NIOSH Skin Notation (SK) Profiles

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Propargyl Alcohol 

[CAS No. 107-19-7] 
ii Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

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Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2014]. NIOSH skin notation profiles: propargyl alcohol. By Hudson NL, Dotson GS. 

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2014-149.

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2014-149

August 2014

Safer • Healthier • PeopleTM
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol iii

Foreword

As the largest organ of the body, the skin performs multiple critical functions, such as serving 

as the primary barrier to the external environment. For this reason, the skin is often exposed to 

potentially hazardous agents, including chemicals, which may contribute to the onset of a spectrum of adverse health effects ranging from localized damage (e.g., irritant contact dermatitis 

and corrosion) to induction of immune-mediated responses (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis 

and pulmonary responses), or systemic toxicity (e.g., neurotoxicity and hepatoxicity). Understanding the hazards related to skin contact with chemicals is a critical component of modern 

occupational safety and health programs. 

In 2009, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published 

Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) 61: A Strategy for Assigning New NIOSH Skin Notations

[NIOSH 2009-147]. This document provides the scientific rationale and framework for the 

assignment of multiple hazard-specific skin notations (SK) that clearly distinguish between the 

systemic effects, direct (localized) effects, and immune-mediated responses caused by skin contact with chemicals. The key step within assignment of the hazard-specific SK is the determination of the hazard potential of the substance, or its potential for causing adverse health effects as 

a result of skin exposure. This determination entails a health hazard identification process that 

involves use of the following: 

• Scientific data on the physicochemical properties of a chemical

• Data on human exposures and health effects

• Empirical data from in vivo and in vitro laboratory testing

• Computational techniques, including predictive algorithms and mathematical 

models that describe a selected process (e.g., skin permeation) by means of analytical or numerical methods. 

This Skin Notation Profile provides the SK assignments and supportive data for propargyl alcohol.In particular, this document evaluates and summarizes the literature describing the hazard 

potential of the substance and its assessment according to the scientific rationale and framework 

outlined in CIB 61. In meeting this objective, this Skin Notation Profile intends to inform the 

audience—mostly occupational health practitioners, researchers, policy- and decision-makers, 

employers, and workers in potentially hazardous workplaces—so that improved risk-management practices may be developed to better protect workers from the risks of skin contact with 

the chemicals of interest.

John Howard, M.D.

Director, National Institute for 

 Occupational Safety and Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol v

Contents

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 General Substance Information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.3 Overview of SK Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Systemic Toxicity from Skin Exposure (SK: SYS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3 Direct Effects on Skin (SK: DIR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 Immune-mediated Responses (SK: SEN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Appendix: Calculation of the SI Ratio for Propargyl Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Appendix References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
vi Skin Notation Profiles | Dichloropropene

Abbreviations 

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 

CIB Current Intelligence Bulletin

cm2 square centimeter(s)

cm/hour centimeter(s) per hour

DEREK Deductive Estimation of Risk from Existing Knowledge

DIR skin notation indicating the potential for direct effects to the skin following 

contact with a chemical

EC European Commission 

GHS Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

GPMT guinea pig maximization test

IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer

(IRR) subnotation of SK: DIR indicating the potential for a chemical to be a skin 

irritant following exposure to the skin

k

aq coefficient in the watery epidermal layer 

k

p skin permeation coefficient 

kpol coefficient in the protein fraction of the stratum corneum

k

psc permeation coefficient in the lipid fraction of the stratum corneum 

LD50 dose resulting in 50% mortality in the exposed population

LDLo dermal lethal dose

LLNA local lymph node assay

LOAEL lowest-observed-adverse-effect level 

logKOW base-10 logarithm of a substance’s octanol–water partition

M molarity

m3 cubic meter(s)

mg milligram(s)

mg/kg milligram(s) per kilogram body weight

mg/m3 milligram(s) per cubic meter

mL milliliter(s)

