1.5. An
Adaptation of the Atkinson Estimation Methodology, Syracuse Research
Corporation, Syracuse.

Type:
Air [ ]; Water [X]; Soil [ ]; Other [ ]Rel. Intens.
.. based on Intensity of Sunlight
Spectrum of Substancelambda (max) nm
epsilon (max)Test condition:
Rate Constant
cm 3 /(molecule*sec)
GLP:no dataRate constant:
Remark:According to the V -spectrum of DPG (i.e., no relevant UV absorption
above 290 nm) only a minimal tendency for direct photolysis can be
expected.
Reference:
BUA report (1994): Dipropylenglykol.

3.1.2

STABILITY IN WATER
Remark:Reference:30

Ethers and glycols are generally regarded as resistant towards hydrolysis.
Therefore, DPG is not expected to undergo hydrolysis underenvironmentally relevant conditions.
Lyman, W.J. (1982); Adsorption coefficient for soils and sediments.
Lyman W.J.; Reehl, W.F.; Rosenblatt, D.H. (publisher): Handbook ofchemical property estimation methods. Environmental behavior of
Organic Compounds, New York, McGraw -Hill, 4.1 - 4.33.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3.1.3

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLESTABILITY IN SOIL
No data available

3.2

MONITORING DATA (ENVIRONMENT)
Mediumother: drinking water

RemarkIn a study on drinking water and waste water in Ohio (USA) during 1978 1980, DPG was found in samples of drinking water at concentrations
between 0.2 and 0.4 ng/L.

Reference:

Lin, D.D.D.; Melton, R.G.; Kopfler, F.C.; Lucas, S.V. (1981); Glasscapillary gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of organic
Mediumother: effluent from waste water treatment plant

Remark:A study on the priority pollutants found in the effluent of 5 paper mill waste water
treatment plants in USA and Canada revealed a DPG concentration of 11 µg/l inthe effluent of one of the plants. It was not detected in the influent stream nor in
the untreated waste stream.

Reference:

Turoski, V.E.; Woltman, D.L.; Vincent, B.F. (1983): Determination of organic
priority pollutants in the paper industry by GC/MS. Tappi J. 66: 89 -90.

Mediumother:

RemarkThe occurrence of DPG in ground water samples taken in the vicinity of a landfill
in Norman, Oklahoma (USA) was demonstrated qualitatively in a study performed
during 1972-1973.
Dunlap, W.J.; Shew, D.C. (1976); Organic pollutants contributed to ground waterby a landfill. U.S. EPA, EPA - 600/9 -76-004 PB - 251161, 96 -110.
concentrates from drinking and advanced waste treatment water. Advances in theidentification and analysis of organic pollutants in water/ Keith, L.H. (Publisher) Vol 2 - Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Collingwood, ISBN 0-250 -40398-6, 861 906.

Reference:ground water

3.3

TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARTMENTS
INCLUDING ESTIMATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS AND
DISTRIBUTION PATHWAYS

3.3.1

TRANSPORT BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARTMENTS
Type:
Adsorption [X ]: Desorption [ ]; Volatility [ ]: Other [ ]Media:
Water-Soil
Method: Other
Remarks:
Due to lack of valid data, a rough estimation was made on the basis of a calculated
range for the log Po w value of -0.69 to -1.486. These theoretical considerations
lead to an expected range for the K o c value of DPG = 3.0 - 56.2.

Reference:

The tendency of DPG to adsorb onto soil must be regarded as verylow.
BUA report (1994): Dipropylenglykol.
Litz, N. (1990): Schultz vor weiteren anthorpogenen Organika -Eintrogen. Blume,
H.P. (Ed.): Handbuch des Bodenschutzes. Bodenokologie und -belastung:Vorbeugende und absehrende Schutzmassnahmen.
Ecomed Verlagsgesellschaft, Landsberg/Lech, 579 -584.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

31

OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLEType:Media:
Method:Adsorption [ ]: Desorption [ ]; Volatility [ ]: Other [ X]
Water-Air
Other

Remarks:

Henry Law Constant: 3.6 x 10- 4 Pa*m 3/mole.
The volatility of DPG from water can, therefore, be considered as minimal.

Reference:

Hine, J.; Mookerjee, P.K. (1975): The intrinsic hydrophilic character of organic
compounds. Correlations in terms of structural contributions. J. Org. Chem . 40,
292-298.
Mackay, D. (1991): Multimedia Environmental Models, Chelsea, Lewis
Publishers, 185-227.
Thomas, R.G. (1990): Volatilization from water. Lyman, W.J.; Reehl, W.F.;
Rosenblatt, D.H. (Publisher): Handbook of chemical property estimation methods.
Environmental Behavior of Organic Compounds, New York, McGraw -Hill, 15.1 15.34.

3.3.2

THEORETICAL DISTRIBUTION (FUGACITY CALCULATION)
No data available

3.4

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN MODE OF DEGRADABILITY IN ACTUAL USE
No data available

3.5

BIODEGRADATION
Type:
aerobic
Inoculum:
activated sludge, adapted
Test condition: Directive 87/302/EEC, part C. p. 99 “Biodegradation: Zahn -Wellens test”
Concentration:
GLP:
No dataResults:> 70 % degraded after 28 day
Reference:
BASF (1989): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN -Sicherheitsdatenblatt com Juli 1989,
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.
Type: aerobic
Inoculum:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

Type:
Inoculum:
Concentration:
GLP:
Results:
Remark32

activated sludge
not given; 30 mg/1 substance; 100 mg/l sludge
No dataunder test conditions no biodegradation observed
MITI (1992): Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing institute Japan: Data ofexisting chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology -Toxicology
and Information Center, 2-56.
aerobic
Corynebacterium sp. (Bacteria)
5 g/l
No data
Degradation: > 90 % after 23 hour
Degradation of DPG to propylene glycol and ketones depended on the shaking
conditions. In stationary culture, DPG was scarcely degraded. With vigorous
shaking (about 120 rpm), over 90% of DPG was consumed within 23 h, but traces

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
of metabolites accumulated in the reaction mixture. The metabolites werecharacterized by GC-MS analysis using a capillary column.

Reference:

Kawai, F.; Hanada, K.; Tani, Y.; Ogata, K. (1977): Bacterial degradation of waterinsoluble polymer (polypropylene glycol). J. Ferment. Technol. 55: 89-96.
Kawai, F. Okamoto, T.; Suzuki, T. (1985): Aerobic degradation of polypropylene
glycol by corynebacterium sp. J. Ferment. Technol . 63: 239-244.

Type:
Inoculum:
Concentration:
Results:
GLP:
Remark:Reference:

3.6

aerobic
other: soil bacterium (aerobic. gram-negative)
671 ug/1
Degradation: >70% after 28 day; 2% degradation after 4 hours related to oxygen
uptake.
No data
The bacterium was isolated from soil enriched with triethylene glycol. Cells to be
assayed for oxidative activity were cultured at 30 degree C on a shaker for 72 to
96 hr in basal medium.
Fincer, E.L.; Payne, W.J. (1962): Bacterial utilization of ether glycols. Appl.
Microbiol . 10: 542 -630.

BOD5,COD OR RATIO BOD5/COD
BOD5/COD
Method:GLP:
Results:

Reference:

3.7

APHA standard methods: No. 219
No data
BOD5 = 92 mg/l
COD = 1840 mg/g
BOD5/COD = .049
Bridie, A.L. et al. (1979b): BOD and COD of some petrochemicals. Water Res .
13, 627- 630.

BIOACCUMULATION
Species:
MethodCyprinus carpio (Fish, fresh water)
OECD Guideline 305C “Bioaccumulation: Test for the Degree of Bioconcentrationin Fish”

Exposure Period: 42 days; Temperature 25 degree C; Concentration: 3 mg/l
Elimination:
No data
GLP:
No data
BCF:
0.3 to 1.4
Reference:
MITI (1992): Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing instituteJapan: Data of existing chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical
Industry Ecology -Toxicology and Information Center, 2-56.
Species:
MethodCyprinus carpio (Fish, fresh water)
OECD Guideline 305C “Bioaccumulation: Test for the Degree of
Bioconcentration in Fish”
Exposure Period: 42 days; Temperature 25 degree C; Concentration: 3 mg/l
Elimination:
No data
GLP:
No data
BCF:<2.2 to 4.6
Reference:
MITI (1992): Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing instituteJapan: Data of existing chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical
Industry Ecology -Toxicology and Information Center, 2-56.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

33

OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

3.8

ADDITIONAL REMARKSA.

Sewage Treatment
Remarks:B.

Other
Remarks:

34

No additional remarks

No additional remarks

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

4.

ECOTOXICOLOGICAL DATA

4.1

ACUTE/PROLONGED TOXICITY TO FISH
Type:
Species:
Method:staticCarassius auratus (Fish, fresh water)
Static-tank acute toxicity test. Standard methods for the examination ofwater and wastewater. APHA method No. 231.; Exposure Period 96 hour
Analyt. Monitoring: no data
GLP:
No dataResults:
LC50 =>5000 mg/l
Reference:
Bridie, A.L.; Wolff, C.J.M.; Winter, M. (1979a): The acute toxicity of somepetrochemicals to goldfish. Water Res . 13, 623-626.

4.2

ACUTE TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESNo data available

4.3

TOXICITY TO AQUATIC PLANTS e.g. Algae
No data available

4.4

TOXICITY TO BACTERIASpecies:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

Bacterium Pseudomonas putida
UBA Richtlinie LTWS - Nr. 10; DIN 38412L8; Exposure Period: 18 hr
No data
Bacterial growth was inhibited (13.5%) at a concentration of 100 mg/l DPG.
NATEC (1992): Pruefbericht Bestimmung der akuten Bakterientoxizitaet an
Pseudomonas putida mit der Pruefsubstanz Dipropylene glycol. Pruefnummer NA
91 1212. Unveroeffentlichter Bericht vom 28.02.1992, NATEC Institut, Hamburg.

Species:
Bacterium Pseudomonas putida
MethodConformed to German Water Hazard classification; Exposure Period 18 hour
Analyt. Monitoring: yes
GLP:
Yes
Results:
The mean concentration of dipropylene glycol which demonstrated a 10% growth
inhibition (EC10) of Pseudomonas putida was 1,000 mg/L.
Reference:
Claussen, T. (1992). Dipropylene Glycol: Determination of the Acute Toxicity to
Pseudomonas putida. Research and Development Report, Health & Environmental
Sciences, Dow Europe.

4.5

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO AQUATIC ORGANISMS

4.5.1.

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO FISH
No data available

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

35

OECD SIDS
4.5.2.

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLECHRONIC TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESNo data available

4.6

TOXICITY TO TERRESTRIAL ORGANISMS

4.6.1

TOXICITY TO SOIL DWELLING ORGANISMS
No data available

4.6.2

TOXICITY TO TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
No data available

4.6.3

TOXICITY TO OTHER NON MAMMALIAN TERRESTRIAL SPECIES (INCLUDINGAVIAN)No data available

4.7

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS MONITORING (INCLUDING BIOMAGNIFICATION)
No data available

4.8

BIOTRANSFORMATION AND KINETICSNo data available

4.9

ADDITIONAL REMARKS
Toxicity to Aquatic Animals:

36

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

Rana brevipoda porosanot s pecified; Exposure Period: 48 hours
No data
LC50 = 5300 mg/l
Nishiuchi, K. (1984): Toxicity of agrochemicals to freshwater organisms. CIII.
Solvents. Suisan Zoshoku - The Aquiculture Japan 31: 115-119.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

Xenopus l aevis
not specified; Exposure Period 48 hour
No data
LC50 =
3181 mg/l
De Zwart, D.; Slooff, W. (1987): Toxicity of mixtures of heavy metals andpetrochemicals to Xenopus laevis . Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 38: 345-351.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

5.

