1,3-Propanediol

Extinguishing method: alcohol resistant fire fighting foam.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Residues of 1,3-propanediol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Solvent, co-solvent, diluent, or freeze-point depressant.

Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. (a) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. 1,3-Propanediol is included on this list. Limits: None.

32 [mg/m3]

350 [mg/m3]

2100 [mg/m3]

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate, use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Body Protection: Impervious clothing. the type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166 Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 6-24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH > or =7.0; Concentration: 8285000 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 7357000-9331000 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulated product/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 6-24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH > or =7.0; Concentration: 7417000 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 6430000-8555000 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulated product/

LC50; Species: Carassius auratus (Goldfish) weight 3.3 g; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH 7.0, dissolved oxygen >4.0 mg/L; Concentration: >5000000 ug/L for 48 hr /formulated product/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,3-propanediol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,3-propanediol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). 1,3-Propanediol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.044 mm Hg at 25 °C(3). A 11-16% of theoretical BOD using sewage sludge in a 5 day BOD test(4) suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,3-propanediol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). 1,3-Propanediol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -1.04(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 11-16% of theoretical BOD using sewage sludge in a 5 day BOD test(6) suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,3-propanediol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.044 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,3-propanediol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 40 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). 1,3-Propanediol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 1,3-Propanediol (PDO) is a colorless to pale yellow, very viscous liquid. It is mainly used in the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate polymer, which is used in fibers and fabrics, for example, textiles, engineering thermoplastics, and monofilaments. PDO also finds uses in cosmetics and personal care products, engine coolants, and solvents for ink-jet and screen inks. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: In a single reported case study, the body of a 45-year-old female was found, with a suicide note and two antifreeze containers. Analysis of the body fluid collected from the decedent showed the presence of 58 mg/dL ethanol, but suspected ethylene glycol was not found in the sample. However, an unusually large peak of internal standard, PDO, was found in the sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of PDO, the concentration was determined to be 445 mg/dL. ANIMAL STUDIES: PDO was studied to determine the potential effects following repeated inhalation exposures to rats. Rats were exposed 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 2 weeks (9 exposures) to vapor or vapor/aerosol mixtures of either 0, 41, 650, or 1800 mg PDO/cubic meters. In vivo responses were observed or measured daily. No unusual external signs of response were seen, and no deaths were encountered. Clinical pathology (blood counts, serum chemical parameters) and tissue pathology (gross pathology, organ weights, and histopathology) examinations in the exposed rats were similar to those in the unexposed controls. The highest concentration tested, 1800 mg/ cubic meters, which was the highest concentration that could practically be generated, was the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for this study. PDO does not appear to pose a significant hazard via inhalation of either the vapor or a vapor/aerosol mixture. PDO was non-mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98, TA100, and TA102 with or without activation. PDO is non-mutagenic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test. It was also negative for the induction of structural and numerical chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster V79 cells in the presence and absence of metabolic activation.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 1,3-propanediol can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1,3-propanediol is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

/CASE REPORTS/ The decomposed body of a 45-year-old female was found, face down, in a mobile home, along with a suicide note and two antifreeze containers. Analysis of the body fluid collected from the decedent showed the presence of 58 mg/dL ethanol, but suspected ethylene glycol was not found in the sample. However, an unusually large peak of internal standard, 1,3-propanediol, was found in the sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 1,3-propanediol in the sample. Using gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection, the concentration of 1,3-propanediol was determined to be 445 mg/dL. To our knowledge, this is the first report involving 1,3-propanediol as the cause of death. The study also highlights the importance for the close scrutiny of data, as 1,3-propanediol is a frequently used internal standard for the assay of glycols.

1,3-Propanediol's production and use as an anti-freeze and de-icing product; in building materials (including floor coverings); apparel and footwear care products; ink, toner and colorant products; laundry and dishwashing products; and personal care products(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

AEROBIC: 1,3-Propanediol reached 11 and 16% of its theoretical BOD using unacclimated and acclimated sewage sludge, respectively, during a 5 day incubation period(1).

ANAEROBIC: 1,3-Propanediol was not biodegraded under anaerobic conditions using Methanospirillum hungatei enrichment cultures isolated from digested sludge from a municipal treatment plant at Konstanz, Germany(1).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for 1,3-propanediol(SRC), using a log Kow of -1.04(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for 1,3-propanediol is estimated as 1.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 1,3-propanediol is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water and moist soil surfaces(2). 1,3-Propanediol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.044 mm Hg(3).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In an acute inhalation exposure in which rats were exposed to 2000 to 5000 mg/cu m for 4 hr, rats survived with slight to moderate weight loss 1 day postexposure.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ In a 10- to 15-wk feeding study in rats, 500 ppm 1,3-propanediol produced changes in hepatic and testicular DNA. The reported effects were attributed to the conversion of 1,3-propanediol to malondialdehyde. The occurrence of DNA protein and interstrand DNA cross-links were higher in hepatic DNA at wk 10 and 15 (not 5), and only a small increase in cross-linking was observed in testicular DNA.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ 1,3-Propanediol was studied to determine the potential effects following repeated inhalation exposures to rats. Rats were exposed 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 2 wk (9 exposures) to vapor or vapor/aerosol mixtures of either 0, 41, 650, or 1800 mg 1,3-propanediol/cu m. In vivo responses were observed or measured daily. Clinical pathology and tissue pathology analyses were conducted after the 9th exposure and on half of each group following an 18-day recovery (nonexposure) period. All rats showed normal body weights. No unusual external signs of response were seen, and no deaths were encountered. Clinical pathology (blood counts, serum chemical parameters) and tissue pathology (gross pathology, organ weights, and histopathology) examinations in the 1,3-propanediol exposed rats were similar to those in the unexposed controls. The highest concentration tested, 1800 mg/ cubic meters, which was the highest concentration that could practically be generated, was the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for this study. 1,3-Propanediol does not appear to pose a significant hazard via inhalation of either the vapor or a vapor/aerosol mixture.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ When given orally to pregnant rats at doses of either 250 or 1000 mg/kg from gestation day 6 through 15, no evidence of developmental toxicity was seen. Maternal and fetal body weights were decreased at 1000 mg/kg but not at 250 mg/kg. No structural malformations were found that could be associated with 1,3- propanediol.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for 1,3-Propanediol (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Residues of 1,3-propanediol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Solvent, co-solvent, diluent, or freeze-point depressant.

Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. (a) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. 1,3-Propanediol is included on this list. Limits: None.