Propylene Oxide

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Carcinogens

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Pesticides -> Fumigants

log Kow= 0.03.

0.03

0.03

ODOR IS SWEET, ALCOHOLIC, & LIKE ETHER OR BENZENE

In foods, propylene oxide has no residual odor.

Ethereal odor

... Benzene-like odor ...

0.859 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float

0.8304 @ 20/20 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.83

0.859 at 32 °F

0.8304 @ 20°C

0.83

0.28 centipoise at 25 °C

0.34 mm²/s at 25 °C

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)

Solubility of water in propylene oxide is 12.8% by wt at 20 °C.

40.5 wt% water @ 20 °C

MISCIBLE WITH ACETONE, BENZENE, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, METHANOL, & ETHER

Soluble in alcohol and ether.

In water, 590,000 mg/l @ 25 °C

Danger

H224: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P337+P317, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 3209) of reports.

Danger

H224 (99.2%): Extremely flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

Chemical: Oxirane, methyl-

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Dermatotoxicity; Developmental Toxicity; Genotoxicity; Neurotoxicity; Ocular Toxicity; Reproductive Toxicity; Respiratory Toxicity

Oxirane, 2-methyl- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Oxirane, 2-methyl- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Propylene oxide is listed in the dataset of EPA Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides under the Safe Drinking Water Act (40 eCFR 141)

Status: Active Update: 26-10-2012 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/1263

Substance: Methyloxirane (Propylene oxide)

Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back. Vapors form explosive mixture with air. If polymerization takes place in container, there may be a violent rupture of container. Explosion hazard is severe when exposed to flame. Violently reacts with acetylide- forming metals such as copper or copper alloys, ammonium hydroxide; chlorosulfonic acid; hydrochloric acid; hydrofluoric acid; nitric acid; oleum and sulfuric acid. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin, and aluminum; peroxides of iron and aluminum; and alkali metal hydroxides, high temperatures; alkalies; aqueous acids; amines and acidic alcohols. (EPA, 1998)

· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Extremely flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.

This material is moderately toxic by inhalation and ingestion. It may cause irreversible and reversible changes. Skin contact with the material or solutions of the material cause irritation; diluted solutions are more irritating than undiluted materials. Exposure may cause mild depression of the central nervous system and eye, nasal, and lung irritation. Contact with the liquid can cause blindness and death. Pulmonary edema may recur up to 2 weeks after exposure. (EPA, 1998)

· Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.

Propylene oxide is used in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol. Acute (short-term) exposure of humans and animals to propylene oxide has caused eye and respiratory tract irritation. Dermal contact, even with dilute solutions, has caused skin irritation and necrosis in humans. Propylene oxide is also a mild central nervous system (CNS) depressant in humans. Inflammatory lesions of the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs and neurological effects have been observed in animals chronically (long-term) exposed to propylene oxide by inhalation. Propylene oxide has been observed to cause tumors at or near the site of administration in rodents, causing forestomach tumors following ingestion via gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach) and nasal tumors after inhalation exposure. EPA has classified propylene oxide as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.

Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in a worker swabbing skin with a disinfectant; [Kanerva, p. 1831] Can cause CNS depression and severe eye injuries; A respiratory irritant that may cause pulmonary edema; [CAMEO] Causes mild CNS depression in animals after inhalation of high concentrations; A nasal carcinogen in rodents at concentrations causing irritation; NOAEL is 50 ppm; Detoxified more rapidly than ethylene oxide, and this is one of the reasons for the lower carcinogenic potency of propylene oxide; A dermal sensitizer; [ACGIH] Propylene oxide (UN1280) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]

1280 127P

1280 127P

FLORES GH; CHEM ENG PROG 79 (3): 39-43 (1983). REVIEW OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ALKYLENE OXIDES.

Summary Health Assessment Document For 1,2-Propylene Oxide (Draft) (1985) EPA Contract No 68-02-4030.

Meylan W et al; Chemical of Current Interest Propylene Oxide Health and Environmental Effects Profile; Toxicol Ind Health 2 (3): 219-60 (1986).