TOXICITY

5.1

ACUTE TOXICITY

5.1.1

ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY
Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Effects:
Reference:

rat
details not givenno data
LD50 = 14800 mg/kg
Details not Reported.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16, Suppl. In:
Monographs on fragrance of raw materials, 729-730.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology / G.D. Clayton, F.E. Clayton (Hrsg.) 3. Bearb. AFL., Vol. 2C
Toxicology. Wiley -Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863 -3865.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
details not given
No data
LD50 = 14850 mg/kg
Shaffer, C.B. et al. (1951): A toxicological study of some polypropylene(polypropylene) glycols. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 3: 448-453.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
details not given
No data
LD50 = 15000 mg/kg
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene
glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dip ropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR), 202/331-0651, 1-31.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology / G.D. Clayton, F.E. Clayton (Hrsg.) 3. Bearb. AFL., Vol. 2C
Toxicology. Wiley -Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863 -3865.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:rat
Single oral dose; details not given
No data
LD50 : 15000 mg/kg
Sax, N.J. (1979): Dipropylene glycol. Dangerous Properties of Industrial
Materials, 5. Ed., published by Van Nostrand Rheinhold, New York, 627.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
details not given
No data
LD50 = 13300 mg/kg
BASF (1989): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN -Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juli 1989,
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:Ratoral dose; details not given
No data
LD50 = 15.0 and 8.0 ml/kg-bw for males and females, respectively
Dow Chemical Europe, Horgen, Switzerland. Determination of the acute oral
toxicity of dipropylene glycol in rat s with cover letter dated 03/28/94 (sanitized).
Doc ID# 86940000276S.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

37

OECD SIDS

5.1.2

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:Rat
details not given
No data
LD0 = 3000 mg/kg; LD100 = 15000 mg/kg
Spencer, H.C. (1946): A summary of the toxicological information on dipropylene
glycol and a discussion of the hazards associated with its handling and use. Dow
Chemical Company - Biochemical Research Laboratory.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

Guinea pig
details not given
No data
LD50 = 17600 mg/kg
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.

ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY
Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

5.1.3

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Rat
details not given
No data
LC50 = 6000 mg/m 3
BASF (1989): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juli 1989,
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.

ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY
Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rabbitnot specified
No data
LD50 = >5000 mg/kg
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16,
Suppl. In: Monographs on fragrance of raw materials, 729-730.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

5.1.4

38

rabbitnot specified
No data
LD50 = >20000 mg/kg
Deichmann, W.B.; Gerarde, H.W. (1969): Acute toxicity of glycol s. Toxicology
of Drugs and Chemicals, 4. AFL., Academic Press, New York, 731.

ACUTE TOXICITY, OTHER ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION
Species:Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
i.p.
details not given
No data
LD50 = 10000 mg/kg.
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene glycol,
hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dipropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR),
202/331-0651, 1-31.

Species:rat

Route:

i.p

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Method:G LP:
Results:
Reference:details not given
No data
LD50 = 10300 mg/kg.
Browning, E. (1965): Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial
solvents, Elsevier Verlag, Amsterdam, 653-655.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16,
Suppl. In: Monographs on fragrance of raw materials, 729-730.

Species:Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
i.p
details not given
No data
LD50 = 10590 mg/kg
Shaffer, C.B. et al. (1951): A toxicological study of some polypropylen e(polyoxypropylene) glycols. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med . 3: 448-453.

Species:Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

mouse
i.p.
details not given
No data
LD50 = 4600 mg/kg.
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene
glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dipropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR), 202/331-0651, 1-31.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16,
Suppl. In: Monographs on fragrance of raw materials, 729-730.

Species:Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

mouse
i.p.
details not given
No data
LD50 = 4500 mg/kg
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - Britis h Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.

Species:Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

dog
i.p.
details not given
No data
LD50 = 11500 mg/kg
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene gl ycol,
hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dipropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR),
202/331-0651, 1-31.
Hanzlik, P.J. et al. (1939): Toxicity, fats and excretion of propylene glycol andother glycols. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 65, 101-113.

Sp ecies:
Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rat
i.v.
details not given
No data
LD50 = 5800 mg/kg
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene
glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dipropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR), 202/331-0651, 1-31.
Shaffer, C.B. et al. (1951): A toxicological study of some polypropylene(polyoxypropylene) glycols. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med . 3: 448-453.

Species:dog

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

39

OECD SIDS
Route:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
i.v.
details not given
No datafatal dose = 11.5 cc/kg
Hanzlik, P.J. Newman, H.W., Van Winkle, W., Jr., Lehman, A.J., and Kennedy, N.K..
(1939): Toxicity, fats and excretion of propylene glycol and other glycols. J. Pharmacol.
Exp. Therap. 67: 101-113.

5.2

CORROSIVENESS/IRRITATION

5.2.1

SKIN IRRITATION/CORROSION
Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rabbitother
No data
10 applications of DPG over 12 days produced negligible irritation of rabbit skin.
BIBRA Toxicology Internationa l (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology. G.D. Clayton, F.E. Clayton (Hrsg.) 3. Bearb. AFL., Vol. 2C
Toxicology. Wiley -Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863 -3865.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:

rabbituncovered applications, 5 days/w for 6 w.
no dataneat material showed only slight irritation, while a 10% aqueous solution did notcause any local reactions in rabbits.
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile. BIBRA
Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research Association, 1-4.

Reference:Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

40

rabbitnot specified
No dataslightly irritating; Application (generally covered) of DPG caused slight irritationfor 24 h to intact or abraded rabbit skin.
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity pro file.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 15,
Suppl. In: Monographs on fragrance of raw materials,
729-730.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rabbit
500 mg undiluted DPG was applied to rabbit skin for 24 hours.
No dataslightly irritating
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene
glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dip ropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR), 202/331-0651: 1-31.
CIR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1985): Final report on the safety assessment ofbutylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol and dipropylene glycol. J. Am.
Coll. Toxicol . 4: 223-248.

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:

rabbitnot specified
No data
not irritating

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
Reference:

5.2.2

Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. G.D.
Clayton, F.E. Wiley-Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863-3865.
Spencer, H.C. (1946): A Summary of the toxicological information on dipropylene
glycol and a discussion of the hazards associated with its handling and use. Dow
Chemical Company - Biochemical Research Laboratory.

EYE IRRITATION/CORROSION

Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

5.3

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

rabbitnot specified
No data
not irritating.
Carpenter, C.P.; Smyth, H.F., Jr. (1946): Chemical burns of the rabbit cornea.
Amer. J.Opthalmol. 29, 1363-1372.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology. G.D. Clayton, F.E. Wiley-Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863 3865.
rabbit
Dose: 500 mg DPG for 24 hours or a formulation containing 7.2% of DPG
No datafrom neat DPG - mild irritation. No more than minimal transient irritation from
7.2% DPG formulation
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.
CIR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1985): Final report on the safety assessment ofbutylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol and dipropylene glycol. J. Am.
Coll. Toxicol. 4: 223-248.
Deichmann, W.B.; Gerarde, H.W. (1969): Acute toxicity of glycols. Toxicology
of Drugs and Chemicals, 4. AFL., Academic Press, New York, 731.

SKIN SENSITISATION
No animal data available. Please see section 5.11.

5.4

REPEATED DOSE TOXICITY
Oral:
Species:

male/female rats, strain not reported

Met hod:
not reported
Exposure Period: 9 -77 days
Doses:
1-10% in drinkng water
GLP:
No dataResults:
No adverse effects in rats exposed up to 5%. In rats exposed to 10% DPG in
drinking water 9-68 days, 36% developed kidney lesions; 7 of 25 died.
Reference:
Kesten, H.D. et al (1939): Pathologic effects of certain glycols and related compounds.
Arch. Pathol. 27: 447-465.
Species:
Method:dog, strain and sex not reported
By gavage. Dosing described as “divided doses”, no specifications on how frequenctly
doses were administered; in another part of the study doses of diethylene glycol wereadministered 3 times daily.
Exposure Period: not stated
Doses:
20 cc/kg bw in 4 applications; 9 cc/kg bw in 6 applications; 12 cc/kg bw in
6 applications

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

41

OECD SIDS
GLP:
Results:
Reference:

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
No data
No effects in 3 of 4 dogs; 1 at 12 cc/kg – emesis and recovery; minimal liver
damage; moderate degeneration of kidneys in 2 of 4 dogs.
Hanzlik, P.J. Newman, H.W., Van Winkle, W., Jr., Lehman, A.J., and Kennedy,
N.K.. (1939): Toxicity, fats and excretion of propylene glycol and other glycols.
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 67: 101-113.

Species:rat; strain and sex not specified
Method:not reported
Exposure Period: 15 weeks
Feed Concentrations: 0, 12%
GLP:
No dataResults:
Reference:
Browning, E. (1965): Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial
solvents, Elsevier Verlag, Amsterdam, 653-655.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16,
Suppl. In: Monographs on fragrance of raw materials, 729-730.
Species:
chicks; strain and sex not specified
Method:not reported
Exposure Period: 27 days
Feed Concentrations: 5% (approximately 6.25 g/kg bw/day)GLP:
No dataResults:
No adverse effects
Reference:
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol – Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International – British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene andToxicology / G.D. Clayton, F.E. Clayton (Hrsg.) 3. Bearb. AFL., Vol. 2C
Toxicology. Wiley -Interscience Verlag, New York, 3863 -3865.
Yoshida, M., Woshii, H., and Morimoto, H. (1969): Nippon Kakim
Gakkaishi 6: 73.
Intravenous Studies:
Species:
Method:Duration:
Doses:GLP:
Results:
Reference:

rabbit; strain and sex not specified
not given
1-21 days
2-4 cc/kg
No data
Dosing at 4 cc/kg/day resulted in 50% incidence of renal changes (not specificallydescribed) and 40% mortality. No effect was seen at 2 cc/kg.
Kesten, H.D. et al (1939): Pathologic effects of certain glycols and related
compounds. Arch. Pathol. 27: 447 -465.

5.5

GENETIC TOXICITY IN VITROA.

BACTERIAL IN VITRO TEST

42

Type:
System of Testing:Concentration:
GLP:
Result:Reference:Ames test
Salmonella typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537
100 – 10,000 µg/plate
No data
Negative
CCRIS (1992): Data Bank Recherche vom 17.11.1992.

Type:
System of Testing:Ames test
TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538 with and without
metabolic activation

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
Concentration:
Method:GLP:
Result:Reference:

B.

5.6

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
0.102 - 102 µg/plateOECD Guideline 471 “Genetic Toxicology: Salmonella thyphimurium
Reverse Mutation Assay”
No data
Negative
Leuschner, J. (1992): Pruefbericht Mutagenicity study of dipropylene
glycol in the AMES Salmonella/Microsome plate test (in Vitro). LPT
Report No. 7112/91. Unveroeffentlicher Bericht vom 04.03.1992,
Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology (LPT) in Hamburg

NON-BACTERIAL IN VITRO TESTType:

Mouse lymphoma assay

Method:System of Testing:Concentration:
GLP:
Result:Reference:OECD Guideline 473
L5178Y (Tk+/TK-) with and without metabolic activation
30 - 60 µl/ml
Yes
Negative.
CCRIS (1992): Data Bank Recherche com 17.11.1992.