MW molecular weight

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NOAEL no-observed-adverse-effect level

NTP National Toxicology Program

OEL occupational exposure limit

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

REL recommended exposure limit

RF retention factor 

SEN skin notation indicating the potential for immune-mediated reactions following 

exposure of the skin

SI ratio ratio of skin dose to inhalation dose
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol vii

SK skin notation

SW solubility 

SYS skin notation indicating the potential for systemic toxicity following exposure of 

the skin

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 

μL microliter(s) 
viii Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

Glossary

Absorption—The transport of a chemical from the outer surface of the skin into both 

the skin and systemic circulation (including penetration, permeation, and resorption). 

Acute exposure—Contact with a chemical that occurs once or for only a short period 

of time. 

Cancer—Any one of a group of diseases that occurs when cells in the body become 

abnormal and grow or multiply out of control. 

Contaminant—A chemical that is (1) unintentionally present within a neat substance 

or mixture at a concentration less than 1.0% or (2) recognized as a potential carcinogen 

and present within a neat substance or mixture at a concentration less than 0.1%. 

Cutaneous (or percutaneous)—Referring to the skin (or through the skin). 

Dermal—Referring to the skin. 

Dermal contact—Contact with (touching) the skin. 

Direct effects—Localized, non-immune-mediated adverse health effects on the skin, 

including corrosion, primary irritation, changes in skin pigmentation, and reduction/

disruption of the skin barrier integrity, occurring at or near the point of contact with 

chemicals. 

Immune-mediated responses—Responses mediated by the immune system, including 

allergic responses. 

Sensitization—A specific immune-mediated response that develops following exposure 

to a chemical, which, upon re-exposure, can lead to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) 

or other immune-mediated diseases such as asthma, depending on the site and route of 

re-exposure. 

Substance—A chemical. 

Systemic effects—Systemic toxicity associated with skin absorption of chemicals after 

exposure of the skin. 
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol ix

Acknowledgments 

This document was developed by the NIOSH Education and Information Division (Paul 

Schulte, Ph.D., Director). G. Scott Dotson, Ph.D., was the project officer for this document, 

assisted in great part by Naomi Hudson, Dr.P.H., MPH, Loren Tapp, M.D., and Aaron Sussell, Ph.D. The basis for this document was a report (Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment

[TERA]) contracted by NIOSH and prepared by Bernard Gadagbui, Ph.D., and Andrew Maier, Ph.D. 

For their contribution to the technical content and review of this document, special acknowledgment is given to the following NIOSH personnel: 

Denver Field Office

Eric Esswein, M.Sc. 

Division of Applied Research and Technology

Clayton B’Hymer, Ph.D. 

John Snawder, Ph.D.

Mark Toraason, Ph.D. 

Division of Respiratory Disease Studies

Gregory A. Day, Ph.D. 

Aleksander Stefaniak, Ph.D. 

Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies

Matt Dahm, M.Sc. 

Todd Niemeier, M.Sc. 

Education and Information Division

Devin Baker, M.Ed. 

Charles L. Geraci, Ph.D.

Thomas J. Lentz, Ph.D.

Richard Niemeier, Ph.D.

Sudha Pandalai. M.D., Ph.D. 

Health Effects Laboratory Division

Stacey Anderson, Ph.D. 

H. Fredrick Frasch, Ph.D. 

Vic Johnson, Ph.D.

Michael Luster, Ph.D.

Anna Shvedova, Ph.D. 

Paul Siegel, Ph.D.

Berran Yucesoy, Ph.D. 

National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory

Heinz Ahlers, M.Sc.