DHHS/NTP; Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies of Propylene Oxide in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) Technical Report Series No. 267 (1985) NIH Publication No. 85-2527

National Toxicology Program. Eleventh Report on Carcinogens (2005). The Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. 1,2-Propylene Oxide (75-56-9) is listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.[Available from, as of July 31, 2009: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s155prop.pdf]

Firefighting should be done from a safe distance or from a protected location. Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Move container from area if you can do so without risk. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire.

Use alcohol-resistant foam, foam, water spray. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention if breathing difficulties and/or fever develop.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Propylene Oxide Exposure: Propylene oxide may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Pulmonary edema may occur up to 2 weeks after exposure. Dermatitis (red, inflamed skin) is common. Other signs and symptoms of acute exposure may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Victims may appear as if they are in a drunken stupor.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

2.0 [ppm]

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as a fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all effective containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far away as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, evacuate for a radius of 1 mile.

Use flooding quantities of water as fog. May use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool. Fight fire from protected location or maximum possible distance.

Use glass or metal containers sealed with nitrogen.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from acids, alkalies, salts, combustible material, clay-based absorbents.

Evacuation: If material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from downwind area based on amount of material spilled, location and weather conditions.

1. REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2. VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 3. FOR SMALL QUANTITIES, ABSORB ON PAPER TOWELS. EVAPORATE IN A SAFE PLACE (SUCH AS A FUME HOOD). ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR EVAPORATING VAPORS TO COMPLETELY CLEAR THE HOOD DUCTWORK. BURN THE PAPER IN A SUITABLE LOCATION AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. LARGE QUANTITIES MAY BE COLLECTED, DISSOLVED IN ALC OF GREATER MOL WT THAN BUTYL ALC, & ATOMIZED IN A SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.

Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, sawdust, or commercial sorbents. Apply "universal" gelling agent to immobilize spill.

Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill. Use surface active agent (eg detergent, soaps, alcohols) to compress and thicken spilled material. Inject "universal" gelling agent to solidify encircled spill and increase effectiveness of booms. If dissolved, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Propylene oxide is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Concentrated waste containing no peroxides; discharge liquid at a controlled rate near a pilot flame. Concentrated waste containing peroxides; perforation of a container of waste from a safe distance followed by open burning.

PROPYLENE OXIDE MAY BE DISPOSED OF BY DISSOLVING IN PENTYL OR HIGHER CARBON NUMBER ALC & ATOMIZING IN A SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.

Concentrated waste containing no peroxides-discharge liquid at a controlled rate near a pilot flame. Concentrated waste containing peroxides-perforation of a container of the waste from a safe distance followed by open burning. Recommendable methods: Incineration, open burning & evaporation. Peer review: Very volatile (bp 33 °C) may make it difficult to feed to incinerator with safety. Open burning and evaporation are recommendable for small amounts. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable dry containers. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Gastrointestinal

[in animals: nasal tumors]

Respiratory

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

LC50 Goldfish 170 mg/l/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 Mullet 89 ppm/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

TLm Gambusia affinis (mosquito fish) 141 mg/l/96 hr at 24 °C, static bioassay.

TLm Bluegill 215 mg/l/96 hr at 24 °C, static bioassasy.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 25(SRC), determined from an measured log Kow of 0.03(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1,2-propylene oxide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,2-propylene oxide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.96X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from its vapor pressure, 538 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5.9X10+5 mg/l(5). The potential for volatilization of 1,2-propylene oxide from dry soil surfaces may exist (SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 538 mm Hg(4). The aqueous hydrolysis of propylene oxide occurs at an environmentally important rate; therefore, hydrolysis in moist soil is likely to be important (5). 1,2-Propylene oxide, present at 100 mg/l, reached 95% of its theoretical BOD in 3 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/l and the Japanese MITI test(6), suggesting biodegradation will be an important fate process(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 25(SRC), determined from an measured log Kow of 0.03 and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1,2-propylene oxide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.96X10-5 atm-cu m/mole (SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 538 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5.9X10+5 mg/l(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 12 hours and 6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression- derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). In freshwater, propylene oxide will hydrolyze with estimated half-lives of 11.6 days (pH's 7-9) and 6.6 days (pH 5) at 25 °C(5). 1,2-Propylene oxide, present at 100 mg/l, reached 95% of its theoretical BOD in 3 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/l and the Japanese MITI test(8), suggesting biodegradation will be an important fate process(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,2-propylene oxide, which has a vapor pressure of 538 mm Hg at 25 °C(2) is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-propylene oxide 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 30 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3).