GENETIC TOXICITY IN VIVO
Test type: Micronucleus assay
Test Species:
C D-1 mouse, male
Test Substance:
Dipropylene glycol
Test Method:
OECD #474 (1997); EPA OPPTS 870.5395 (1998)
Route of Exposure:oral gavage
Frequency of Exposure: once per day
Duration of Exposure: 2 consecutive days
Post Exposure Observation Period: none
Doses:
0, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg/day
GLP:
Yes
Test Results:
The study was negative.
Referen ce:
Dow Chemical Company. (1999): Evaluation of Dipropylene glycol in themouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Unpublished report of The Dow
Chemical Company, 24 March 1999.

5.7

CARCINOGENICITY
No data available.

5.8

TOXICITY TO REPRODUCTION
No data available

5.9

DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY/TERATOGENICITYType:
Teratology
Method:not specified
Species:female Sprague -Dawley rat
Route of Administration: gavage
Doses:
0, 800, 2000, 5000 mg/kg of DPG daily days 6-15 of gestation
periodGLP:No data

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

43OECD SIDS
Results:

Reference:

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
Maternal Effects: Maternal toxicity and lethality were observed at 2000
and 5000 mg/kg/day (mortality rate: 4% and 9%), establishing thematernal NOAEL as 800 mg/kg/day.
Embryo/Fetal Effects: There were no significant differences between the
DPG exposed groups and the control. NOAEL was 5000 mg/kg/day.
Bates, K.H. et al (1992): Final Report on the Development Toxicity ofDipropylene Glycol (CAS-No. 25265 -71-8) in Spra gue-Dawley (CD) Rats.
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS #PB92 -196179.

Type:
Teratology
Method:not specified
Species:female New Zealand White rabbit
Route of Administration: gavage
Doses:
0, 200, 400, 800, 1200 mg/kg of DPG daily days 6-19 of gestation
periodGLP:No dataResults:
Maternal Effects: No maternal toxicity or lethality was observed atany doses level.
Embryo/Fetal Effects: There were no significant differences between the
DPG exposed groups and the control. NOAEL was 1200 mg/kg/day.
Reference:
Bates, K.H. et al (1992): Final Report on the Development Toxicity ofDipropylene Glycol (CAS-No. 25265 -71-8) in New Zealand White
Rabbits. National Toxicology Program, National Institute ofEnvironmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park,NC 27709; NTIS # PB92 -238294 .

5.10

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATIONType:
Remark:Reference:

Type:
Remark:Reference:

Type:
RemarkReference:

5.11

metabolism
Tripropylene glycol was administered by oral gavage to male F344 rats.
TPG was readily converted to DPG and then to PG, which was further
metabolized via the citric acid cycle to CO 2 or excreted in the urine .
Dow Chemical Company. (1995): Metabolism of tripropylene glycol inrats. Unpublished Report from The Toxicology Research Laboratory, The
Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, pp. 1 -36.
Biochemical or cellular interactions
In experiments with mice the exposure of DPG (contained in a commercial
deodorant spray) for 2 hours caused a rise in the ozone sensibility of theliver (measured as an increase of the reduced form of ascorbic acid in theliver).
Veninga, T.; Wagenaar, J. (1977): Reinforcement of ozone action in miceby additional environmental compounds. VDI-Berichte Nr. 270, 119-122.
Excretion of Bile
The application of 1 ml/kg DPG (intraduodenal) to rats increased t heexcretion of bile.
Croce, G.; Ferrini, R. (1973): Modificazioni della coleresi nel ratto con alcuni solvent
e disperdenti usati come veicoli di farmaci - Modification of choleresis in the rat.
Bollettino - societa italiana biologia sperimentale 49, 653-659.

EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN EXPOSURE
Skin Irritation:

44

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
Species:
Method:G LP:
Results:

Reference:Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:

Reference:

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE
Human
0.2 ml of a 25% solution of dipropylene glycol in distilled water for 24 hours via
semi-occluded patches. 33 subjects
No data
2 subjects no effects at 30 min. but mild erythema at 24 hrs.
2 subjects mild to moderate erythema at 30 min. and mild erythema at 24
hrs.
7 subjects mild to moderate erythema at 30 min. but no effects at 24 hrs.
22 subjects no reaction at 30 min or 24 hr.
Acklin, A., and Plaza, M.E. (1995). Evaluation of Primary Irritation Potential in Humans.
Hill Top Research, Inc. Report No. 94-1373-70. Submitted to Dow Chemical Company.
Human
Covered 48-h application of a 20% or 50% solution of DPG in petrolatum.
7.2% in shaving prep
No data
50% solution caused irritation in 14 of 34 persons and was equivocally an irritant in a further
17.
20% solution caused no irritation number tested not stated.
7.2% shaving prep no irritation open application, mild irritation in 6 of 101 subjects inclosed patch.
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile. BIBRA
Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research Association, 1-4.

Sensitization:
Species:
Method:GLP:
Results:
Reference:Species:
Method:GLP:
R esults:
Reference:

Human
Not specified
No data
Only 1 patient out of 503 eczema patients displayed a positive patch test to dipropylene
glycol (96% purity) in an eczematous population.
Johansen, J.D., G.B.E. Jemec, and S.C. Rastogi. (1995). Contact sensitization to
dipropylene glycol in an eczema population. Contact Dermatitis. 33:211-212.
Human
24/48-h (presumably covered) patches, 3 days/week for 3 weeks, followed by a challenge
patch after a 2-w rest period. Supplemental exposure to UV light after application of the first
four patches and the challenge patch. 50 subjects
No data
No indication of sensitization or photosensitization.
BIBRA Toxicology International (1991): Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1-4.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

45

OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

6. REFERENCES
Acklin, A., and Plaza, M.E. (1995). Evaluation of Primary Irritation Potential in Humans. Hill Top Research, Inc.
Report No. 94-1373-70. Submitted to Dow Chemical Company.
AOP (1992): Atmospheric Oxidation Program, Version 1.5. A n Adaptation of the Atkinson Estimation
Methodology, Syracuse Research Corporation, Syracuse.
BASF (1989): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt com Juli 1989, BASF
Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.
Bates, K.H. et al (1992): Final Report on the Development Toxicity of Dipropylene Glycol (CAS-No.
25265-71-8) in Sprague-Dawley (CD) Rats. National Toxicology Program, National Institute ofEnvironmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92196179.
Bates, K.H. et al (1992): Final Report on the Development Toxicity of Dipropylene Glycol (CAS-No.
25265-71-8) in New Zealand White Rabbits. National Toxicology Program, National Institute ofEnvironmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92238294.
Bridie, A.L. et al. (1979b): BOD and COD of some petrochemicals. Water Res . 13, 627-630.
Bridie, A.L.; Wolff, C.J.M.; Winter, M. (1979a): The acute toxicity of some petrochemicals to goldfish.
Water Res . 13, 623 -626.
Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980): Glycols. Kirk - Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. Auf 1., John Wiley & Sons, New York, ISBN -0-471-02063 -8; 933956.
Browning, E. (1965): Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and metabolism of industrial solvents, Elsevier
Verlag, Amsterdam, 653 -655.
BUA report (1994): Dipropylenglykol
CCRIS (1992): Data Bank Recherche vom 17.11.1992.
CIR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1985): Final report on the safety assessment of butylene gly col,hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol and dipropylene glycol. J. Am. Coll. Toxicol. 4: 223 -248.
CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1982): Scientific Literature Review on butylene glycol, hexylene
glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dipropylene glycol. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), 202/331-0651, 1-31.
Claussen, T. (1992). Dipropylene Glycol: Determination of the Acute Toxicity to Pseudomonas putida .
Research and Development Report, Health & Environmental Sciences, Dow Europe.
Croce, G.; Ferrini, R. (1973): Modificazioni della coleresi nel ratto con alcuni solvent e disperdenti usati comeveicoli di farmaci - Modification of choleresis in the rat. Bollettino - societa italiana biologia sperimentale 49, 653659.
Deichmann, W.B.; Gerarde, H.W. (1969): Acute toxicity of glycols. Toxicology of Drugs andChemicals, 4. AFL., Academic Press, New York, 731
Deichmann, W.B.; Gerarde, H.W. (1969): Acute toxicity of glycols. Toxicology Johansen, J.D., G.B.E.
Jemec, and S.C.
Rastogi. (1995). Contact sensitization to dipropylene glycol in an eczema population. Contact
Dermatitis. 33:211-212.

46

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

De Zwart, D.; Slooff, W. (1987): Toxicity of mixtures of heavy metals and petrochemicals to Xenopus
laevis. Bull.Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 38: 345-351.
DOW (1991): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN -Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juni 1991, DOW Deutschland Inc.,
Frankfurt, 5 S.
DOW (1991a): Dipropylene Glycol. DIN-Sicherheitsdatenblatt com Juni 1991, DOW Deutschland Inc.,
Frankfurt, 5 S.
Dow Chemical Company. (1995): Metabolism of trip ropylene glycol in rats. Unpublished Report fromThe Toxicology
Research Laboratory, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, pp. 1-36.
Dow Chemical Company. (1999): Evaluation of Dipropylene glycol in the mouse bone marrow
micronucleus test. Unpublished report of The Dow Chemical Company, 24 March 1999
Dow Chemical Europe, Horgen, Switzerland. Determination of the acute oral toxicity of dipropylene
glycol in rats with cover letter dated 03/28/94 (sanitized). Doc ID# 86940000276S.
Dunlap, W.J.; Shew, D.C. (1976); Organic pollutants contributed to ground water by a landfill. U.S.
EPA, EPA - 600/9 -76-004 PB - 251161, 96 -110.
Elm, R.; Falbe, J.; Hahn, H.-D.; Gelbke, H.-P. (1980): Propandiole. Ullmanns Enzyklopaedie dertechnischen chemie, 4. neube arb. u. er. AFL. Band 19, Verlag Chemie, Wenham, 427 -432.
Fincer, E.L.; Payne, W.J. (1962): Bacterial utilization of ether glycols. Appl. Microbiol. 10: 542-630.
MITI (1992): Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing institute Japan: Data of existingchemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology -Toxicology and Information
Center, 2-56.
Hanzlik, P.J. Newman, H.W., Van Winkle, W., Jr., Lehman, A.J., and Kennedy, N.K.. (1939): Toxicity, fats andexcretion of propylene glycol and other glycols. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 67: 101-113.
Hawley, G.G. (1981): Dipropylene Glycol. Hawley, G.G.: The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 10.
Auflage, New York: van Nostrand Reinhold, 383.
Hine, J.; Mookerjee, P.K. (1975): The intrinsic hydrophilic character of organic compounds.
Correlations in terms of structural contributions. J. Org. Chem . 40, 292-298.
Hommel, G. (1983): Dipropyleneglycol. Handbuch der gefaehrlichen Gueter, 3 ueberarb. Auflage, Springer Verlag,
Berlin, Merkblatt 478.
Kawai, F.; Hanada, K.; Tani, Y.; Ogata, K. (1977): Bacterial degradation of water- insoluble polymer(polypropylene
glycol). J. Ferment. Technol . 55: 89-96.
Kawai, F. Okamoto, T.; Suzuki, T. (1985): Aerobic degradation of polypropylene glycol bycorynebacterium sp. J.
Ferment. Technol. 63: 239-244.
Kesten, H.D. et al (1939): Pathologic effects of certain glycols and related compounds. Arch. Pathol. 27: 447-465.
Laboratory Carpenter, C.P.; Smyth, H.F., Jr. (1946): Chemical burns of the rabbit cornea . Amer. J.
Opthalmol. 29, 1363 -1372.
Leuschner, J. (1992): Pruefbericht Mutagenicity study of dipropylene glycol in the AMES
Salmonella/Microsome plate test (in Vitro). LPT Report No. 7112/91. Unveroeffentlicher Bericht vom
04.03.1992, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology (LPT) in Hamburg