Angie Shepherd 

For their contribution to the technical content and review of this document, special acknowledgment is given to the following CDC personnel: 

Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services/Epidemiology 

and Analysis Program Office

Barbara Landreth, M.A. 
x Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

In addition, special appreciation is expressed to the following individuals for serving as independent, external reviewers and providing comments that contributed to the development or 

Frank A Barile, Ph.D., St. John’s University , College of Pharmacy, Queens, NY 

Phillip L. Williams, Ph.D., CIH, The University of Georgia, College of Public Health, 

Athens, GA 

G. Frank Gerberick, Ph.D., The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH 

Dori Germolec, Ph.D., National Toxicology Program, National Institute for 

Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle, NC 

Ben Hayes, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Dermatology, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, 

Nashville, TN 

Jennifer Sahmel, M.Sc., CIH, ChemRisk, Boulder, CO 

James Taylor, M.D., Industrial Dermatology, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol 1

Propargyl Alcohol 

1 Introduction 

1.1 General Substance Information 

Chemical: Propargyl Alcohol

CAS No: 107-19-7

Molecular weight (MW): 56.1

Molecular formula: C3H3OH

Structural formula:

Synonyms: 

1-Propyn-3-ol; 2-Propyn-1-ol; 2-Propynyl 

alcohol 

Uses:

Propargyl alcohol is used primarily as a corrosion inhibitor, chemical reagent and intermediate [ACGIH 2001]. 

Table 1. Summary of the SK assignment for propargyl alcohol

Skin notation Critical effect Data available

SK: SYS (FATAL) Acute toxicity Limited animal data

1.2 Purpose 

This skin notation profile presents (1) a brief 

summary of epidemiological and toxicological 

data associated with skin contact with propargyl alcohol and (2) the rationale behind the 

hazard-specific skin notation (SK) assignment for propargyl alcohol. The SK assignment is based on the scientific rationale and 

logic outlined in the Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) 61: A Strategy for Assigning New 

NIOSH Skin Notations [NIOSH 2009]. The 

summarized information and health hazard 

assessment are limited to an evaluation of the 

potential health effects of dermal exposure 

to propargyl alcohol. A literature search was 

conducted through April 2014 to identify information on propargyl alcohol, including but 

not limited to data relating to its toxicokinetics, acute toxicity, repeated-dose systemic toxicity, carcinogenicity, biological system/function–specific effects (including reproductive 

and developmental effects and immunotoxicity), irritation, and sensitization. Information was considered from studies of humans, 

animals, or appropriate modeling systems that 

are relevant to assessing the effects of dermal 

exposure to propargyl alcohol. 

1.3 Overview of SK Assignment

Propargyl alcohol is potentially capable of 

causing numerous adverse health effects following skin contact. A critical review of available data has resulted in the following SK 

assignment for propargyl alcohol: SK: SYS 

(FATAL). Table 1 provides an overview of the 

critical effects and data used to develop the 

SK assignment for propargyl alcohol. 

2 Systemic Toxicity from Skin 

Exposure (SK: SYS) 

No toxicokinetic data were identified that 

evaluated the potential of propargyl alcohol 

to be absorbed through the skin of humans 

following dermal exposure. Dix et al. [2001] 

investigated the disposition of propargyl alcohol in male rats following dermal exposure. 
2 Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

Propargyl Alcohol

The authors applied radiolabeled propargyl 

alcohol in an ethanol solution at the target 

dose of ~5 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) 

under non-occlude conditions to the backs 

of test animals for a 6-hour exposure period. 

When adjusted for body weight, the applied 

dose corresponded to applied doses of ~1.25 

mg/rat. The reported results indicated that 

only 4.3% of the applied dose was absorbed 

through the skin that up to 85% of the applied 

dose was unavailable for dermal absorption 

because of the volatile nature of propargyl alcohol. In addition, Dix et al. [2001] indicated 

that it is unlikely that humans would receive 

a significant internal dose of propargyl alcohol following dermal exposure unless the skin 

was in contact with liquid propargyl for a prolonged period. However, Dix et al. [2001] did 

not evaluate the potential of propargyl alcohol 

to be dermally absorbed under occluded conditions. Due to the volatility of the chemical, 

the amount of propargyl alcohol that was dermally absorbed could have differed compared 

to the study using non-occluded conditions. 

