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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

CAS#: Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1 

Propylene Glycol 57-55-6 

Division of Toxicology September 1997 

This Public Health Statement is the summary 

chapter from the Toxicological Profile for Ethylene 

Glycol and Propylene Glycol. It is one in a series of 

Public Health Statements about hazardous 

substances and their health effects. A shorter 

version, the ToxFAQsTM is also available. This 

information is important because this substance may 

harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous 

substance depend on the dose, the duration, how 

you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and 

whether other chemicals are present. For more 

information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 

1-888-422-8737. 

This statement was prepared to give you 

information about ethylene glycol and to emphasize 

the human health effects that may result from 

exposure to it. The Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) has identified 1,416 hazardous waste 

sites as the most serious in the nation. These sites 

make up the National Priorities List (NPL) and are 

the sites targeted for long-term federal clean-up 

activities. Ethylene glycol has been found in at 

least 34 of the sites on the NPL. However, we do 

not know how many of the 1,416 NPL sites have 

been evaluated for ethylene glycol. As EPA 

evaluates more sites, the number of sites at which 

ethylene glycol is found may increase. This 

information is important for you to know because 

ethylene glycol may cause harmful health effects 

and because these sites are potential or actual 

sources of human exposure to ethylene glycol. 

Propylene glycol is a chemical that has physical and 

chemical properties that are similar to ethylene 

glycol, but it does not cause the same human health 

effects. Propylene glycol can be used in many of 

the same products that contain ethylene glycol. 

Propylene glycol has been identified in at least 5 of 

the 1,416 NPL sites. The information describing 

propylene glycol is important for you to know so 

that you may distinguish between exposure to 

ethylene glycol and exposure to propylene glycol. 

When a chemical is released from a large source, 

such as an industrial plant, or from a container, such 

as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment as a 

chemical emission. This emission, which is also 

called a release, does not always lead to exposure. 

You can be exposed to a chemical only when you 

come into contact with the chemical. You may be 

exposed to it in the environment by breathing, 

eating, or drinking substances containing the 

chemical or from skin contact with it. 

If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical such as 

ethylene glycol, several factors will determine 

whether harmful health effects will occur and what 

the type and severity of those health effects will be. 

These factors include the dose (how much), the 

duration (how long), the route or pathway by which 

you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin 

contact), the other chemicals to which you are 

exposed, and your individual characteristics such as 

age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, lifestyle, 

and state of health. 

1.1 WHAT ARE ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL? 

Ethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that 

absorbs water. Ethylene glycol is used to make 

antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, 

and boats. It is an ingredient in hydraulic brake 

fluids and in inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint 

pens, and print shops. It is a solvent used in the 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-888-422-8737 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: atsdric@cdc.gov 
 

 

 

 

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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

CAS#: Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1 

Propylene Glycol 57-55-6 

Division of Toxicology September 1997 

paint and plastics industry, and is used to produce 

polyester fibers. Other names for ethylene glycol 

are 1,2-dihydroxyethane, 1,2-ethanediol, 2-

hydroxyethanol, ethylene alcohol, glycol, and 

ethylene dihydrate. 

Propylene glycol is also a synthetic liquid substance 

that absorbs water. Like ethylene glycol, propylene 

glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, 

and as a base for de-icing solutions. Propylene 

glycol is used by the chemical, food, and 

pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when 

leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food 

and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified 

propylene glycol as an additive that is "generally 

recognized as safe" for use in food. It is used to 

absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain 

medicines, cosmetics, or food products. It is a 

solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint 

and plastics industries. Propylene glycol is also 

used to create artificial smoke or fog used in firefighting training and in theatrical productions. 

Other names for propylene glycol are 1,2-

dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, 

and trimethyl glycol. 

Both ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are clear, 

colorless, slightly syrupy liquids at room 

temperature. Either compound may exist in air in 

the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be 

heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. 

Ethylene glycol is odorless but has a sweet taste. 

Propylene glycol is practically odorless and 

tasteless. 

In this profile, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol 

are discussed together because they have very 

similar structures and physical properties, and can 

be used for many of the same purposes, although 

their toxic properties are very different. 

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO ETHYLENE 

GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

WHEN THEY ENTER THE 

ENVIRONMENT? 