TREATED WHEAT HAD EPOXIDE RESIDUE OF 300 PPM, BUT AFTER IT WAS MILLED FLOUR CONTAINED LESS. /PROPYLENE OXIDE/

WHEN FOODS WERE TREATED WITH PROPYLENE OXIDE, 1-CHLOR-2-PROPANOL WAS FORMED.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Cough. Sore throat.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Sore throat.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; skin blisters, burns; [potential occupational carcinogen]

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical. [http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=75-56-9]

A propylene oxide concentration of 0.047 mg/l was detected in a water effluent from Olin Corporation's Brandenberg, KY chemical production facility on Feb 2, 1974(1). Atmospheric emissions of propylene oxide from propylene oxide manufacturing processes during 1978 were estimated to be about 1.16 million lb(2). Atmospheric emissions resulting from the use of propylene oxide in the production of urethane polyols, propylene glycol, surfactant polyols, di- and tripropylene glycols, glycol ethers and miscellaneous applications during 1978 were estimated to be about 147.7, 13.9, 15.8, 2.9, 1.2 and 3.8 thousand lb, respectively(2). It has been suggested that proplyene oxide may be emitted to the atmosphere from automobile exhaust and from combustion exhausts of stationary sources that burn hydrocarbons(3).

Propylene oxide

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

3 x 10 ^-2 mg/m^3

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. Oxirane, methyl is included on this list.

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Propylene oxide is found on List B. Case No: 2560; Case Status: OPP is reviewing data from the pesticide's producers regarding its human health and/or environmental effects, or OPP is determining the pesticide's eligibility for reregistration and developing the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): Propylene oxide; AI Status: The producers of the pesticide has made commitments to conduct the studies and pay the fees required for reregistration, and are meeting those commitments in a timely manner.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Propylene oxide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. 1,2-Propylene oxide is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Propylene oxide is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 10,000 lbs. Extremely hazardous substances that are solids are subject to either of two threshold planning quantities ... The lower quantity applies only if the solid exists in powdered for and has a particle size less than 100 microns; or is handled in solution or in molten form; or meets the criteria for a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rating of 2, 3 or 4 for reactivity. If the solid does not meet any of these criteria, it is subject to the upper ... threshold planning quantity ... .

Propylene oxide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Propylene oxide

1

10000

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

Thymidine was reacted in methanol with 4 epoxides of varying mutagenicities: propylene oxide, glycidol, epichlorohydrin, and trichloropropylene oxide. A single product was detected with each epoxide, and these products had the same retention times on silica HPLC. UV spectra of the products identified them as 3-alkylthymidines, and this was confirmed by IR and NMR spectra. Mass spectra analysis showed that the attachment was at the least substituted C of the epoxide. Formation of alkylthymidines correlated to Taft sigma electron withdrawing values for the substituents on the epoxides and mutagenicities in strain TA100 of the Ames assay.

PROPYLENE OXIDE REACTS WITH DNA AT NEUTRAL PH TO YIELD TWO PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS, N-7-(2-HYDROXYPROPYL)GUANINE & N-3-(2-HYDROXYPROPYL)ADENINE.

Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in lymphocytes were measured in workers exposed to propylene oxide in a factory alkylated starch, and in workers exposed to ethylene oxide in connection with sterilization of medical equipment. Adduct levels in hemoglobin were determined as a measure of in vivo doses of the two compounds. The levels of hydroxypropylvaline in propylene oxide-exposed workers were correlated in estimated exposure doses. The levels of this adduct in the unexposed group were close to the detection limit of the method. The levels of hydroxyethylvaline, recorded in the propylene oxide-exposed group were consistent with earlier data on hemoglobin alkylation in occupationally unexposed subjects. The adduct measurements revealed increased levels of hydroxyethylvaline in the two subgroups of ethylene oxide-exposed workers, ie, assemblers with a low and sterilizers with a high exposure. According to expectation the subgroups differed in adduct levels. The results of cytogenetic study showed that the clastogenic potency of propylene oxide was lower than that of ethylene oxide, since the propylene oxide-exposed individuals had lower frequencies of micronuclei and chromosomal breaks compared to the assemblers despite a lower adduct level in the last group.