For example, Vernot et al. [1977] measured 

skin absorption toxicity under occluded conditions, and reported findings that propargyl 

alcohol was acutely fatal at relatively low doses. Additionally, Dix et al. [2001] were using 

very low concentrations in the dermal absorption studies of propargyl alcohol. At concentrations as low as of 8 mg/kg, Dow Chemical Company [1957] reported no toxicity, but 

exposures to a 1.58% solution of propargyl 

alcohol in Dowanol 50B at 15.8 mg/kg or 

31.6 mg/kg in rabbits was fatal. The potential 

of propargyl alcohol to pose a skin absorption 

hazard was also evaluated, with use of a predictive algorithm for estimating and evaluating the health hazards of dermal exposure to 

substances [NIOSH 2009]. The evaluation 

method compares an estimated dose accumulated in the body from skin absorption and an 

estimated dose from respiratory absorption 

associated with a reference occupational exposure limit. On the basis of this algorithm, 

a ratio of the skin dose to the inhalation dose 

(SI ratio) of 247 was calculated for propargyl 

alcohol. An SI ratio of ≥0.1 indicates that skin 

absorption may significantly contribute to the 

overall body burden of a substance [NIOSH 

2009]; therefore, propargyl alcohol is considered to be absorbed through the skin following dermal exposure. Additional information 

on the SI ratio and the variables used in its 

calculation are included in the appendix. 

No human dermal lethal concentration 

(LDLo) estimates were identified. A dermal 

LD50 value (the dose resulting in 50% mortality in the exposed animals) of 88 mg/kg was 

reported in an acute toxicity study using three 

female albino New Zealand rabbits per dose 

[Vernot et al 1977]. Propargyl alcohol was applied under occluded conditions using gauze 

patches to keep the compound in contact with 

the skin under a latex rubber film [Vernot et 

al. 1977]. In another study, Dow Chemical 

Company [1957] reported that dermal application of a 1.58% solution of propargyl alcohol in Dowanol 50B at doses of 15.8 mg/kg 

or 31.6 mg/kg for 24 hours was lethal to 1 

of 2 rabbits exposed, while 8 mg/kg produced 

no toxicity. Signs of toxicity observed included diarrhea and hyperemia [Dow Chemical 

Company 1957]. Dix et al. [2001] reported 

no deaths in rats that received ~1.25 mg of 

propargyl alcohol in an ethanol solution to 

their backs for 6-hour exposure periods under 

non-occluded conditions. Because the reported acute dermal LD50 values for rabbits are 

lower than the critical dermal LD50 value of 

200 mg/kg that identifies chemical substances 

to be considered fatal when in contact with 

the skin [NIOSH 2009], propargyl alcohol 

is considered acutely fatal following dermal 

exposure. 

No epidemiological studies or human case 

reports or repeat-dose, subchronic or chronic 

dermal toxicity studies in animals were identified that evaluated the potential of propargyl 

alcohol to cause systemic toxicity following 

dermal exposure. No standard toxicity or specialty studies were identified that evaluated 

biological system/function specific effects (including reproductive and developmental effects and immunotoxicity) following dermal 

exposure to propargyl alcohol.
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol 3

Propargyl Alcohol 

Table 2. Summary of the carcinogenic designations* for propargyl alcohol 

by numerous governmental and nongovernmental organizations

Organization Carcinogenic designation

NIOSH [2005] No designation

NTP [2011] No designation

USEPA [2012] No designation

European Parliament [2008] No designation

IARC [2012] No designation

EC [2014]† No designation

ACGIH [2001] No designation

ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; EC = European Commission, Joint Research, Institute for 

Health and Consumer Protection; IARC = International Agency for Research on Cancer; NIOSH = National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; NTP = National Toxicology Program; USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency.

*The listed cancer designations were based on data from nondermal (such as oral or inhalation) exposure rather than dermal exposure.

