1-Phenoxy-2-propanol

Do not use a direct water stream; it may spread the fire. Use water fog or fine spray, carbon-dioxide or dry-chemical extinguishers, or foam. Water fog applied gently may be used as a blanket to extinguish the fire.

Wear positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective fire-fighting clothing or fight the fire from a safe distance.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows); Conditions: static (slightly aerated); Concentration: 280 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 263-297 mg/L)

LC50; Species: Leuciscus idus (Golden Orfe) adult; Conditions: static (slightly aerated), 20 +/- 1 °C; Concentration: 280 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 263-297 mg/L)

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Concentration: 471 mg/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 439-505 mg/L) /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Concentration: 370 mg/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 321-431 mg/L) /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

EC50; Species: Scenedesmus subspicatus (algae), 10000 cells/mL test volume, initially; Conditions: freshwater, static, 23 + or - 2 °C; Concentration: 74.5 mg/L for 72 hr; Effect: growth rate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 23(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propylene glycol phenyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of propylene glycol phenyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00218 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 1.51X10+4 mg/L(4). Propylene glycol phenyl ether enters the environment through evaporation from solvent or coating applications(5); therefore, it is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC). Propylene glycol phenyl ether biodegraded rapidly in aerobic soil degradation studies with initial half-lives of <5 days in two sandy loam soils(5); initial half-lives in a sandy soil ranged from <5 to <23 days(5). Biodegradation was much slower in anaerobic soil tests(5). Using OECD Guideline 301F (Manometric Respirometry Test), propylene glycol phenyl ether had a 60% degradation in 9.8 days and 72% degradation in 28 days which met the criteria for being classified as readily biodegradable(5). Propylene glycol phenyl ether was also readily biodegradable in Zahns-Wellens tests done in accordance with OECD guidelines(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 23(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propylene glycol phenyl ether 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 2.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00218 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.51X10+4 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 2.5(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.50(4) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Propylene glycol phenyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Using OECD Guideline 301F (Manometric Respirometry Test), propylene glycol phenyl ether had a 60% degradation in 9.8 days and 72% degradation in 28 days which met the criteria for being classified as readily biodegradable(7). Propylene glycol phenyl ether was also readily biodegradable in Zahns-Wellens tests done in accordance with OECD guidelines(8).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), propylene glycol phenyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 0.00218 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase propylene glycol phenyl ether 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 about 10 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.7X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Propylene glycol phenyl ether 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). [=

EPA has released the first beta version (version 0.5) of the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The beta version of the iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays; See the data in Chemical Explorer/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of March 28, 2014: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of propylene glycol phenyl ether can be estimated to be 23(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that propylene glycol phenyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

/GENOTOXICITY/ ... an in vitro chromosome aberration assay was conducted with PPh using human lymphocytes ... Concentrations of PPh up to 400 ug/mL were incubated with human lymphocytes, with and without metabolic activation. No increases in chromosomal aberrations were detected in this assay.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Individuals applying paint or other PPh-containing coatings may be exposed to this propylene glycol ether. Dermal contact through minor spills or usage contact is a source of exposure, as is inhalation from aerosol or vapor generated during application or usage. General population exposure also is possible through inhalation of ambient air containing low concentrations of PPh that may be released from industrial processes or through evaporation of coatings or other products containing it. The rapid photochemical degradation of PPh would suggest that this means of exposure to the general population would be low. Ingestion of drinking water containing PPh as a contaminant (e.g., from a spill) also is possible. The ready biodegradability of PPh, again, would suggest that exposure of the general population to such a source of PPh would be low.

Propylene glycol phenyl ether's production and use as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks and adhesives, as a latex coalescent and dye carrier, and as an antibacterial agent in soaps and cosmetics(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