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

47

OECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLE

Lin, D.D.D.; Melton, R.G.; Kopfler, F.C.; Lucas, S.V. (1981); Glass capillary gas
chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of organic concentrates from drinking and advanced waste
treatment water. Advances in the identification and analysis of organic pollutants in water/ Keith, L.H.
(Publisher) - Vol 2 - Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Collingwood, ISBN 0-250-40398 -6, 861-906.
Litz, N. (1990): Schultz vor weiteren anthorpogenen Organika-Eintrogen. Blume, H.P. (Ed.): Handbuch
desBodenschutzes. Bodenokologie und -belastung: Vorbeugende und absehrende Schutzmassnahmen.
Ecomed Verlagsgesellschaft, Landsberg/Lech, 579-584.
Lyman, W.J. (1982); Adsorption coefficient for soils and sediments. Lyman W.J.; Reehl, W.F.;
Rosenblatt, D.H. (publisher): Handbook of chemical property estimation methods. Environmental
behavior of Organic Compounds, New York, McGraw -Hill, 4.1 - 4.33.
Mackay, D. (1991): Multimedia Environmental Models, Chelsea, Lewis Publishers, 185-227.
Material Safety Data Sheet, Arco Chemical Company, 1993
Merck (1992): Dipropyleneglycol. Reagenzien, Diagnostica, Chemikalien 1992/93 - Merck-Katalog, 522.
MITI (1992): Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection and testing institute Japan: Data of existing chemicals
based on The CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology and Information Center, 2-56.
NATEC (1992): Pruefbericht Bestimmung der akuten Bakterientoxizitaet an Pseudomonas putida mit
der Pruefsubstanz Dipropy lene glycol. Pruefnummer NA 91 1212. Unveroeffentlichter Bericht vom
28.02.1992, NATEC Institut, Hamburg.
Nishiuchi, K. (1984): Toxicity of agrochemicals to freshwater organisms. CIII. Solvents. Suisan
Zoshoku – The Aquiculture Japan 31: 115-119.
Opdyke, D.J. (1978): Dipropylene glycol. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology 16, Suppl. In:
Monographs on fragrance of Raw materials, 729-730.
Patty, F. (1982): Dipropylene glycol. In: Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology / G.D. Clayton,
F.E. Clayton (Hrsg.) 3. Bearb. AFL., Vol. 2C Toxicology. Wiley-Interscience Verlag, New York,3863-3865.
Sax, N.J. (1979): Dipropylene glycol. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 5. Ed., publishedby Van Nostrand Rheinhold, New York, 627.
Sexton, A.R.; Britton, E.C. (1953): Synthesis and identification of dipropylene glycol isomers. J. Am.
Chem. Soc . 75: 4357 -4358.
Shaffer, C.B. et al. (1951): A toxicological study of some polypropylene (polypropylene) glycols.
Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 3: 448-453 .
Spencer, H.C. (1946): A summary of the toxicological information on dipropylene glycol and a
discussion of the hazards associated with its handling and use. Dow Chemical Company - Biochemical
Research Laboratory.
Thomas, R.G. (1990): Volatilization from water. Lyman, W.J.; Reehl, W.F.; Rosenblatt, D.H.
(Publisher): Handbook of chemical property estimation methods. Environmental Behavior of Organic
Compounds, New York, McGraw -Hill, 15.1 - 15.34.
Turoski, V.E.; Woltman, D.L.; Vincent, B.F. (1983): Determination of organic priority pollutants in thepaper industry by GC/MS. Tappi J. 66: 89-90.
Veninga, T.; Wagenaar, J. (1977): Reinforcement of ozone action in mice by additional environmental
compounds. VDI-Berichte Nr. 270, 119-122.
Yoshida, M., Woshii, H., and Morimoto, H. (1969): Nippon Kakim Gakkaishi 6: 73.

48

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSDIPROPYLENE GLYCOLEI U C L I D Data Set
Existing Chemical
CAS No.
EINECS Name
EINECS No.
TSCA Name
Molecular Formula

:
:
:
:
:
:

ID: 25265-71-8
25265-71-8
oxydipropanol
246-770-3
Propanol, oxybis C6H14O3

Producer Related Part
Company
Creation date

: ACC Propylene Oxide/Propylene Glycol Panel: 23.05.2001

Substance Related Part
Company
Creation date

: ACC Propylene Oxide/Propylene Glycol Panel: 23.05.2001

Memo

:

Printing date
Revision date
Date of last Update: 30.05.2001:: 30.05.2001

Number of Pages: 3

Chapter (profile)
Reliability (profile)
Flags (profile): Chapter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
: Reliability: without reliability, 1, 2, 3, 4
: Flags: w ithout flag, confidential, non confidential, WGK (DE), TA-Luft (DE),Material Safety Dataset, Risk Assessment, Directive 67/548/EEC, SIDSUNEP PUBLICATIONS

49

OECD SIDS
1. General Information

1.0.1

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

OECD AND COMPANY INFORMATION

Type
Name
Partner
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Source11.05.2001

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Type
Name
Partner
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Source30.05.2001

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Type
Name
Partner
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Source29.05.2001

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Lyondell Chemical Company

1221 McKinney Street Suite 1600
77010 Houston Texas
United States713-652-7200

Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Huntsman Corporation

500 Huntsman Way
84108 Salt Lake City, Utah
United States
1-800-421-2411
801-584-5781

Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

The Dow Chemical Company

2030 Dow Center
48674 Midland, MI
United States
517-636-1000
517-636-4033

Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

1.0.2

LOCATION OF PRODUCTION SITE

1.0.3

IDENTITY OF RECIPIENTS

1.1

GENERAL SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

Substance typePhysical status

50

:
:

organic
liquidUNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. General Information

PuritySource30.04.2001

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1::>= 98 % w/w
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

1.1.0

DETAILS ON TEM PLATE

1.1.1

SPECTRA

1.2

SYNONYMS

Di-1,2-propyleneglycol
Remark:common name:dipropyleneglycol::

structural isomers (as mixture in the technical product):(1) 2,2-Dihydroxydiisopropylether (CAS-No.: 108-61-2);(2) 2,2-Dihydroxydipropylether (CAS-No.: 110-98-5);(3) 2-Hydroxypropyl-2'-hydroxyisopropylether(CAS -No.:106-62-7);
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

type
Non dispersive use
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

type
Use resulting in inclusion into or onto matrix
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type

:

type

SourceFlag
21.05.2001
1.3

IMPURITIES

1.4

ADDITIVES

1.5

QUANTITY

1.6.1

LABELLING

1.6.2

CLASSIFICATION

1.7

USE PATTERNUNEP PUBLICATIONS

51

OECD SIDS
1. General Information

52

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

Category
Source09.05.2001::

Wide dispersive use
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Basic industry: basic chemicals
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Chemical industry: used in synthesis
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Electrical/electronic engineering industry
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Leather processing industry
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Personal and domestic use
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Public domain
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001:::

industrial
Textile processing industry
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

use
Cleaning/washing agents and disinfectants
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

use
Cosmetics
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

use
Intermediates
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source21.05.2001

:
:
:

use
Odour agents
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type

:

use

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. General Information

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

Category
Source09.05.2001::

Solvents
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

Type
Category
Source09.05.2001

:
:
:

use
Stabilizers
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas

1.7.1

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION/USE

1.8

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES

1.9

SOURCE OF EXPOSURE

1.10.1RECOMMENDATIONS/PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

1.10.2EMERGENCY MEASURES

1.11

PACKAGING

1.12

POSSIB. OF RENDERING SUBST. HARMLES S

1.13

STATEMENTS CONCERNING WASTE

1.14.1

WATER POLLUTION

1.14.2

MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARDS

1.14.3

AIR POLLUTION

1.15

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

1.16

LAST LITERATURE SEARCH

1.17

REVIEW

1.18

LISTINGS E.G. CHEMICAL INVENTORIESUNEP PUBLICATIONS

53

OECD SIDS
2. Physico-Chemical Data

2.1

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Lyondell C hemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Value
SourceFlag
29.05.2001:::= 222.2 - 233 ° C at
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(32)= 228 - 236 ° C at
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(20)

DENSITY

Type
Value
Source29.05.2001

:
:
:

Type
Value
SourceFlag
29.05.2001

:
:
:
:

= 1.025 g/cm3 at 20° C
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(10)= 1.022 g/cm3 at 25° C
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(25)

2.3.1

GRANULOMETRY

2.4

VAPOUR PRESSURE

Value
Source29.05.2001

:
:

Value
SourceFlag
29.05.2001:::= .05 hPa at 21° C
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(16)= .0128 hPa at 20° C
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(34)

PARTITION COEFFICIENT

Log pow

54

1980

BOILING POINT

:
:

2.5

< -39 ° C

(9)

Value
Source29.05.2001

2.3

Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

MELTING POINT

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substanceSourceFlag
22.05.2001
2.2

PROPYLENE GLYCOL:= -1.486 at ° C

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. Physico-Chemical Data

MethodYear
GLP
Test substanceSourceFlag
23.05.2001
2.6.1

Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
1993

Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(5)

WATER SOLUBILITY

Value
Qualitative
Pka
PH
SourceFlag
29.05.2001
2.6.2

SURFACE TENSION

2.7

FLASH POINT

Value
Type
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodSourceFlag
22.05.2001
2.8

:
:
:
:
:

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

:
:
:
:
:
:

at ° C
other: Described as miscible
at 25 ° Cat and ° C
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(16)

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

= 118 ° C
other
1980

ASTM D56
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(9)

AUTO FLAMMABILITY

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodSourceFlag
22.05.2001: = 371 ° C at:
: 1993::: ATSM D56: Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas: Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(27)

2.9

FLAMMABILITY

2.10

EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIES

2.11

OXIDIZING PROPERTIES

2.12

ADDITIONAL REMARKSUNEP PUBLICATIONS

55

OECD SIDS
3. Environmental Fate and Pathways

3.1.1

PHOTODEGRADATION

3.1.2

STABILITY IN WATER

RemarkSourceFlag
22.05.2001:::

STABILITY IN SOIL

3.2

MONITORING DATA

3.3.1

TRANSPORT BETW EEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARTMENTS

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 30.05 . 2 0 0 1

no hydrolyzable groups
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

3.1.3

Type
Media
Air (level I)
Water (level I)
Soil (level I)
Biota (level II / III)
Soil (level II / III)
MethodYear
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL

fugacity model level III

other: calculated
EPIWIN (Estimation Program Interface for Windows) Version 3.05
LEVEL III FUGACITY MODEL
Melting Point (deg C): -39
Boiling Point (deg C): 222.20
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): 0.05
Log Kow (octanol-water): -1.49

Result:Default Emissions of 1000 Kg/h for air, water and soil (provided by
EPIWIN)
Concentration (Percent)Half Life (hours)
Emissions (Kg/hr)
Air
0.107
8.19
1000
Water
46.1
360
1000
Soil
53.7
360
1000

56

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. Environmental Fate and Pathways

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 30.05 . 2 0 0 1

Sediment
0.07681.44e+003
0Henry's Law Constant: 3.58E-009 atm-m3/mole (EPIWIN estimate)
Volatization From Water (EPIWIN estimate)
River
Lake
Water depth (meters)
1
1Wind Velocity (m/sec)
5
0.5
Current Velocity (m/sec)
1
0.05
HALF-LIFE (hours)
1.894E+005
2.067+006
HALF-LIFE (days)
7893
8.611E+004

SourceConclusion

Flag
22.05.2001:::

HALF-LIFE (years)
21.61
235.8
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
According to EPIWIN, assuming equal emissions to air, water, and soil, thischemical will concentrate mostly in water (46.1 %) and soil (53.7 %).
This chemical will take about 21.61 years to volatilize from a model river,and 235.8 years to volatilize from a model lake.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(19)