Waste streams from the manufacture of ethylene 

glycol and propylene glycol are primarily 

responsible for the releases of both compounds into 

the air, water, and soil. Ethylene glycol and 

propylene glycol can enter the environment when 

they are used as runway and aircraft de-icing 

agents. They can also enter the environment 

through the disposal of products that contain them. 

Neither compound is likely to exist in large amounts 

in the air. We have little information about what 

happens to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in 

the air. The small amounts of ethylene glycol and 

propylene glycol that may enter the air are likely to 

break down quickly. If either chemical escapes into 

the air, it will take between 24 and 50 hours for half 

the amount released to break down. Both 

compounds can mix completely with water and can 

soak into soil. Both ethylene glycol and propylene 

glycol can break down relatively quickly (within 

several days to a week) in surface water and in soil. 

Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol can also 

travel from certain types of food packages into the 

food in the package. 

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE 

GLYCOL? 

The general population can be exposed to ethylene 

glycol because it is found in common products such 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-888-422-8737 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: atsdric@cdc.gov 
 

 

 

 

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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

CAS#: Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1 

Propylene Glycol 57-55-6 

Division of Toxicology September 1997 

as antifreeze, photographic developing solution, 

coolants, and brake fluid. Ethylene glycol 

represents a very small part (less than 1%) of 

photographic developing solutions, so you are not 

likely to be exposed to it in any significant quantity 

when using these solutions. If you come into 

contact with automotive fluids such as antifreeze, 

coolants, and brake fluid, you may be exposed to 

ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is less than 0.1% 

of brake fluid, so brake fluid presents little, if any, 

risk of exposure. People who work in industries 

that use ethylene glycol may be exposed by 

touching these products or inhaling mists from 

spraying them. These exposures tend to be at low 

levels, however. For instance, in areas where deicing fluids were sprayed, ethylene glycol vapor has 

been found in the air at low concentrations ranging 

from less than 0.02 parts per million parts of air 

(parts per million or ppm) to 4.1 ppm. According to 

the guidelines set by the American Conference of 

Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the 

maximum allowable level of ethylene glycol in 

workplace air is 50 ppm. Except for operations 

where ethylene glycol has been sprayed or made 

into a mist or vapor, exposure to it in the air is 

unlikely. High doses that could produce harmful 

effects usually result from intentionally or 

accidentally eating or drinking a certain amount at 

one time. The small amounts of ethylene glycol 

that you might breathe in or get on your skin when 

using these products are very unlikely to harm you. 

Propylene glycol has been approved for use at 

certain levels in food, cosmetics, and 

pharmaceutical products. If you eat food products, 

use cosmetics, or take medicines that contain it, you 

will be exposed to propylene glycol, but these 

amounts are not generally considered harmful. 

People who work in industries that use propylene 

glycol may be exposed by touching these products 

or inhaling mists from spraying them. These 

exposures tend to be at low levels, however. 

Propylene glycol is used to make artificial smoke 

and mists for fire safety training, theatrical 

performances, and rock concerts. These artificial 

smoke products may also be used by private 

citizens. These products are frequently used in 

enclosed spaces, where exposure may be more 

intense. 

1.4 HOW CAN ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL ENTER AND 

LEAVE MY BODY? 

Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol can enter your 

bloodstream if you breathe air containing mists or 

vapors from either compound. Both compounds 

can also enter your bloodstream through your skin if 

you come in direct contact with them and do not 

wash them off. If you eat products that contain 

propylene glycol, it may enter your bloodstream. 

Exposure of the general population to ethylene 

glycol is usually limited to people who work on cars 

or use photographic developing solutions. Most 

fatal ethylene glycol poisonings occur after 

intentionally eating or drinking it. People and 

animals can also be poisoned by eating or drinking 

antifreeze solutions that have not been properly 

stored or disposed of. Many of the people exposed 

to ethylene glycol are exposed in their workplaces 

or while changing antifreeze, brake fluids, or 

coolants in their cars. However, other people can 

accidentally be exposed when these auto products 

are not disposed of properly. Exposure of the 

general population to propylene glycol is more 

likely since many foods, drugs, and cosmetics 

contain it. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-888-422-8737 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: atsdric@cdc.gov 
 

 

 

 

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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

CAS#: Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1 

Propylene Glycol 57-55-6 

Division of Toxicology September 1997 

Studies of people and animals show that ethylene 

glycol enters the body quickly and breaks down 

very quickly. These studies have shown that 

ethylene glycol is no longer found in urine or body 

tissues 48 hours after exposure. Propylene glycol 

breaks down at about the same rate as ethylene 

glycol. However, studies of people and animals 

show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or 

oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, 

you may develop some irritation. 

1.5 HOW CAN ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL AFFECT MY 

HEALTH? 

Exposure to ethylene glycol can remove water from 

the tissues in your body and cause loss of body 

water in the form of urine. If you drink ethylene 

glycol, it will spread evenly throughout your body 

within a few hours. Within 24–48 hours of drinking 

ethylene glycol, much of the compound will be 

excreted unchanged in the urine and the rest will 

completely break down so that it can no longer be 

detected in your body. When ethylene glycol 

breaks down in the body, it forms chemicals that 

crystallize; the crystals collect in your body and can 

affect kidney function. It can also form chemicals 

that are acidic, thus changing the body's acid/base 

balance. Swallowing a certain amount of ethylene 

glycol can kill you. Studies show that swallowing 

ethylene glycol causes very similar effects in people 

and animals. The very small amounts of ethylene 

glycol that could be tasted or otherwise accidentally 

eaten (for example, by putting your fingers in your 

mouth) in situations other than intentionally or 

accidentally drinking ethylene glycol are not likely 

to cause serious illness or death. Moreover, in cases 

that involve eating or drinking large amounts of 

ethylene glycol, antidotal treatment after early 

diagnosis has been very successful. 

Propylene glycol breaks down at the same rate as 

ethylene glycol, although it does not form harmful 

crystals when it breaks down. Frequent skin 

exposure to propylene glycol can sometimes irritate 

the skin. 

1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO 

DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN 

EXPOSED TO ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL? 

Tests are available to determine if you have been 

exposed to ethylene glycol. These tests are only 

used on people who are showing symptoms of 

ethylene glycol poisoning (but they could be used in 

other situations). The tests are most often used on 

people who have intentionally consumed, or who 

suspect they have consumed, large amounts of 

ethylene glycol. Recently, tests have been 

developed that can detect ethylene glycol in blood 

in 30 minutes. These tests are successful only if 

you have recently been exposed to large amounts of 

ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is generally 

considered to be a safe chemical, and is not 

routinely tested for, unless specific exposure, such 

as to a medicine or cosmetic, can be linked with the 

observed bad symptoms. Since both ethylene 

glycol and propylene glycol break down very 

quickly in the body, they are very difficult to detect 

even though the symptoms may be present. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-888-422-8737 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: atsdric@cdc.gov 
 

 

 

 

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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

CAS#: Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1 

Propylene Glycol 57-55-6 

Division of Toxicology September 1997 

1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO 

PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH? 

The government has developed regulations and 

guidelines for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. 

These are designed to protect the public from 

potential adverse health effects. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) regulates levels of ethylene glycol in the 

workplace. The maximum allowable amount of 

ethylene glycol in workroom air is 50 ppm, based 

on the guidelines of the ACGIH. The EPA has set a 

drinking water guideline for ethylene glycol of 

7,000 micrograms in a liter of water, and has 

proposed that a release into the environment need 

not be reported under the Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund) or 

the Emergency Planning Community Right-toKnow Act unless it exceeds 5,000 pounds within 24 

hours. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has 

classified propylene glycol as "generally recognized 

as safe," which means that it is acceptable for use in 

flavorings, drugs, and cosmetics, and as a direct 

food additive. According to the World Health 

Organization, the acceptable dietary intake of 

propylene glycol is 25 mg of propylene glycol for 

every kilogram (kg) of body weight. 

1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE 

INFORMATION? 

If you have any more questions or concerns, 

please contact your community or state health or 

environmental quality department or: 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

Division of Toxicology 

1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32 

Atlanta, GA 30333 

Information line and technical assistance: 

Phone: 888-422-8737 

FAX: (770)-488-4178 

ATSDR can also tell you the location of 

occupational and environmental health clinics. 

These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, 

and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to 

hazardous substances. 

To order toxicological profiles, contact: 

National Technical Information Service 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, VA 22161 

Phone: 800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000 

Reference 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

(ATSDR). 1997. Toxicological profile for ethylene 

glycol and propylene glycol. Atlanta, GA: U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Public 

Health Service. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-888-422-8737 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: atsdric@cdc.gov