The pharmacokinetics of propylene and its reactive metabolite, propylene oxide, were assessed in rats to examine purported differences in carcinogenicity between the two compounds. Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in closed exposure systems to propylene or propylene oxide. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by a two compartment model which was used to calculate the body burden of propylene oxide resulting from inhaled propylene. The thermodynamic equilibrium constant for the whole body to air ratio was dependent on the physical properties of the substances and was determined to be 1.6 for propylene and 45 for propylene oxide. Saturation kinetics according to the Michaelis Menten constant were found for propylene; in contrast, no saturation kinetics were observed for propylene oxide up to initial concentrations of 3000 ppm in the atmosphere of the exposure chambers. By means of pharmacokinetic parameters, the body burden of propylene oxide was calculated for different conditions of continous exposure either to propylene oxide or to propylene. The maximum body burden of propylene oxide did not exceed a concentration of 71 nanoliters propylene oxide gas per milliter tissue if rats were exposed to propylene even at very high concentrations.

The major use of propylene oxide is in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol.

Used mainly as a chemical intermediate; it has been used as a food fumigant (dried fruit and bulk), but use was restricted in 1996 by the EPA. [ACGIH] Used to prepare slides for electron microscopy and to disinfect the skin; [Kanerva, p. 1831]

Restricted use as a food fumigant by EPA in 1996 because of Delaney clause (animal carcinogen); [ACGIH]

Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]

For 1,2-propylene oxide (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 042501) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

Chemical intermediate in prepn of polyethers to form polyurethanes; in prepn of urethane polyols and propylene and dipropylene glycols; in prepn of lubricants, surfactants, oil demulsifiers. Also as a solvent; fumigant; soil sterilant.

(1977) 4.50X10+10 G

(1982) 6.64X10+10 G

(1983) 7.53X10+10 g

(1985) 6.13X10+9 g

Exports of major PO derivatives, primarily urethane polyether polyols and propylene glycols, are significant.

(1977) 1.60X10+10 G

(1982) 2.31X10+10 G

(1983) 1.45X10+10 g

(1985) 1.08X10+10 g

Imports are negligible.

2023: 4,000,000,000 - <5,500,000,000 lb

(1977) 8.62X10+11 G

(1983) 8.35X10+11 g

(1990) 3.20 billion lb

(1991) 2.50 billion lb

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

CHEM INTERMED FOR POLYURETHANE POLYOLS, 64%; PROPYLENE GLYCOL, 19%; DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, 2%; GLYCOL ETHERS, 2%; OTHER USES (INCL MINOR QUANTITIES USED IN NONINTERMEDIATE APPLICATIONS), 13% (1982)

Polyurethane- flexible foams, 40%; - rigid foams, 7%; - non-cellular, 10%; - coatings & adhesives, 7%; polyols for specialty surfactants, 4%; propylene glycol, 22%; detergents, 4%; other, 6% (1984)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Propylene Oxide. Urethane polyether polyols (75% for flexible foams, 15% for rigid foams, 10% for non-foam uses), 60%; propylene glycol, 20%; glycol ethers, 3%; dipropylene glycol, 2%; miscellaneous, including industrial polyglycols, surfactants and isopropanolamines, 6%; exports, 9%.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Propylene oxide. Demand: 1986: 2.2 billion lb; 1987: 2.3 million lb; 1991 /projected/: 2.6 million lb.