†

Date accessed. 

Although data were not identified to determine the potential for propargyl alcohol to be 

carcinogenic following dermal exposure, other 

agencies or organizations have evaluated the 

carcinogenicity potential of the substance via 

alternative exposure pathways. Table 2 summarizes carcinogenic designations of multiple 

governmental and nongovernmental organizations for propargyl alcohol. 

Although the single toxicokinetic data identified for propargyl alcohol in rats suggested 

that the chemical has limited potential to be 

absorbed through the skin (i.e., percent absorption is less than 10%), this was a non-occluded test, which would not be predictive of 

absorption following continuous or repeated 

skin contact. Two acute toxicity studies [Dow 

Chemical Company 1957; Vernot et al 1977]*

were identified that indicated propargyl alcohol is potentially fatal when in contact with 

skin. While detailed methods for the dermal 

application of propargyl alcohol were not available for the Dow Chemical Company [1957], 

the study conducted by Vernot et al. [1977] 

reported detailed methods and the study was 

*References in bold text indicate studies that serve 

as the basis of the SK assignments.

consistent with OECD principals. Therefore, 

on the basis of the data for this assessment, 

propargyl alcohol is assigned the SK: SYS (FATAL) notation. 

3 Direct Effects on Skin 

(SK: DIR) 

No human or animal in vivo studies for corrosivity or in vitro tests for corrosivity of 

propargyl alcohol using human or animal skin 

models or in vitro tests for skin integrity using 

cadaver skin were identified. Application of 

15.8 mg/kg or 31.6 mg/kg of a 1.58% propargyl alcohol solution in Dowanol 50B for 24 

hours was reported to cause moderate edema 

in dermally-exposed rabbits [Dow Chemical Company 1957]. Rowe and McCollister 

[1982] reported from unpublished data from 

the Dow Chemical Company, that when applied to the skin of rabbits, the undiluted material caused some superficial necrosis, a 10% 

solution caused edema, and a 1% solution did 

not cause any adverse skin effect. The structure activity relationship model, Deductive 

Estimation of Risk from Existing Knowledge 

(DEREK), predicted propargyl alcohol to be 

negative for skin irritation.
4 Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

Propargyl Alcohol

Table 3. Summary of previous skin hazard designations for propargyl alcohol

Organization Skin hazard designation

NIOSH [2005] [skin]: Potential for dermal absorption

OSHA [2014]* [skin]: Potential for dermal absorption

ACGIH 

[2001]

[skin]: Based on evidence of skin penetration of propargyl alcohol, with subsequent 

mortality, in treated rabbits

EC [2014]* R24: Harmful if in contact with skin

R34: Cause burns

ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; EC = European Commission, Joint Research, Institute 

for Health and Consumer Protection; NIOSH = National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; OSHA = Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration.

*Date accessed.

Insufficient data are available to assess the 

potential of propargyl alcohol to cause skin 

corrosion. Review of the available information 

that demonstrates the ability of propargyl alcohol to cause irritation described as moderate edema in rabbits [Dow Chemical Company 1957] is insufficient to assign propargyl 

alcohol is the SK: DIR notation. 

4 Immune-mediated 

Responses (SK: SEN) 

No occupational exposure studies or human patch tests or predictive tests in animals 

(guinea pig maximization tests, Buehler test, 

murine local lymph node assays, etc.) were 

identified that evaluated the potential of the 

propargyl alcohol to cause skin sensitization. 

DEREK predicted propargyl alcohol to be a 

skin sensitizer. Lack of data precludes evaluation of the skin sensitization potential of 

propargyl alcohol. Therefore, on the basis of 

the data for this assessment, propargyl alcohol 

is not assigned the SK: SEN notation. 

