Most foods, cosmetics and medicines contain various chemicals. One of the most common is propylene glycol. The harm from its use, unlike other additives, is not so great. For many years, studies have proved that in small quantities this substance is non-toxic, does not accumulate in the body and only occasionally can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, they use it so widely in industry, and since the mid-twentieth century they began to add it to food and cosmetic products.
general characteristics
Propylene glycol is a colorless, viscous liquid. It has almost no smell, and tastes a bit sweet. This organic substance is obtained from oil refined products by its sublimation and purification. The structure of propylene glycol refers to dihydric alcohols, and in appearance resembles glycerin. It is also known as propanediol, or PG.
Now that it has been proven that propylene glycol does not cause harm, it is widely used in the food industry. It is known as the food supplement E 1520. It is considered one of the safest, widely used in many food products.
Propylene Glycol Properties
This substance is widespread due to its properties. First of all, it is absolutely non-toxic, therefore it can be used in any industries. Propylene glycol is popular due to its viscosity and hygroscopicity. That is, this liquid is able to retain moisture and prevent all substances with which it mixes from drying out. Due to these properties and the absence of harm, propylene glycol is widely used in the cosmetics industry. It gives moisturizing properties to various creams and ensures the preservation of their viscous homogeneous consistency.
One of the most important properties of propylene glycol is its biodegradability. That is, even when it enters the human body, it does not accumulate, but is split and excreted in a few hours without causing harm.
The benefits to humans
Recently, much has been said about the dangers of various supplements. But the harm of propylene glycol to the body is exaggerated. Rather, it even has useful properties.
The most important quality that makes this substance so widespread is its ability to destroy bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of propylene glycol are weak, but this does not interfere with its use for disinfection of premises, equipment.
In the composition of cosmetics and medical preparations, this substance contributes to faster healing of wounds. It moisturizes the skin, protects it from drying out and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
But all these useful properties apply only to the food supplement E 1520. But the technical crude propylene glycol is more toxic, although it is used only in industry.
Propylene glycol: harm to the body
If this substance is inhaled, allergic reactions can occur: swelling of the mucous membranes, nasal congestion, lacrimation, redness of the eyes, cough. If this happens for a long time, for example, when propylene glycol is part of paints and other substances used for decoration, the development of bronchial asthma is possible. And when this substance gets into the eyes, conjunctivitis develops.
The use of propylene glycol in medicine is usually not dangerous, since it is not enough in the composition of drugs. But with an overdose, there may be propylene glycol poisoning. And with the intravenous administration of large doses of drugs containing it, blood pressure can drop dramatically, and even the heart rhythm may be disturbed until it stops.
If even concentrated, non-diluted propylene glycol gets on the skin, usually there are no consequences. Only when a person is prone to allergies can peeling, redness and itching appear.
The harmful properties of propylene glycol are that it is able to upset the acid-base balance in the body, increase the acidity of gastric juice, and disrupt metabolic processes. But for this you need to use it in large doses - from 1 g / l for a short time, because it is quickly broken down and excreted from the body. And while propylene glycol can damage the liver, disrupt the kidneys and lead to infertility.
Where applicable
Numerous studies have proven the safety of propylene glycol. And its useful properties allow it to be widely used in many areas of human activity:
- in the food industry to preserve the freshness of finished products, in the production of meat for weight gain due to fluid retention;
- in the manufacture of cosmetics;
- is a component in the production of plastics, polyester resins;
- in the pharmaceutical industry;
- in heat transfer equipment as a coolant in air conditioners, as well as in ventilation and heating systems.
Propylene glycol in cosmetics
The harm of this substance with external use is minimal. Therefore, it is added to almost all cosmetics, even those that are intended for children. Propylene glycol is part of creams, toothpastes, lipsticks, deodorants, shampoos and shower gels. It ensures the preservation of viscosity of the funds and improves the penetration of beneficial components into the skin, ensures the stability of odors. In addition, this substance enhances their moisturizing and softening properties. By creating a film on the surface of the skin, propylene glycol retains moisture in it. Moreover, it is suitable for even sensitive delicate skin prone to rashes.
The harm of propylene glycol to humans in cosmetics is that it can cause allergic reactions. In this case, redness and peeling appear, itching may begin. Sometimes eczema or contact dermatitis develops. But this happens rarely, so propylene glycol is part of shampoos, creams, toothpastes. It is the main component of atiperspirant deodorants, as it prevents the evaporation of moisture from the skin. This ability of his is often used in the manufacture of anti-aging products. It is propylene glycol that helps the skin look more toned and young, fills small wrinkles, making them almost invisible.
Application in the food industry
Since propylene glycol does not harm the human body, many countries have recognized it as safe and are widely used in the food industry. It is used as a stabilizer, thickener, solvent, preservative and emulsifier. Propylene glycol is a part of syrups, soft drinks, sauces. It ensures the preservation of their homogeneous consistency. And in various confectionery and bakery products, this substance helps to maintain freshness for a longer time, as it prevents the evaporation of moisture.
Harmful propylene glycol when ingested can only be if swallowed in a large dose. And in all food products it is included in very small quantities. It can be found in such products:
- quick frozen foods;
- Confectionery
- carbonated drinks;
- spices, sauce, ketchups;
- cottage cheese, ice cream, some dairy products of long-term storage;
- sausages, canned food.
Medical use
The antimicrobial and hygroscopic properties of propylene glycol make it an indispensable component in the production of many drugs. It is added to anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antihistamines, and wound healing products. Protylene glycol is an excellent solvent, ensuring the uniformity of ointments and solutions for injection. Based on it, drugs like Diazepam or Digoxin are created. In addition, it is the main component of blood plasma.
Propylene glycol in electronic cigarettes
Now they are widely used, as they are considered less harmful than ordinary ones. Typically, electronic cigarettes include nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol. The harm of these substances is often exaggerated, since in small quantities they are harmless. If electronic cigarettes are smoked in large quantities, this can lead to the following consequences:
- dry mouth, sore throat;
- allergic reactions;
- swelling of the nasopharynx, worsening of smell;
- heaviness in the chest.
But for this, you need to use electronic cigarettes often or have individual intolerance to propylene glycol. But even in the absence of allergic reactions, prolonged use of this substance in electronic cigarettes can lead to damage to the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.
Application in other industries
Propylene glycol was very widely used in the production of antifreeze. This substance is used in heating systems to prevent freezing and the formation of sediment. It protects the elements of heating systems from corrosion and destruction. Propylene glycol pumps can operate for a long time at a temperature range of -60 to +110 degrees. And when turned off, it helps to avoid freezing.
This substance is used in veterinary medicine and in the production of animal feed. It does not affect their taste in any way, but it contributes to better absorption and provides longer storage.
Propylene glycol is often used to create a smoke screen in a circus or show business. It is this substance that provides a dense, opaque consistency of smoke. But if you stay in such a veil for a long time, inhalation of propylene glycol is manifested. This is usually an irritation of the throat and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
This substance is widely used in industry. Without it, the production of paints and varnishes, resins, polyurethanes, thermoplastic plastics, and cellophane is not complete. It is needed in construction, automotive and many other industries. Such a demand for this substance can lead to its overdose. And despite the fact that propylene glycol is considered not harmful, it can cause allergic reactions.