Propylene glycol is one of the most-common additives found in thousands of foods, health and beauty products and medications that people come into contact with on a regular basis. It is a petroleum-based compound that is created during the refining process, but it can also occur naturally as a product of fermentation as well. It’s been in use for more than 60 years, yet little is known about the effects that propylene glycol has on the human body.
Much of the limited amount of research into propylene glycol has produced inconclusive results, but there is evidence that exposure to high levels of the compound can be toxic. However, the general consensus is that it is safe in small amounts, and propylene glycol doesn’t accumulate in the body over the course of time. Let’s take a closer look at propylene glycol, its known risks, and whether or not you should be concerned about putting this compound in or on your body.
Mixed Messages from Regulators
The FDA has determined that propylene glycol is “generally safe” whereas the CDC has reported that no major health effects have been linked to exposure in acceptable amounts. Exactly what constitutes acceptable amounts is up for debate, and the agency also cautions that there is little information about the effects of the compound on almost every system in our bodies. Consequently, regulators have placed their stamp of approval on the widespread use of propylene glycol despite the fact that there is almost no research on the impact that it can have on our health and well-being. How this is even possible should raise red flags and give us reason to be concerned.
Known Dangers
Despite the lack of clarity regarding the safety of propylene glycol, there are a few known risks. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Women who are pregnant, babies and small children under the age of four should avoid exposure because the body has yet to develop the capability to break down the compound. There is also the risk that exposure can lead to a variety of neurological problems in people of all ages, depending on their sensitivity. However, these risks are generally limited to those who receive high doses of medication that contain propylene glycol.
Additionally, there are some reports that propylene glycol can cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems. However, most of the testing that produced these effects was conducted on animals and not humans. There have been reports of a few deaths in infants and older adults after receiving medications containing the compound, but it remains unclear if propylene glycol was the only cause. Finally, propylene glycol may act as a pathway to exposure to other harmful chemicals because it opens the pores of the skin which can allow these substances to seep into the bloodstream.
Avoiding Exposure
While it is unlikely that most of us are adversely-effected by propylene glycol, it may be prudent to avoid products that contain the compound just to be on the safe side. However, this can be easier said than done because it is found in thousands of products that we encounter on a regular basis. Ointments, skin creams, mouthwash, flavorings, lotions, deodorants, salad dressings, sodas, ice cream, pet food, flavored creamers and even modified cornstarch are just a few examples of products that contain propylene glycol. In other words, it’s everywhere, and the only way to really avoid exposure is to be vigilant with looking at ingredient labels and choose raw, whole and non-processed products when possible instead.
What should concern us all is the fact that we know very little about the impact of additives and synthetic ingredients that find their way into products that we regularly use. The fact that regulators would allow something to be introduced into the mainstream without undergoing definitive testing should also give us reason to be worried.
Let this serve as a reminder of the importance of making our own products and having control over their ingredients whenever possible. This is the only, sure-fire way to know that what we are consuming is safe, even if the government tries to tell us that we have nothing to worry about.