5 Summary 

No human data were identified that characterized the toxicological effects of dermal exposure to propargyl alcohol. A single 

toxicokinetic study for propargyl alcohol in 

rats suggested that the chemical has limited 

potential to be absorbed through the skin (i.e., 

percent absorption is less than 10%) because 

of the highly volatility nature of the chemical 

[Dix et al. 2001]. Two acute toxicity studies 

[Dow Chemical Company 1957; Vernot et 

al 1977]were identified that indicated propargyl alcohol is potentially fatal when in contact with skin. While a description the study 

protocol, more specifically the dermal application method, was not included in the Dow 

Chemical Company [1957] study, Vernot et 

al. [1977] provided a sufficient description 

of the study protocol, which was consistent 

with OECD principals. The findings of these 

studies indicate that deaths may occur after 

acute dermal exposure to low concentrations 

of propargyl alcohol. Review of the available 

information that demonstrates the ability of 

propargyl alcohol to cause irritation described 

as moderate edema in rabbits [Dow Chemical Company 1957] is insufficient to assign 

propargyl alcohol the SK: DIR notation. Insufficient information was identified to assess 

the potential of propargyl alcohol to act as a 

skin sensitizer. Therefore, on the basis of these 

assessments, propargyl alcohol is assigned 

a composite skin notation of SK: SYS (FATAL). 

Table 3 summarizes the skin hazard designations for propargyl alcohol previously issued by 

NIOSH and other organizations. The equivalent dermal designations for propargyl alcohol, according to the Global Harmonization 

System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling 
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol 5

Propargyl Alcohol 

of Chemicals, are Acute Toxicity Category 3 

(Hazard statement: Toxic in contact with the 

skin) and Skin Corrosion Category 1B (Hazard statement: Causes severe skin burns and 

eye damage) [European Parliament 2008].

References 

Note: Asterisks (*) denote sources cited in 

text; daggers (†) denote additional resources.

*ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) [2001]. Propargyl 

alcohol. In: Documentation of threshold limit 

values and biological exposure indices 7th ed., 

Vol. 3. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference 

of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 

*Dix KJ, Coleman DP, et al. [2001]. Disposition 

of propargyl alcohol in rat and mouse after intravenous, oral, dermal and inhalation exposure. 

Xenobiotica 31:357–375. 

*Dow Chemical Company [1957]. Range finding 

skin absorption tests on propargyl alcohol. By 

Olson KJ. Midland, MI: Dow Chemical Company. On file with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under TSCA Section 8D. OTS 

#0510183. 

*EC (European Commission) [ND]. Prop2-yn-1-ol. In: EINICS (European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances), http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/. Accessed: 

04-29-14. 

*European Parliament, Council of the European 

Union [2008]. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 

of the European Parliament and of the Council 

of 16 December 2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, 

amending and repealing Directives 67/548/ 

EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. OJEU, Off J Eur 

Union L353:1–1355, http://eurex.europa.eu/

LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:35

3:0001:1355:EN:PDF. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

†Faucher JA. [1977]. Sorption of organic compounds by human skin. Union Carbide Corporation, Tarrytown, New York. Cosmet. Toiletries 92:61–62. 

*IARC (International Agency for Research on 

Cancer) [2012]. Agents reviewed by the IARC 

monographs. In: IARC monographs on the 

evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, 

http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/

PDFs/index.php. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

*NIOSH [2005]. Propargyl alcohol. In: NIOSH 

pocket guide to chemical hazards. Cincinnati, 

OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

npg/. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

*NIOSH [2009]. Current intelligence bulletin 

61: a strategy for assigning new NIOSH skin 

notations. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services, Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-147, 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-147/

pdfs/2009-147.pdf. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

*NTP [2011]. Report on Carcinogens. Twelfth 

Edition; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. National 

Toxicology Program, http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/

ntp/roc/twelfth/roc12.pdf. Accessed 04-29-14. 

*OSHA [ND]. Propargyl alcohol. In: Sampling 

and analytical methods, http://www.osha.gov/

dts/sltc/methods/organic/org097/org097.html. 

