I just opened a can of worms!

I have some documentation that states Propylene Glycol (PG for short) has been linked to Cancer, is an irritant so may cause an allergic reaction, accumulates in our organs, can cause Asthma, is a neurotoxin that damages the central nervous system and effects embryo’s.

I have just been researching this substance and it seems that everyone has an opinion on this product – why – because it seems it’s in nearly EVERYTHING we consume or use! This product has been approved for use by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration as "safe “since the 1950’s.

‘Propylene glycol, also called 1,2-propanediol or propane-1,2-diol, is an organic compound (a diol or double alcohol) with formula C₃H₈O₂ or HO-CH₂-CHOH-CH₃. It is a colorless, nearly odorless, clear, viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste, hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform.’ Thanks Wikipedia but I’m not a chemist and I’m sure most of you aren’t either.

Just to give you an idea of how much of this stuff is used here are some examples of products that contain PG:

Shampoo, Conditioner, Skin Care, Cosmetics, Car Radiators, Toothpaste, Antiperspirants, Baby Lotions & Wipes, Shaving Cream, Air Fresheners,  Cake Mixes, Washing Powder, smoke machines, electronic cigarettes, Pet Food, Lubricant for commercial air conditioners, medicines, mouthwash, food colourings and flavourings, solar water heating, paint balls, tattoo ink, asthma inhalers, brake and hydraulic fluid – I won’t carry on because I’m sure you get the idea. It’s the wonder additive to EVERYTHING!

There are many that say it is perfectly safe; most referring to the US food and drug administration – if they say it’s safe it must be! These guys are also the same authority that said ‘thalidomide’ was safe as an anti nausea drug for pregnant woman until they realised it was causing birth defects; again this was in the 1950’s.

I also found that Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents.  They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure.  In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. (Dr. Vin, Ph.D., Biochemist).  And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the active ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY.

 

So in conclusion I have absolutely no idea but it scares the living daylights out of me! The only suggestion I can make is that we use products that do not contain PG as often as we can, back to my harping about fresh produce not pre packaged food (really it doesn’t take any longer to make a cake from scratch than using a packet) and read the labels when we shop. This stuff seems to be in everything so all we can do is limit our exposure where possible and hope the powers at be have it right.

 

Food for thought!