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Propylene oxide was 1st prepared in 1860 ... by the reaction of propylene chlorohydrin with potassium hydroxide. Until 1969, essentially all the propylene oxide produced in USA was made by the so-called chlorohydrin process in which propylene is treated with hypochlorous acid (chlorine & water) to produce propylene chlorohydrin; this is converted to propylene oxide using calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. A plant using a version of the peroxidation process was started in USA in 1969. Peroxidation processes use an oxidant such as an organic hydroperoxide (tert-butyl hydroperoxide or ethylbenzene hydroperoxide) or peracetic acid to convert propylene to propylene oxide. Currently, about 1/2 of USA propylene oxide-production capacity is based on the chlorohydrin process, & the other half is based on the peroxidation process ...

Arco produces propylene oxide ... with propylene and isobutane. The first step is isobutane hydroperoxidation to t-butyl hydroperoxide. The second is epoxidation of propylene with t-butyl hydroperoxide, forming propylene oxide and tert-butyl alcohol.

Results from the action of KOH (aq) on propylene chlorohydrin.

(1) Chlorohydration of propylene followed by saponification with lime, (2) peroxidation of propylene, (3) epoxidation of propylene by a hydroperoxide complex with molybdenum catalyst.

/IT IS/ OFTEN MIXED WITH CARBON DIOXIDE TO REDUCE FLAMMABILITY AS WELL AS ABSORPTION OF OXIDE BY FUMIGATED MATERIALS.

PROPYLENE OXIDE IS AVAIL ... AS PRODUCT OF 99.99% PURITY /BY ONE PRODUCER/. ANOTHER ... GIVES FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS: ACETIC ACID, 0.005%; WATER, 0.01%; PROPIONALDEHYDE, 0.05% ...

Propylene oxide is avail in USA with following specifications: water, 500 mg/kg max; total aldehydes, 100 mg/kg max; chlorides (as chlorine), 40 mg/kg max ...

Propylene oxide is avail in western Europe with following specifications: purity, 99.9% min; water, 200 mg/kg max; aldehydes (as propionaldehyde), 100 mg/kg max; & chlorine, 50 mg/kg max.

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cosmetics product ingredient: Propylene oxide

Information on 15 consumer products that contain Propylene oxide in the following categories is provided:

Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing

Oxirane, 2-methyl-: ACTIVE

FUMIGATION IS EFFECTIVE AT LOW TEMP BECAUSE OF LOW BOILING POINT.

UNDER CONDITION USED FOR FUMIGATION OF FOODSTUFF PROPYLENE OXIDE CAN COMBINE WITH MOISTURE TO FORM GLYCOL; IN PRESENCE OF INORGANIC CHLORIDE FROM FOODSTUFFS, CORRESPONDING CHLOROHYDRINS WERE FORMED.

Propylene oxide was 1st produced commercially in USA in 1925. ... /It was being/ produced by 6 companies /in USA in 1979/. ... /It is/ produced by 1 company in Canada & 1 in Brazil. It is produced by 4 companies in Federal Republic of Germany, 2 in the Netherlands & 1 each in France, Italy & Spain. ... Propylene oxide is also produced at 2 plants in Romania & at 1 plant each in Bulgaria, the German Democratic Republic, Poland, the USSR & Yugoslavia. Commercial prodn started in Japan in 1959. Five Japanese companies currently mfr it at 6 plants. ... /It is also/ produced by 1 company in Taiwan & at 1 plant in India.

... DESTRUCTION OF 90% OR MORE OF BACTERIA, YEAST AND MOLDS IN COCOA /WAS NOTED/. TOTAL COUNTS AS HIGH AS 200,000-300,000/G COULD BE REDUCED TO 10,000. IN DRIED EGG YOLK ORIGINAL COUNT OF 20,000/G WERE REDUCED TO 200. ... WITH DRIED WHOLE EGG SOLIDS ... BUT REFRACTIVE ANAEROBES AND SALMONELLAE WERE REDUCED BELOW DETECTION LEVELS. IN SPLIT GREEN PEAS COUNTS OF 11,000-16,000 WERE REDUCED TO 40 OR LESS. FINAL COUNTS WERE MADE FOR YEASTS, MOLDS, FLAT SOURS AND THERMOPHILES. IN DRIED YEAST, PROPYLENE OXIDE AFFECTED TOTAL COUNT, AEROBIC SPORE FORMERS AND COLIFORMS. ...