Accessed: 04-29-14. 

* Rowe V; McCollister S.B. [1982]. Alcohols. In: 

Clayton GD and Clayton FE editors. Patty’s 

Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 3rd Rev. ed., 

Vol. 2C, Toxicology. New York. John Wiley & 

Sons; 1982. p. 4671–4673. 

*USEPA [2012]. Integrated Risk Information 

System: propargyl alcohol. In: Integrated Risk 

Information System, http://www.epa.gov/ncea/

iris/subst/0468.htm. Accessed: 04-29-14. 
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Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol 7

Propargyl Alcohol 

Appendix: Calculation of the SI Ratio for Propargyl Alcohol 

This appendix presents an overview of the SI 

ratio and a summary of the calculation of the 

SI ratio for propargyl alcohol. Although the 

SI ratio is considered in the determination of 

a substance’s hazard potential following skin 

contact, it is intended only to serve as supportive data during the assignment of the NIOSH 

SK. An in-depth discussion on the rationale 

and calculation of the SI ratio can be found 

in Appendix B of the Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) 61: A Strategy for Assigning New 

NIOSH Skin Notations [NIOSH 2009]. 

Overview 

The SI ratio is a predictive algorithm for estimating and evaluating the health hazards of 

skin exposure to substances. The algorithm is 

designed to evaluate the potential for a substance to penetrate the skin and induce systemic toxicity [NIOSH 2009]. The goals for 

incorporating this algorithm into the proposed strategy for assigning SYS notation are 

as follows: 

1. Provide an alternative method to evaluate substances for which no clinical reports or animal toxicity studies exist or 

for which empirical data are insufficient 

to determine systemic effects.

2. Use the algorithm evaluation results to 

determine whether a substance poses a 

skin absorption hazard and should be labeled with the SYS notation. 

The algorithm evaluation includes three steps:

1. determining a skin permeation coefficient (k

p

) for the substance of interest,

2. estimating substance uptake by the skin 

and respiratory absorption routes, and 

3. evaluating whether the substance poses a 

skin exposure hazard. 

The algorithm is flexible in the data requirement and can operate entirely on the basis of 

the physicochemical properties of a substance 

and the relevant exposure parameters. Thus, 

the algorithm is independent of the need for 

biologic data. Alternatively, it can function 

with both the physicochemical properties and 

the experimentally determined permeation 

coefficient when such data are available and 

appropriate for use. 

The first step in the evaluation is to determine the k

p

 for the substance to describe the 

transdermal penetration rate of the substance 

[NIOSH 2009]. The k

p

, which represents the 

overall diffusion of the substance through the 

stratum corneum and into the blood capillaries of the dermis, is estimated from the 

compound’s molecular weight (MW) and 

base-10 logarithm of its octanol–water partition coefficient (log KOW). In this example, 

k

p

is determined for a substance with use of 

Equation 1. A self-consistent set of units must 

be used, such as outlined in Table A1. Other 

model-based estimates of k

p

 may also be used 

[NIOSH 2009]. 

Equation 1: Calculation of Skin Permeation 

Coefficient (k

p

) 

psc pol aq

p

k k k

k 1 1

1

+

+

=

where k

psc is the permeation coefficient in the 

lipid fraction of the stratum corneum, kpol is 

the coefficient in the protein fraction of the 

stratum corneum, and kaq is the coefficient in 

the watery epidermal layer. These components 

are individually estimated by

log k

psc = −1.326 + 0.6097 × log Kow − 

0.1786 × MW 0.5

kpol = 0.0001519 × MW−0.5

k

aq

 = 2.5 × MW−0.5

The second step is to calculate the biologic 

mass uptake of the substance from skin absorption (skin dose) and inhalation (inhalation dose) during the same period of exposure. 
8 Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol

Propargyl Alcohol

The skin dose is calculated as a mathematical 

product of the kp, the water solubility (SW) of 

the substance, the exposed skin surface area, 

and the duration of exposure. Its units are milligrams (mg). Assume that the skin exposure 

continues for 8 hours to unprotected skin on 

the palms of both hands (a surface area of 360 

square centimeters [cm2]). 

