Propylene oxide

Synonyms

1,2-Epoxy propane; Methyl ethylene oxide; Methyloxirane; Propene oxide; 1,2-Propylene oxide; 1,2-Epoxypropane; 1,2-Epoxypropane; [NIOSH] UN1280;

Category

Fumigants

Description

Colorless liquid with a benzene-like odor. [Note: A gas above 94 degrees F.] [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

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]

Comments

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]

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

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

2 ppm

100 ppm

2 ppm

400 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the dog 4­hour LCLO of 2,005 ppm and the mouse 4­hour LC50 of 1,740 ppm [Jacobson et al. 1956 cited by NIOSH 1976]. . . . Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

538 mm Hg

10 ppm

Odor Threshold High

199 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 4,000 ppm/4H

Yes

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 45 ppm); Flash point = -35 deg F; [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

burn readily

50 ppm

250 ppm

750 ppm

Yes

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Fumigants, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Sterilizing Equipment
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides