Propylene glycol seems to be quite unfamiliar to the name, but in fact it often exists in our lives. Food and cosmetics are often added with propylene glycol. In recent years, propylene glycol has also been added to the very popular e-cigarette liquid, so for everyone, it is On the contrary, it is very familiar. It can be said to be the most familiar stranger. So is propylene glycol harmful to the body of this stranger?
Is Propylene Glycol Harmful?
Propylene glycol is almost harmless to the body. Of course, propylene glycol also has certain toxicity and irritation. Its “toxicity” is mainly reflected in the effect on the nervous system, which only occurs when ingested in extremely large doses. (For example, animal experiments have shown that propylene glycol can cause central nervous system depression when the daily intake is higher than 13.2 grams per kilogram of body weight). However, small amounts are safe for ingestion or skin contact, as long as the specified limits are not exceeded.
What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene glycol is a colorless viscous liquid under normal conditions, almost odorless, slightly sweet, and has strong hygroscopicity. It is miscible with water, ethanol and various organic solvents. Propanediol is divided into 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol. The most common one on the market is 1,2-propanediol, and its molecular formula is C3H8O2.
What are the uses of propylene glycol?
1. Industry: It is an important raw material for unsaturated polyester, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, plasticizer and surfactant;
2. Cosmetics: 1,2-Propanediol has good viscosity and hygroscopicity, and is widely used as a hygroscopic agent, antifreeze, lubricant and solvent in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries;
3. Food: It reacts with fatty acids to form propylene glycol fatty acid esters, which are mainly used as food emulsifiers, and also used as solvents for spices and food colorings;
4. Medicine: commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, softener and excipient for the manufacture of various ointments and ointments;
5. Equipment: tobacco moisturizing agent, mildew inhibitor, food processing equipment lubricating oil and solvent for food marking ink;
6. Others: used as tobacco wetting agent, mildew inhibitor, fruit ripening preservative, antifreeze and heat carrier, etc.
To sum up, propylene glycol is basically harmless to the body, otherwise it will not be used in food and cosmetics. Of course, if it is excessive, it will still have certain harm to the body, such as the harm to the central nervous system, but This requires a large amount of intake, and it is impossible for most people to consume a large amount of propylene glycol on a daily basis, so you can rest assured.
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