3.3.2

DISTRIBUTION

3.4

MODE OF DEGRADATION IN ACTUAL USE

3.5

BIODEGRADATION

Type
Inoculum
Contact time
Degradation
Result:::::aerobic
activated sludge, adapted> 70 % after 28 day

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

57

OECD SIDS
3. Environmental Fate and Pathways

Deg. Product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

Remark:Result:SourceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
23.05.2001:

Type
InoculumDeg. Product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

:

ResultSourceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:
:

Flag
23.05.2001:

58

Directive 87/302/EEC, part C, p. 99 "Biodegradation: Zahn-Wellens test"
1989
no datano data
Flasks containing test solution shaken continuously during the study
period. Carbon dioxide production measured at intervals during the test.
No additional study details given. Extent of pre-adaptation of bacteria notgiven.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Following pre-adaptation of bacteria, significant degradation of the test
substance was observed during the study.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas>70% degradation after 28 days(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

aerobic
activated sludge
OECD Guide-line 301 C "Ready Biodegradability: Modified MITI Test (I)"1992
no datano dataConcentration: 30 mg/l substance and 100 mg/l sludge.
Initial inoculation of 30 mg/l test substance to each flask. Respirometerused to evaluate test substance degradation. No agitation of exposure
solutions during the study period. Carbon dioxide production measured
continuously during the test. No additional study details given.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
no measurable degradation during the study period
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texasno degradation(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(28)

BOD5, COD OR BOD5/COD RATIO

BOD5MethodYear
GLP
Concentration
BOD5
COD
MethodYear
GLP

Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 30.05 . 2 0 0 1(2)

Remark

3.6

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

:
:
:
:
:

other: APHA Standard Methods, Number 219
1979
norelated to= 92 mgO2/l:::

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. Environmental Fate and Pathways

COD
RATIO BOD5 / COD
BOD5/COD
MethodId 25265 -7 1-8Date 30.05 . 2 0 0 1:= 1840 mg/g substance

:
:

= .49
Test conducted in special BOD bottles containing test substance andnutrient media. Oxygen depletion measured at initiation and after 5 days of
incubation. Degradation of test substance calculated from oxygen
depletion. No additional study details given.

ResultSourceTest substanceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:
:
:

Flag
29.05.2001:

3.7

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
BOD5 = 92 mg/l; COD = 1840 mg/g; BOD5/COD = 0.49
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texasno data
Low oxygen demand from test substance(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(7)

BIOACCUMULATION

Species
Exposure period
Concentration
BCF
Elimination
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance
Method::::Remark:SourceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
23.05.2001:

Species
Exposure period
Concentration
BCF
Elimination
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Cyprinus carpio (Fish, fresh water)
42 day at 25 degree C
3mg/l= .3 - 1.4
no data
OECD Guide-line 305 C "Bioaccumulation: Test for the Degree of
Bioconcentration in Fish"
1992
no datano data
Fish exposed to test substance at concentration of 3 mg/l for exposure
period of 42 days. Temperature of test solutions was maintained at 25 ºC.
No additional details given on the extent of the depuration period or othertest conditions.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The BCF for carp after 42 days of exposure was 0.3 to 1.4.
(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(28)
Cyprinus carpio (Fish, fresh water)
42 day at 25 degree C
3mg/l< 2.2 - 4.6
no data
OECD Guide-line 305 C "Bioaccumulation: Test for the Degree of
Bioconcentration in Fish"
1992
no datano data

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

59

OECD SIDS
3. Environmental Fate and Pathways

Method:Remark:SourceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
23.05.2001

:

3.8

60

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 30.05 . 2 0 0 1

Fish exposed to test substance at concentration of 3 mg/l for exposure
period of 42 days. Temperature of test solutions was maintained at 25 ºC.
No additional details given on the extent of the depuration period or othertest conditions.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The BCF for carp after 42 days of exposure was < 2.2 to 4.6.
(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(28)

ADDITIONAL REMARKSUNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. Ecotoxicity

4.1

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

ACUTE/PROLONGED TOXICITY TO FISH

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
Analytical monitoring
LC50
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: static acute LC50 (TLm)
Carassius auratus (Fish, fresh water)
24 hour(s)mg/lyes> 50001978
nono data
APHA (American Public Health Association) 1971
Fish exposed to serial dilutions of TS with local tap water as the dilution
water source.
Study conducted in 25 L all-glass tanks measuring 42 x 28 x 28 cm at 20 ±1 ºC.
Fish in the study had an average length of 6.2 ± 0.7 cm and an average
weight of 3.3 ± 1.0 g.
Calculation of LC50 (TLm)
Interpolation from graph of logarithm of concentration vs. percentage
mortality

Remark:Result:SourceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
23.05.2001:

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Since the 24-hour LC50 (TLm) was >5,000 mg/L, the study was terminatedat this point.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The 24-hour LC50 (TLm) for goldfish was determined to be >5,000 mg/L.
(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. Details
on the results of analytical measurement of test substance concentrationsin the test solutions and sample purity is not provided.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(8)

4.2

ACUTE TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

4.3

TOXICITY TO AQUATIC PLANTS E.G. ALGAE

4.4

TOXICITY TO MICROORGANISMS E.G. BACTERIA

TypeSpecies
Exposure period
Unit
Analytical monitoring
EC10

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: static acute EC10
Pseudomonas putida (Bacteria)
18 hour(s)mg/lyes= 1000

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

61

OECD SIDS
4. Ecotoxicity

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
:
:
:
:
:

1992
yes
as prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
German Water Hazard Classification (Umweltbundesamt, Sept. 1979,
LTwS-Nr.10)
There were 3 flasks per exposure concentration and 10 flasks for control.
Bacteria exposed to serial dilutions of TS for 18 ± 2 hours withconcentrations of 1.95, 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and1000 mg/L.

Result:SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

Reliability
Flag
22.05.2001::

Solutions evaluated with infrared spectroscopy (IR). Extinction of cultures
measured at 436 mm.
Based on measurements made in all exposure concentrations, the EC10
was 1,000 mg/L.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
sample >99.9% purity
The 18-hour EC10 for Pseudomonas putida was determined to be 1,000
mg/L.
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(13)

4.5.1

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO FISH

4.5.2

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

4.6.1

TOXICITY TO SOIL DWELLING ORGANISMS

4.6.2

TOXICITY TO TERRESTRIAL PLANTS

4.6.3

TOXICITY TO OTHER NON-MAMM. TERRESTRIAL SPECIES

4.7

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS MONITORING

4.8

BIOTRANSFORMATION AND KINETICS

4.9

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Memo
Method62::

Toxicity to clawed toad (Xenopus laevis)
Type: static acute LC50
Species: clawed toad (Xenopus laevis)
Number of a nimals: 10 per exposure concentration
Value: = 3,181 mg/L
Year: 1987
GLP: No
Test substance:
no compositional details given
UNEP
PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. Ecotoxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
Test substance: no compositional details given
Exposure Period: 48 hrs
Method: No methodology given.
Clawed toads exposed to serial dilutions of test substance with Dutch
standard water as the dilution water source.
Study conducted in 1 L all-glass covered aquaria with 3-4 week old larvae
at a study temperature of 20 ± 1 ºC.
Calculation of LC50
Calculated as projection from least square linear regression on logtransformed nominal concentration data and probit transformed percent
effect data.

Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
23.05.2001:

Analytical monitoring:
None
Mortality measured after 48 hours of exposure resulted in determination of
an LC50 of 3,181 mg/L.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The 48-hour LC50 (TLm) for the clawed toad was determined to be 3,181
mg/L.
(2) valid with restrictions
Details on the test procedure and study results are not provided. No
analytical measurement of test substance concentrations in the test
solutions or sample purity were conducted.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(14)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

63

OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

5.1.1

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY

Type
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleValue
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
rat
Wistarmale/female
50
other: none
= 16000 mg/kg bw
1980
nono data
Guideline not specified.
Animals and treatments
Rats were selected with a body weight range of 182 to 283 g for males and
110 to 150 g for females. Dipropylene glycol was administered by stomach
tube following an overnight fast to 5 males and 5 females per dose atdoses of 8.6, 10.4, 12.4, 14.0 or 17.9 ml per kg of body weight. The
animals were observed for signs of intoxication for 14 days following
dosing.
Postmortem examination
All animals were necropsied after death or 14 days after dosing. There was
no indication of histopathologic examination of any tissues.
Calculation of LD50
Based on method of Weil et al, Biometrics (195X)=missing year; 3: 247263.
General signs of toxicity were not reported. Examination of the internalorgans revealed no gross alterations.
The LD50 in the rat was determined to be 15.8 ml/kg, with standard errorsof 19.2 - 23.0 ml/kg (equivalent to 16000 mg/kg, standard error 15000 17500 mg/kg).(Reviewer)64

SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Type
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleValue
Method
Year

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Based on the results of this study, an LD50 of 16000 mg/kg wasdetermined for dipropylene glycol in the rat.
(2) valid with restrictions
Test material characterization not documented; GLP compliance notindicated.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(33)
LD50
mouse
CD-1
male
24
water
> 2000 mg/kg bw
1999

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

GLP
Test substance
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1:::

Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
22.05.2001

:

5.1.2

yes
as prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
Animals and treatments
Six mice per group were treated by gavage on two consecutive days with
0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg dipropylene glycol in water at a volume of 10
ml/kg. Survivors were killed by carbon dioxide inhalation 24 hours after theseconddose. Bone marrow was collected for assessment of micronuclei.
Postmortem examination
None.
No mice died. General signs of toxicity or necropsy observations were notreported.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Based on the results of this study, an LD50 of >2000 mg/kg
was determined for dipropylene glycol in the mouse.
(2) valid with restrictions
limited necropsy performed; animals not observed full 14 days after dosing.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(17)

ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY

Type
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleExposure time
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LC50
other: Rat & Guinea Pig
other: not specified
no data1961
noDose Level-Vapor concentrations not reported, aerosol nominal
concentrations were 6000-8000 mg/m3.
Dipropylene glycol was heated to 170°C for 8 hours, 6 rats individually
exposed to vapors in small chambers.
Dipropylene glycol was heated to 120°C for 4 hours, 6 rats individually
exposed to vapors in small chambers.
Dipropylene glycol was heated to 170°C for 5 hours with the vapors being
drawn off, allowed to cool; then reheated to 120°C for 5 hours, 6 rats
individually exposed to vapors in small chambers.
Dipropylene glycol was heated to 170°C for 5 hours with the vapors being
drawn off, allowed to cool; 6 rats were individually exposed in smallchambers to an aerosol generated at room temperature.
An aerosol of dipropylene glycol was generated at room temperature, 6
rats and 6 guinea pigs were individually exposed in small chambers.
(duration not reported)
Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

65OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

ResultPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1:

Five of 6 rats exposed to vapors generated at 170°C died ; there were nopathologic abnormalities.
Vapors generated at 120°C were not lethal.
When rats were exposed to vapors generated at 120°C after removal ofvapors generated by heating dipropylene glycol to 170°C for 5 hours, there
were no deaths.

SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001

:

5.1.3

There was no lethality to rats or guinea pigs fromaerosol of dipropylene
glycol generated at room temperature.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Heating Dipropylene Glycol to 170°C resulted in toxic degradation productsthat did not occur from heating to 120°C and were not present in aerosols
generated at room temperature or at 120°C.(Reviewer)(4) not assignable
PreGLP/Guidline study with brief description of methods and results.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(31)

ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY

Type
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleValue
Remark

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

ResultSourceReliability

:
:
:

Flag
29.05.2001:

LD50
rabbitno dataother: none
> 5000 mg/kg bw
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
No deaths; LD50 >5000 mg/kg
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(4) not assignabledetails not provided in secondary source
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6) (29)

5.1.4

ACUTE TOXICITY, OTHER ROUTES

5.2.1

SKIN IRRITATION

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
PDII
ResultEC classification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

66

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

rabbitother: undiluted
24 hour(s)6slightly irritatingother: Not stated1974
nono data
Limited experimental details are available for this study.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
500 mg undiluted dipropylene glycol was applied to intact and abraded skinof rabbits and left occluded for 24 hours. Reactions were recorded at 24,
48, and 72 hr after application, using the scoring system of Draize et al(1944, J Pharmac. Exp Ther, 82, 377 - 390).