AEROBIC: In aerobic soil biodegradation studies using two sandy loam soils and one sandy soil collected in Michigan, propylene glycol phenyl ether had an initial 50% removal rate of <1 day in the sandy loam soils and <5 days in the sandy soil at initial concentrations of 1.4-1.5 ppm(1); at initial concentrations of 107-108 ppm, 50% removal was <5 days in the sandy loam soils and <23 days in the sandy soil(1); maximum percentage of 14-CO2 evolved ranged from 31-66%(1); negligible removal occurred in sterile soil controls(1). Using the three Michigan soils, after 2 months under anaerobic conditions (at a nominal concentration of 10 ppm), a 16% reduction in propylene glycol phenyl ether was observed in sodium acetate supplemented microcosms whereas, in the sterile controls, a 7% reduction was observed(2). Using OECD Guideline 301F (Manometric Respirometry Test) with a sediment and activated sludge inoculum, propylene glycol phenyl ether had a 60% degradation in 9.8 days and 72% degradation in 28 days which met the criteria for being classified as readily biodegradable(2). 20-Day BODs of 42% and 50% have been reported for propylene glycol phenyl ether using a municipal seed and an industrial seed, respectively, but additional test conditions were unavailable(2). Using a mixture of phenoxypropanols (85% propylene glycol phenyl ether and 15% 2-phenoxy-1-propanol) at an initial concentration of 420-500 mg/L with the Zahns-Wellens test in accordance with OECD guidelines, approximately 88% of the mixture biodegraded in 18 days of incubation using non-adapted microorganisms from a sewage plant as inoculum(3); using adapted sewage plant microorganism, approximately 85% of the mixture biodegraded in 11 days(3); using microorganisms isolated from the Elbe River, approximately 90% of the mixture biodegraded in 21 days(3).

An estimated BCF of 2.5 was calculated in fish for propylene glycol phenyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.50(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 propylene glycol phenyl ether is estimated as 2.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00218 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 1.51X10+4 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that propylene glycol phenyl ether is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). Propylene glycol phenyl ether's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). Propylene glycol phenyl ether enters the environment through evaporation from solvent or coating applications(4); therefore, it is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Young adult male and female Wistar rats (5/sex/group) were administered single gavage doses of 1000 or 2000 mg/kg PPh in an olive oil vehicle ... Rats were observed for mortality and signs of toxicity for 14 days after administration of the test material. One male rat from the high dose group died on day 1; all remaining rats survived the 14-day observation period. Rats from the high dose group seemed to gain weight less rapidly than rats from the low dose group. Rats from both dose groups exhibited dyspnea, apathy, and poor general state. In the high dose group, additional symptoms included abnormal stance, staggering, atonia, paresis, absence of pain reflex, absence of corneal reflex, piloerection, and dehydration. Generally, these signs disappeared after the first day. At necropsy, the single rat that did not survive showed signs of "general congestion." At autopsy after the 14-day observation period, none of the 19 survivors exhibited any grossly observable lesions.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ ... PPh /was applied/ daily to the clipped dorsal skin of rabbits (5/sex/dose) at doses of 0, 100, 300, or 1000 mg PPh/kg body weight-day, 5 days/week, over a period of 4 weeks (total of 19 applications). The 0 control group was treated with approximately 1 mL/kg-d distilled water. PPh was applied uniformly over a 10 x 15 cm area of the back using a syringe with a blunt needle. The dose was covered with gauze, non-absorbent cotton, then an occlusive bandage, all held in place for 6 hours with a lycra/spandex jacket. After the 6-hour exposure period, the bandage was removed and the area washed clean of PPh with a water-dampened towel. Over the course of the study, rabbits were monitored for clinical signs of toxicity, body weight changes, alterations in hematology, clinical chemistry, or urinalysis, as well as variations in organ weights, and gross and microscopic pathology at autopsy. Specimens were collected from over 40 tissues and preserved from all animals. These tissues were examined microscopically from the high dose and control animals. All rabbits survived treatment with no changes in body weights and no overt signs of systemic toxicity. All subjects showed some dermal irritation at the site of PPh application, characterized by moderate exfoliation and hyperemia in the high dose group, slight exfoliation and transient hyperemia in the mid-dose group, and very slight exfoliation in the low dose group. No changes were noted in absolute or relative organ weights compared to controls. No consistent changes were noted in clinical laboratory studies other than a slight increase in platelet counts in males, which was statistically significant in high dose group and approached significance in mid-dose males. Females showed no platelet response to PPh exposure. Except for skin at the site of application, neither gross nor histopathological examination revealed any adverse changes related to PPh treatment when high dose subjects were compared to controls. In skin at the site of application, a thickening of the epidermis was detected that was considered to be an adaptive response.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of propylene glycol phenyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 3.7X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 10 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Propylene glycol phenyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Propylene glycol phenyl ether does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 1/26/94; Reporting date: 3/28/94.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 1-Phenoxy-2-propanol is included on this list. Effective date: 1/26/94; Sunset date: 12/19/95.