Equation 2: Determination of Skin Dose 

Skin dose 

= k

p

 × Sw × Exposed skin surface area 

 × Exposure time

 = k

p

(cm/hour) × Sw (mg/cm3) × 

 360 cm2 × 8 hours

The inhalation dose (in mg) is derived on 

the basis of the occupational exposure limit 

(OEL) of the substance—if the OEL is developed to prevent the occurrence of systemic 

effects rather than sensory/irritant effects or 

direct effects on the respiratory tract. Assume 

a continuous exposure of 8 hours, an inhalation volume of 10 cubic meters (m3

) inhaled 

air in 8 hours, and a factor of 75% for retention of the airborne substance in the lungs 

during respiration (retention factor, or RF). 

Equation 3: Determination of Inhalation Dose 

Inhalation dose = OEL × Inhalation 

 volume × RF

 = OEL (mg/m3) × 10 m3

 × 0.75

The final step is to compare the calculated 

skin and inhalation doses and to present the 

result as a ratio of skin dose to inhalation dose 

(the SI ratio). This ratio quantitatively indicates (1) the significance of dermal absorption as a route of occupational exposure to the 

substance and (2) the contribution of dermal 

uptake to systemic toxicity. If a substance has 

an SI ratio greater than or equal to 0.1, it is 

considered a skin absorption hazard. 

Calculation 

Table A1 summarizes the data applied in the 

previously described equations to determine 

the SI ratio for propargyl alcohol. The calculated SI ratio was 247 is greater than the cutoff point of 0.1. On the basis of these results, 

propargyl alcohol is predicted to represent a 

skin absorption hazard. 

Appendix References 

NIOSH [2005]. NIOSH pocket guide to chemical 

hazards. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute 

for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS 

(NIOSH) Publication No. 2005–149, http://

www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

NIOSH [2009]. Current intelligence bulletin 

61: a strategy for assigning new NIOSH skin 

notations. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services, Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-147, 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-147/

pdfs/2009-147.pdf. Accessed: 04-29-14. 

SRC [2009]. Interactive PhysProp database demo, 

http://www.srcinc.com/what-we-do/databaseforms.aspx?id=386. Accessed: 04-29-14. 
Skin Notation Profiles | Propargyl Alcohol 9

Propargyl Alcohol 

Table A1. Summary of data used to calculate the SI ratio for propargyl alcohol 

Variables used in calculation Units Value

Skin permeation coefficient

Permeation coefficient of stratum corneum lipid path(k

psc) cm/hr 1.2734 × 10-3

Permeation coefficient of the protein fraction of the stratum corneum (kpol)cm/hr 2.0286 × 10-5

Permeation coefficient of the watery epidermal layer (kaq) cm/hr 0.3337

Molecular weight (MW)

* amu 56.07

Base-10 logarithm of its octanol–water partition coefficient (Log Kow)

*

None -0.38

Calculated skin permeation coefficient (k

p

) cm/hr 1.2887 × 10-3

Skin dose

Water solubility (Sw)

* mg/cm3 1000

Calculated skin permeation coefficient (k

p

) cm/hr 1.2887 × 10-3

Estimated skin surface area (palms of hand) cm2 360

Exposure time hr 8

Calculated skin dose mg 3711.38

Inhalation Dose

Occupational exposure limit (OEL)† mg/m3 2

Inhalation volume m3 10

Retention factor (RF) None 0.75

Inhalation dose mg 15

Skin dose–to–inhalation dose (SI) ratio None 247.43

*

Variables identified from SRC [2009].

†

The OEL used in calculation of the SI ratio for propargyl alcohol was the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) [NIOSH 2005].
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