Remark:ResultSourceConclusion:::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
PDII
ResultEC classification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001

:

5.2.2

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Detailed results not available; listed as mildly irritating.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The results from this study demonstrate that undiluted dipropylene glycol
causes mild irritation of the rabbit skin. The response is insufficient totrigger classification of dipropylene glycol as an skin irritant. (Reviewer)(4) not assignable
PreGLP/Guidline study with brief description of methods and results; fromsecondary source.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6) (29)human
25 %24 hour(s)331995
no datano data
Limited experimental details are available for this study.
0.2 ml of a 25% solution of dipropylene glycol in distilled water for 24 hours
via semi-occluded patches. Reactions were recorded at 4 and 24 hr after
application.
2 subjects demonstrated no effects at 30 min. but mild erythema at 24 hrs.
2 subjects demonstrated mild to moderate erythema at 30 min. and mild
erythema at 24 hrs. 7 subjects demonstrated mild to moderate erythema at
30 min. but no effects at 24 hrs.
22 subjects no reaction at 30 min or 24 hr.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The results from this study demonstrated that 25% dipropylene glycol
causes none to mild irritation of human skin.
(2) valid with restrictions
Study details limited.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(1)

EYE IRRITATION

Species
Concentration
Dose
Exposure Time
Comment:::::

rabbitundiluted.1 ml
4 hour(s)other: Tested as 100% and formulation containing 7.2% dipropylene glycol

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

67OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

Number of animals
ResultEC classification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

slightly irritating
Draize Test
1969
nono data
Animals and treatments
Limited experimental details are available for this study, which followed
Draize method.
0.1 ml undiluted dipropylene glycol was applied to the lower conjunctival
sac of rabbits. Reactions were recorded at 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr postinstillation, using the scoring system of Draize et al (1944, J Pharmac. Exp
Ther, 82, 377 - 390).

Remark:Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

5.3

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Original reference not available for review, so methods and results were
described based on a reputable secondary source.
Detailed results were not presented.
Neat mildly irritating; formulation transient irritation
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
The results from this study demonstrate that undiluted dipropylene glycol
causes mild, fully reversible irritation of the rabbit eye. The response isinsufficient to trigger classification of dipropylene glycol as an eye irritant.
(Reviewer)(4) not assignable
PreGLP/Guidline study with brief description of methods and results.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6) (12) (15)SENSITIZATION

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Patch-Test
human
503
water
not sensitizing
other: repeated insult patch test
1995
noas prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
Subjects
503 consecutive patients (212 men, 291 women) who entered thedermatology clinic with eczema were challenged with both cosmetic andsynthesis grade dipropylene glycol.
Challenge phase
Patients received a challenge patch of 1, 2, 5, or 10% dipropylene glycol inwater using a Finn chamber and Scanpor tape. The patch was left on theskin for 2 days. Reaction was graded after 2, 3, and 5-7 days.
Scoring system
A four point scale was used to record skin responses during induction andchallenge : -, TR, ?+, +68

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
challenge : -, TR, ?+, +(Definition of -, TR, ?+, and + were not given in the report)

Result:SourceTest substanceConclusion
Reliability

:
:
:
:

Flag
22.05.2001:

5.4

Statistics
No statistical methods were applied to the data.
One patient was sensitized to dipropylene glycol
Score
Number of responses
cosmetic DPG = 488 patients; synthesis DPG = 480 patients
TR cosmetic DPG = 2 patients; synthesis DPG = 5 patients?+ cosmetic DPG = 13 patients, synthesis DPG = 17 patients+
cosmetic DPG = 0 patients; synthesis DPG = 1 patient
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas>97% pure from E.Merck (synthesis grade) and cosmetic grade (>96%)
The authors concluded that sensitization to dipropylene glycol was rare.
(2) valid with restrictions
not standard guideline test
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(23)

REPEATED DOSE TOXICITY

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency oftreatment
Post obs. period
Doses
Control group
NOAEL
LOAEL
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

rat
no datano datadrinking water
9 to 77 days
continuous

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

none
1 to 10% dipropylene glycol in drinking waterno=5 %= 10 %
1939
nono data
Animals
32 rats; age, weight, sex and strain not specified.
Exposure
Dipropylene glycol was mixed in the drinking water of 7 rats at
concentrations from 1 to 5% for 33 to 77 days. Dipropylene glycol was
mixed in the drinking water of 25 rats at a concentration of 10% for 9 to 68
days. Further details of exact doses, number of animals at each doselevel, or duration for individual animals not provided.
Terminal observations
Kidneys were examined microscopically for pathology. Report indicatedthat the liver and kidney were examined. No indication that other tissues
were examined.
Statistical methods
None
Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.

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OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

Result:SourceReliability

:
:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency oftreatment
Post obs. period
Doses

:
:
:
:
:
:

Control group
NOAEL
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

GLP conduct is not applicable.
Seven of 25 rats exposed to 10% dipropylene glycol in the drinking water
died between days 10 and 30. Five had kidney lesions. Four of the 18
survivors had kidney lesions. The
kidney lesions were described as hydropic degeneration of the tubularepithelium. No effects on mortality or the kidney and liver were seen in rats
exposed to 5% dipropylene glycol in their drinking water.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(2) valid with restrictions
Not guideline, pre-GLP, methods and results only briefly described but
generally acceptable.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(24)

:
:

dog
no datano datagavagenot specified
Not specified, the doses for another compound were administered 3 times
daily.
None
9 cc/kg as 1.5 cc/kg administered for 6 doses, 12 cc/kg as 2.0 cc/kg
administered for 6 doses, or 20 cc/kg as 5.0 cc/kg administered for 4 dosesno= 20 ml/kg bw
1939
nono data
Animals
4 dogs; age, weight, sex and strain not specified
GeneralDivided gavage doses given as follows: 9 cc/kg as 1.5 cc/kg administeredfor 6 doses, 12 cc/kg as 2.0 cc/kg administered for 6 doses, or 20 cc/kg as
5.0 cc/kg administered for 4 doses.
Details on evaluations conducted were not provided in the report.

70

Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.

:
:
:
:

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
1 dog dosed at 9 cc/kg - no evidence of toxicity
1 dog dosed at 12 cc/kg - no evidence of toxicity
1 dog dosed at 12 cc/kg - emesis; recovery
1 dog dosed at 20 cc/kg - no evidence of toxicity
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
No evidence of systemic toxicity was detected under the conditions of thisstudy.
(2) valid with restrictions
Not guideline, pre-GLP, methods and results only briefly described but
generally acceptable.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(22)
rat
no datano dataoral feed

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

Exposure period
Frequency oftreatment
Post obs. period
Doses
Control group
NOAEL
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1::

15 weeks
daily

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

none
0, 12% of diet
yes, concurrent vehicle= 12 %
other: investigative study
1940
nono data
Limited study details ava ilable
Dipropylene glycol mixed in diet at 12% and fed ad libitum.
Observations
The rats were observed for running activity after 15 weeks. Details on
assessment of running activity not provided.

Result:SourceReliability

:
:

Flag
29.05.2001:

5.5

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Running activity was decreased in rats fed 12% dipropylene glycol
compared to control rats. The magnitude of the changes in running activity
were not given in the report.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(2) valid with restrictions
Not guideline, pre-GLP, methods and results only briefly described but
generally acceptable.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(10) (36)

GENETIC TOXICITY ‘IN VITRO‘

Type
System of testing
Concentration
Cycotoxic conc.
Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodResult

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Type
System of testing::

Ames test
Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537
up to 10 mg/plate (lower concentrations not specified)>10 mg/platewith and without
negative
other: Ame's standard plate assay
1984
no datano data
Study details not available.
No increase in revertants was recorded for any of the strains exposed todipropylene glycol with or without metabolic activation.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Dipropylene glycol was not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium TA98,
TA100, TA1535 and TA 1537, in the presence or absence of an S-9
fraction, under the conditions of this test.
(2) valid with restrictions
summary data only available from NCI program.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(11)
Mouse lymphoma assay
L5178Y (TK+/TK -)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

Concentration
Cycotoxic conc.
Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodResult

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

SourceReliability

:
:

Flag
29.05.2001:

5.6

29-60 ul/ml without activation; 30 - 50 ul/ ml with activation
not reportedwith and without
negative
other: Suspension/plate
1987
no datano data
Limited details reported.
No increase in revertants was recorded for dipropylene glycol with orwithout activation.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas(2) valid with restrictions
summary data only available from NCI program.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(11)

GENETIC TOXICITY ‘IN VIVO‘

TypeSpecies
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Doses
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Micronucleus assay
mouse
male
other: CD-1(ICR)BR
gavage2 days500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg
negative
other: US EPA OPPTS 870.5395 and OECD 474
1999
yes
as prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
Animals and treatments
Eight week old male CD-1 mice from Charles River Labs were used inthese investigations. Six mice were used per treatment group (control,
positive control, 3 levels of dipropylene glycol). The dose levels were basedon a preliminary study. Dipropylene glycol was administered for two
consecutive days by gavage at 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg/day in water at adose volume of 10 ml/kg. 120 mg/kg/day cyclophophamide wasadministered on two consecutive days by gavage at a dose volume of 10
ml/kg.
Preparation and examination of bone marrow smears
Mice were killed by carbon dioxide inhalation 24 hr after second gavage
dose of dipropylene glycol. Femoral marrow cells were isolated, smeared
onto clean glass slides, fixed with methanol and stained with WrightGiemsa. The preparations were coded and analyzed without identificationof animal number or treatment. Two thousand polychromatic erythrocytes(PCEs) per mouse were examined using light microscopy (x100), and thenumber of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) wasrecorded. The proportion of PCEs among the total erythrocytes was also
evaluated by observation of 200 erythrocytes on the same slide.
Positive control substance
120 mg/kg/day cyclophosphamide administered two consecutive days by
gavage.
Statistical analysis
The frequency of MNPCEs in each treatment was analyzed by one-way
analysis of variance, A result was considered positive if the increase in

72

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

Result:SourceConclusion::

Reliability:

Flag
22.05.2001:

analysis of variance, A result was considered positive if the increase in
MNPCEs differed from the spontaneous data at P<0.01. Any doseresponse relationship was tested using the Cochran-Armitage trend test,with P<0.01 indicating a positive result.
No mice died during the course of the study. There was no statisticallysignificant increase or trend in MNPCE numbers following gavage
administration of dipropylene glycol at doses up to and including 2000
mg/kg. The percentage of PCEs in the dipropylene glycol-treated groups
were not significantly different from controls. A significant, dose-related
increase in MNPCEs was obtained with the positive control,
cyclophosphamide, indicating that the test system was capable of detecting
a positive response.
Dose
MN-PCE/2000 PCE%PCE
02.8±2.560.7±4.7500
2.8±1.957.6±8.71000
1.3±0.558.7±4.5
2000
1.5±1.452.0±8.2
cyclophosphamide 40.0±16.9
50.2±6.7
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Dipropylene glycol produced no detectable increase in micronucleatedpolychromatic erythrocytes when administered by gavage to mice at doses
up to 2000 mg/kg.
(1) valid without restriction
meets all criteria: follows guidelines, GLP.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(17)

5.7

CARCINOGENITY

5.8

TOXICITY TO REPRODUCTION

5.9

DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY/TERATOGENICITY

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency oftreatment
Duration of test
Doses
Control group
NOAEL Maternalt.
NOAEL Teratogen
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

rat
femaleother: Crl: CD BR VAF/Plus
gavage
GD 6 - 15
daily

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

20 days
800, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg / day in water at dose volume of 5 ml/kg
other: Yes; treated with water= 800 mg/kg bw= 5000 mg/kg bw
other: NTP
1992
yes
as prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
Animals and treatment
Mated and presumed pregnant female rats were allocated to a shamcontrol group (n = 27) or one of three treatment groups (800, 2000, and5000 mg / kg /day, n = 27, 26, and 26 respectively) at the start of the study.
Treatment commenced on GD6 and continued to GD15.
Maternal observations

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OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
Maternal observations
All animals were observed daily for appearance and behavior. Body
weights were recorded on GD0, 3, 6 - 15, 18 and 20. Food and water
consumption data were collected during the periods of gestation days 0-3,
3-6, 6-9, 9 -12, 12-15, 15-18, and 18-20.
Fetal examination
On GD20 all dams were subjected to Caesarian section under anesthesia,
and the numbers of implantation sites, resorption sites and live and deadfetuses recorded. The body weights of the live pups were also recorded. All
fetuses were examined for visceral (Staples technique) and skeletal
abnormalities (Alcian Blue/Alizarin Red S stain).

Result:Statistical analysis
Standard ANOVA for parametric data and Fisher's exact for nominal scale
data.
Maternal parameters
One of 25 pregnant dams treated at 2000 mg/kg and 2 of 24 at 5000
mg/kg died on GD14. All other dams survived. Signs of toxicity at 2000
and 5000 mg/kg/day included ataxia, unstable gait, and piloerection.
Significantly reduced body weight gain, reduced food consumption andincreased water consumption were seen at 5000 mg/kg/day.
At necropsy on GD 20, dams treated at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg/day had
increased relative liver weights compared to controls.
Pregnancy parameters
Treatment with dipropylene glycol was without effect on the number of live
litters, the total or average number of implant sites, total and partial
resorptions, the total and average number of live fetuses and their sex
ratio, the number of dead fetuses or fetal weight.

74

Fetal parameters
No increase in visceral or skeletal abnormalities or variations occurred with
exposure to dipropylene glycol.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Identity and purity verified by chemical analysis: >96% pure
Under the conditions of the study, there was no adverse effect onpregnancy parameters or malformations at exposures of dipropylene glycol
up to 5000 mg/kg/day. Dipropylene glycol induced maternal toxicity
occurred at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg as evidenced by deaths, signs of CNS
depression, reduced feed consumption and body weight gain, andincreased relative liver weights.
(1) valid without restriction
meets guideline and GLP.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

Reliability:

Flag
22.05.2001:

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency oftreatment
Duration of test
Doses
Control group
NOAEL Maternalt.
NOAEL Teratogen

:
:
:
:
:
:

rabbitfemaleNew Zealand whitegavage
GD 6 - 19
daily

:
:
:
:
:

30 days200, 400, 800, 1200 mg / kg / day in water at dosing volume of 2 ml/kg.
other: Yes, treated with water= 1200 mg/kg bw= 1200 mg/kg bw(4)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
:
:
:
:
:

other: NTP
1992
yes
as prescribed by 1.1 - 1.4
Animals and treatment
Rabbits were artificially inseminated with sperm from proven male
breeders. Inseminated female rabbits (n = 24/group) were allocated to asham control group and four treatment groups (200, 400, 800 and 1200 mg/ kg /day) at the start of the study. Treatment commenced on GD6 andcontinued to GD19.
Maternal observations
All animals were observed daily for appearance and behavior. Body
weights were recorded on GD0, 6 - 19, 25, and 30. Food weights wererecorded on gestations days 0, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 28, and 30.
Maternal livers and kidneys were weighed at necropsy.
Fetal examination
On GD30 all dams were subjected to Caesarian section under anesthesia,
and the numbers of implantation sites, resorption sites and live and deadfetuses recorded. The body weights of the live pups were also recorded. All
fetuses were examined for external abnormalities. All fetuses were
examined for visceral (Staples technique) and skeleta l abnormalities(Alcian Blue/Alizarin Red S stain).

Result:Statistical analysis
Standard ANOVA for parametric data and Fisher's exact for nominal scale
data.
Maternal parameters
There was no evidence of maternal toxicity in this study based on signs of
toxicity, body weight, food consumption, organ weights or gross necropsy.
The high dose (1200 mg/kg/day) was in the lethal range for dipropylene
glycol in pregnant NZW rabbits; in a preliminary study 22 and 38%
maternal mortality was found from gavage exposures GD6-19 at 800 and
1500 mg/kg/day, respectively.
Pregnancy parameters
Treatment with dipropylene glycol was without effect on the number of live
litters, the total or average number of implant sites, total and partial
resorptions, the total and average number of live fetuses and their sex
ratio, the number of dead fetuses or fetal weight.

SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

Reliability:

Flag
22.05.2001

:

5.10

Type

Fetal parameters
There was no increase in visceral or skeletal defects attributed to treatment
with dipropylene glycol.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Analytical data verified identity: 97 to 99% pure.
Under the conditions of the study, there was no adverse effect onpregnancy parameters or maternal or fetal survival after exposure to up to
1200 mg/kg/day dipropylene glycol.
(1) valid without restriction
meets guideline and GLP.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(3)

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:Metabolism

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

75

OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1:

Species: rat
Sex: male
Strain: F344
Number of a nimals: 10
Route of admin.: gavage
Exposure period: one dose
Frequency of treatment: once
Duration of test: 24 hrs
Doses: 40 mg/kg/day TPG in water at dosing volume of 4 ml/kg.
Control group: No
Year: 1995
GLP: yes
Animals and treatment
Male F344 rats weighing between 187 and 197 g were obtained fromCharles River and allowed 2 days for acclimation in metabolism cages
before dosing. After dosing, the animals were held in the metabolism
cages for 24 hours.
Sample collections
Air drawn through the metabolism chambers was passed through a trap forcollection of radioactive CO2. All voided urine was collected and frozen foranalysis. Feces were collected in dry-ice chilled containers for analysis.
After 24 hours the animals were sacrificed for collection of blood, liver,kidney, fat, brain, muscle, and the remaining carcass.

SourceTest substance::Conclusion:

Sample analysis
Radioactivity in all collected samples was determined using a liquid
scintillation counter. Urine samples were analyzed by gas chromatography
for tripropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and propylene glycol following
derivatization to pentafluorobenzoyl esters.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Analytical data verified identity: 99.8% tripropylene glycol., 0.08%
dipropylene glycol pure. 14C-labelled test material TM = 14C-labelled
TPG.
Result: 91.4±2.1% of the administered dose was recovered from CO2,
urine, feces, tissues and carcass. 20.7±0.6% was recovered as CO2;52.3±3.5% was recovered in urine. Approximately 10% of the administeredradioactivity remained in the carcass after 24 hours.
Urine analysis
13% of the administered dose of tripropylene glycol was recovered in theurine as free or conjugated tripropylene glycol, 8.4% as free or conjugateddipropylene glycol, and 3.9% as free or conjugated propylene glycol.
Administration of propylene glycol resulted in 12% recovered as propylene
glycol in the urine.

76

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001:

Conclusion: Tripropylene glycol is rapidly and extensively metabolized todipropylene glycol which is further metabolized to propylene glycol andsubsequently to lactic or pyruvic acids followed by oxidation through thecitric acid cycle (21% to CO2) or production of glycogen. Much of theradioactivity remaining in the carcass probably represented metabolicallyincorporated carbons atoms derived from propylene glycol. (author
conclusion)(1) valid without restriction
meets guidelines and GLP.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(18)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

Type
MethodPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1::

other: Carcinogenicity
Species: rat
Sex: male/female
Strain: Charles River, CD strain
Route of admin.: oral feed
Exposure period: 104 wk
Frequency of treatment: daily
Post. obs. period: none
Doses: 6250, 12500, 25000 or 50000 ppm
Result: negative
Control group: yes, concurrent vehicle
Year: 1972
GLP: No
Method: Animals
30 male (bw 120 - 150g) and 30 female (bw 120 - 140g) rats
GeneralIndividual body weights were recorded at 2-wk intervals, with food intake
measured over the preceding 24 hr.
Hematology
Blood was collected (tail vein) from 8 male and 8 female rats fed diets
containing 0, 25000 or 50000 ppm propylene glycol at wk 13, 21, 52 and
80. Additional samples were collected from 6250 and 12500 ppm groups
at wk 54. Samples were analysed for Hb content, PCV and counts oferythrocytes, andtotal and differential leucocytes. Reticulocyte counts were determined at wk
52, 54 and 80. Terminal observations (wk 104) were limited to Hbconcentration and microscopic examination of a stained smear.
Renal function
A urinary concentration test was conducted on 6 - 10 rats from the control,
25000 and 50000 ppm groups. Measurements included specific gravity,urine volume under different water loading conditions and a urinary cellcount.
Terminal observations
Surviving animals were killed at wk 104 (exsanguination under barbiturate
anesthesia) and subject to a full necropsy, including macroscopic
observations and key organ weights. Samples of the following tissues were
preserved for subsequent histopathological assessment : brain, heart, liver,spleen, kidneys, adrenals, gonads, stomach, small intestine, cecum,
salivary gland, trachea, aorta, thymus, lymph nodes, pituitary, urinary
bladder, colon, rectum, pancreas, uterus, muscle and any additional tissue
thatappeared abnormal.
Statistical methods
Applied, but details not given.

Remark:SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

Remarks: Because this study was conducted before any standardized
guidelines were established, the question of guideline methodology and
GLP conduct is not applicable.
Current guidelines indicate that the concentration of test substance should
not exceed 5% of the diet to avoid any concerns about nutritional
imbalances.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
structurally related propylene glycol
Result: There was a high incidence of mammary fibroadenomas andpituitary adenomas, affecting mostly female rats, but this did not differ
statistically between the treated and control animals and no dose-response

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OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
statistically between the treated and control animals and no dose-response
relationship was present. There was no evidence of any treatment-related
increase in tumors.

Reliability
Flag
29.05.2001

:
:

Type
Method::Conclusion: No carcinogenic potential was detected under the conditionsof this study following dietary administration up to 50000 ppm (approx 1700
- 2100 mg/kg bw/day).
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(21)
other: Continuous BreedingSpecies: mouse
Sex: male/female
Strain: CD-1
Route of admin.: drinking water
Exposure period: continuous (see methods)
Frequency of treatment: dailyPremating exposure period
Male: 7 days prior to first mating, then continuous exposure
Female: 7 days prior to first mating, then continuous exposure
Doses: 1%, 2.5%, 5% in drinking water
Control group: yes, concurrent vehicle
N OAEL Parental: = 5%
NOAEL F1 Offspr.: = 5%
NOAEL F2 Offspr.: = 5%
Method: NTP Reproductive Assessment by Continuous Breeding
Year: 1989
GLP: no data
Method: Animals
There were 40 controls per sex, along with 20 males and 20 females pertreatment group in the F0 generation. The F1 mating groups comprised 20
animals per sex from the control and high dose groups only. Animals werehoused in single sex groups during a one week pre-mating period, then in
breeding pairs or individually. Deionised filtered water and ground rodent
chow were available ad libitum.
Treatment
The mice were exposed during a 7-day premating period, after which they
were randomly assigned to mating pairs and cohabited and treatedcontinuously for 98 days. At the end of the cohabitation period, the pairs
were separated but treatment continued. Any litters born during this time(F1) were delivered, and kept until weaning on PND21 : treatment of themothers continued throughout this period. Treatment of high dose animals
from the F1 generation continued until mating at around 74 days of age
Parental observations
Body weight and water consumption data were collected at unspecified
times during the study.
Pup observations
Data (body weight, proportion of males, number of litters per pair, numberof live and dead pups) were collected on all new born animals within 12 hrof birth. Litters were then discarded, with the exception of the final F1
generation which was used for breeding purposes. The F2 litters were
examined for litter size, sex and pup weight.

78

Necropsy observations
No necropsy data were collected on the F0 generation, however the F1
adults were subjected to a detailed examination after delivery of the F2
pups.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
pups.

Remark:SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

Statistical analysis
Methods used included Cochran-Armitage test, Fisher's exact test,
Kruskall-Wallis test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and two-sided t-test
Remark: The treatment levels used in this study were extremely high :dams from the high dose group received the equivalent of 10000 mg/kg
bw/day.
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
related substance
Result: Results are reported briefly, either as a text summary or intabulated form in the reference, and no quantitative data were available for
evaluation.
Bas ed on data collected during a preliminary dose range finding study,
treated animals received the equivalent of 1800, 4800 and 10100 mg/kg
bw/day.
Water consumption was consistently higher (6 - 15%) for all groups in theF0 generation, but this was not statistically significant. Body weight in theF0 generation was unaffected by treatment.
There was no treatment-related effect on pup weight adjusted for litter sizein either the F1 or F2 generations. The viability and growth of the F1 litter
was unaffected by propylene glycol treatment. There were no treatmentrelated effects on mating, fertility or on the number, weight or viability of theF2 pups.
Necropsy of the F1 adults revealed no effect on body weight or organ
weight in males and females, no change in sperm endpoints and noalteration in estrous cycle parameters.

Reliability
Flag
29.05.2001

:
:

Type

:

Method:Conclusion: Under the conditions of the study, propylene glycol had noeffect on fertility or reproduction in F0 or F1 mice, up to a maximum dose of
10000 mg/kg bw/day. Based on metabolism of dipropylene glycol topropylene glycol, these data on propylene glycol are relevant todipropylene glycol toxicity characterization. (Reviewer)(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(26) (30)other: OECD 422 Combined repeat dose and reproductive/developmental
toxicity screening test
Species: rat
Sex: male/female
Strain: Crj: CD(SD)Route of admin.: gavage
Exposure period: Premating through day 3 lactation: see methods
Frequency of treatment: dailyPremating exposure period
Male: 28 day
Female: 14 days
Duration of test: Through day 3 of lactation
Doses: 8, 40, 200, and 1000 mg/kg/day
Control group: yes, concurrent vehicle
Method: OECD 422 Combined repeat dose andreproductive/developmental toxicity screening test :GLP: Yes
Method: Animals
There were 12 males and 12 females per treatment group.

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OECD SIDS
5. Toxicity

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1
Treatment
The rats were exposed during a 14-day premating period, after which they
were randomly assigned to mati ng pairs and cohabited until evidence ofmating.
Parental observations
Clinicial signs, body weight, food consumption, hematology, and clinicalchemistry were assessed during the study. At termination, the rats were
necropsied, organs were weighed and examined histopathologically.
Pup observations
Litter size, sex and viability on day 0 and 4 of lactation. Visual external
examination on day 4.
Statistical analysis
not described

SourceTest substanceConclusion:::

OECD Combined repeat dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity
screening test
Lyondell Chemical Co. Houston, Texas
Tripropylene glycol CAS #24800-44-0
Result: The report is in Japanese; summary results and tables areavailable in English.
Parental animals
There was no effect on parental body weight, food consumption,
hematology, clinical chemistry, necropsy or histopathology. Increased
salivation was noted in males treated at 1000 mg/kg/day. Males andfemales at 1000 mg/kg/day had increasd liver weights and males also had
increased kidney weights. There was no effect on estrus cycle, mating,pregnancy index, length of gestation, or gestation index.
Pups
There was no difference in mean litter size, mean live pups born/litter,
survival to day 4, sex ratio, or frequency of external abnormalities.
NOAEL
Parental: 200 mg/kg/day
Reproductive: 1000 mg/kg/day
Developmental: 1000 mg/kg/day

Reliability:

Flag
29.05.2001

:

5.11

80

Conclusion: Under the conditions of the study, tripropylene glycol had noeffect on fertility or reproduction. Based on metabolism of tripropylene todipropylene glycol to propylene glycol, these data on tripropylene glycol are
relevant to dipropylene glycol toxicity characterization.
(2) valid with restrictions
Not guideline, pre-GLP, methods and results only briefly described but
generally acceptable.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(35)

EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN EXPOSURE

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
6. References

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1(1)

Acklin, A., and Plaza, M.E. (1995). Evaluation of Primary Irritation Potential in
Humans. Hill Top Research, Inc. 94 -1373-70. Submitted to Dow Chemical
Company.

(2)

BASF (1989). Dipropylene Glycol. DIN -Sicherheitsdatenblatt
vom Juli 1989, BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, 2 S.

(3)Bates, K.H. et al (1992). Final Report on the Developmental Toxicity ofDipropylene Glycol (CAS -No. 25265-71 -8) in New Zealand White Rabbits.
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,
PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92 -238294.

(4)

Bates, K.H. et al (1992). Final Report on the Developmental Toxicity ofDipropylene Glycol (CAS -No. 25265-71 -8) in Sprague -Dawley (CD) Rats. National
Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box
12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; NTIS # PB92 -196179.

(5)

Batter sby, R.V. (1993c). Berechnung eines Verteilungs - koeffizienten fuer
Dipropylenglykol. Schriftliche Mitteilung vom 18.10.1993, IBR Forschungs GmbH,Hannover, 9S.

(6)

BIBRA Toxicology International (1991). Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile.
BIBRA Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research
Association, 1 -4.

(7)

Bridie, A.L.; Wolff, C.J.M.; Winter M. (1979). BOD and COD of somepetrochemicals. Water Res. 13, 627 -630.

(8)

Bridie, A.L.; Wolff, C.J.M.; Winter, M. (1979a). The acute toxicity of somepetrochemicals to goldfish. Water Res. 13, 623-626.

(9)

Brown, E.S.; Hauser, C.F.; Ream, B.C.; Berthold, R.V. (1980). Glycols. KirkOthmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Band 11, 3. AFL., John Wiley &Sons, New York , ISBN 0 -471 -02063 -8; 933-956.

(10)

Browning, E. (1965). Dipropylene Glycol. Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial
Solvents, Elsevier Verlag, Amsterdam, 653-655.

(11)

CCRIS (Chemical Carcinogenesis Research Information System from National
Cancer Institute): Dipropylene glycol; available online through ToxNet(http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi -bin/sis/htmlgen?CCRIS).

(12)

CIR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1985). Final report on the safety assessment ofbutylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol an d dipropylene glycol. J. Am.
Coll. Toxicol. 4: 223 -248.

(13)

Claussen, T. (1993). Dipropylene Glycol: Determination of the Acute Toxicity to
Pseudomonas putida. Research and Development Report, Health &Environmental Sciences, Dow Europe S.A.

(14)

De Zwart, D.; Slooff, W. (1987). Toxicity of Mixtures of Heavy metals andPetrochemicals to Xenopus laevis. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 38, 345 -351.

(15)

Deichmann, W.B.; Gerarde, H.W. (1969). Acute toxicity of glycols. Toxicology ofDrugs and Chemicals, 4. AFL., Academic Press, New York, 731.

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6. References

82

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1(16)DOW (1991). Dipropylene Glycol. DIN -Sicherheitsdatenblatt vom Juni 1991, DOW
Deutschland Inc., Frankfurt, 5 S.

(17)

Dow Chemical Company (1999). Evaluation of dipropylene glycol in the mousebone marrow micronucleus test. Unpublished report from: Health andEnvironmental Research Laboratory, The Dow Chemcial Company,Midland MI, pp.
1-21.

(18)

Dow Chemical Company. (1995). Metabolism of tripropylene glycol in rats.
Unpublished Report from The Toxicology Research Laboratory, The Dow Chemical
Company, Midland, Michigan, pp. 1-36.

(19)

EPIWIN (Estimation Program Interface for Windows).

(20)

Gallant, R.W. (1967): Physical properties of hydrocarbons XIV. Glycols andglycerin, Hyd. Proc. 46: 201.

(21)

Gaunt, IF, Carpanini, FMB, Grasso, P and Lansdown, ABG (1972). Long-term
toxicity of propylene glycol in rats. Fd Cosmet Toxicol, 10, 151 - 162.

(22)

Hanzlik, P.J. Newman, H.W., Van Winkle, W., Jr., Lehman, A.J., and Kennedy,
N.K.. (1939). Toxicity, fats and excretion of propylene glycol and other glycols.
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 67: 101-113.

(23)

Johansen, J.D., G.B.E. Jemec, and S.C. Rastogi. (1995). Contact sensitization to
dipropylene glycol in an eczema population. Contact Dermatitis. 33:211 -212.

(24)

Kesten, H.D. (1939) et al. Pathologic effects of certain glycols and related
compounds. Arch. Pathol. 27: 447 -465.

(25)

Kirk -Othmer Encyclopedia, 3rd edition, 1978.

(26)

Lamb, JC, Gulati, DK, Barnes, LH and Welch, M (1997). Propylene glycol. Envir
Hlth Perspect, 105 (suppl 1), 231 - 23.

(27)

Material Safety Data Sheet, Arco Chemical Company, 1993.

(28)

MITI (1992). Dipropylene glycol. Chemicals inspection & testing institute Japan:
Data of existing chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry
Ecology-Toxicology & Information Center, 2-56.

(29)

Moreno, O (1974). Report to RIFM, dated 26 August 1974, as cited in BIBRA
Toxicology International (1991). Dipropylene glycol - Toxicity profile. BIBRA
Toxicology International - British Industrial Biological Research Association, 1-4.

(30)Morrissey, RE, Lamb, JC, Morris, RW, Chapin, RE, Gulati, DK and Heindel, JJ(1989). Results and evaluations of 48 continuous breeding reproduction studies
conducted in mice. Fund Appl Toxicol, 13, 747 - 777.

(31)

Oettel, H; Hofmann H T (1961). Report of Acute Inhalation of Dipropylene Glycol n
Rats and Guinea Pigs. BASF internal report.

(32)

Sexton, A.R.; Britton, E.C. (1953). Synthesis and identification of dipropylene
glycol isomers. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 75: 4357-4358.

(33)

Spanjers, MT; Til, HP. (1980). Determination of the acute oral toxicity of
dipropylene glycol in rats. Report from CIVO -TNO to Dow Chemical Europe,
Horgen, Switzerland.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
6. References

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1(34)

Stull, D.R., (1957): Ind. Eng. Chem. 39: 517.

(35)

Tanaka, N; Yamakage, K.; Kusakabe, H., Hashimoto, K.; Shibuya, T.; Hara, T.;
Kato, M.; Ishihara, N. (no date). Toxicity studies with tripropylene glycol.
Research Report; Hatano Research institute, Food and Drug Safety Cente r,
Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan, pp. 253-276.

(36)

Van Winkle, W. Jr; Kennedy, N.K. (1940). Voluntary activity of rats fed propylene
glycol and other glycols. J.Pharmac. exp. Ther. 69: 140.

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7. Risk Assessment

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Id 25265 -7 1-8Date 3 0 . 0 5 . 2 0 0 1

7.1

END POINT SUMMARY

7.2.1

HAZARD SUMMARY

7.3

RISK ASSESSMENT

84

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