propan-1-ol

n-Propanol was detected in 1 of 12 samples of mother's milk from 4 urban areas in the United States(1). The avg and range of n-propanol concns in human breath due to metabolic processes is 130 ug/cu-m and not detected-1,270 ug/cu m (8 subjects in zero air), respectively (2).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-propanol, which has a vapor pressure of 21.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase n-propanol 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 2.9 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.53X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3).

The Koc of n-propanol is estimated as 33(SRC), using a measured log Kow of 0.25(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that n-propanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

ANAEROBIC: n-Propanol will be readily degraded under anaerobic conditions(1-4). Typical n-propanol removal efficiencies for an anaerobic lagoon treatment facility with a retention time of 15 days were 77% and 81% after loading with concentrated wastes(1). In closed bottle studies, n-propanol was completely degraded anaerobically by an acetate-enriched culture, derived from a seed of domestic sludge(1). The culture started to utilize cross-fed n-propanol after 4 days, at a rate of 110 mg/l per day(1). In a mixed reactor with a 20-day retention time, seeded by the same culture, 41% removal was achieved in the 20 days following 70 days of acclimation to give a final n-propanol of 10,000 mg/l(1).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for n-propanol(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.25(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for n-propanol is 7.41X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-propanol is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 62 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 31 days(SRC). n-Propanol's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of n-propanol from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 21.0 mm Hg(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of n-propanol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 5.52X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2.9 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). n-Propanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2) nor to directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the environmental UV spectrum (>290 nm). Reaction with hydroxyl radicals in aquatic media will not be an important fate process(3,4).

DRINKING WATER: n-Propanol was detected in the drinking water supply of Washington, DC at a level of 0.001 ppm(1).

Alcoholic beverages nearly always contain n-propanol as a product of fermentation(1). Beer contains up to 195 mg/l, wine up to 116 mg/l, various types of spirits up to 3520 mg/l, and neat ethanol up to 2910 mg/l(1). n-Propanol is present at low levels as a flavor volatile in a variety of foodstuffs and non-alcoholic drinks, eg: kefir culture, cream culture, filberts (roasted), raw milk, heat-treated milk, Kumazasa Sasa albomarginata, heated triolein, boiled buckwheat flour, tomato (ripe, juice, puree, and paste), Kogyoku apple, apple and apple juice, white bread, butter, cheddar/Swiss cheese, soy sauce, fish sauce, pigweed, winged bean (raw/roasted), soybean (raw, roasted), potato tuber, roasted watermelon seeds, babco fruit, tilsit cheese, endive, Valancia orange juice(1).n-Propanol wa...

n-Propanol was detected in 1 of 12 samples of mother's milk from 4 urban areas in the United States(1).

n-Propanol was found in 4 of 6 leachate samples from Minnesota landfills with a range of concns from 76-37,000 ug/l(1). n-Propanol was also found in groundwater suspected of leachate contamination (based on levels of inorganics) at a concn of 55 ug/l (2 of 13 samples), but not detected in ground water where inorganics levels indicated good or unknown water quality(1). The concn of n-propanol in municipal landfill leachates (compiled from 13 sources) was 11 mg/l(2). n-Propanol was identified in the volatile emissions from kitchen waste, kitchen waste exudate, and garden waste(3).

Environmental effects of the substance have been adequately investigated, but no significant effects have been found.

Natural sources are expected to release significant amounts of n-propanol(1). n-Propanol occurs in nature as a result of emissions from animal wastes, microbes (by metabolism processes), volcanos, insect venom, and fusel oils(1-4). Other potential sources of atmospheric n-propanol are photochemical reactions of hydrocarbons, combustion (eg, forest fires), and oceans(1-4).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: In 11 samples of air from a city in the United States in 1982, the avg concn of n-propanol was 0.00005 mg/cu-m(1).

n-Propanol has been detected in lance (Japan)(1).

n-Propanol's production and use as a solvent, chemical intermediate, a ruminant feed supplement, and a flavor and fragrance in foods(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). At landfill sites, n-propanol has been identified in the air and leachates(2). Emission of n-propanol via waste gases and wastewater occurs in industry, and diffuse airborn emissions occur during the use of the compound(2). For example, emissions may occur from diesel exhaust, plastics combustion, printing, sewage treatment, whiskey production, and wood pulping(3); also, from wastewater in the manufacture of inks, nail polishes, polymers, degreasers, vegetable oils, and brake fluids; and from consumer products including lacquers, cosmetics, cleaners, polishes, and pharmaceu...

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 226,129 workers (84,196 of these are female) are potentially exposed to n-propanol in the US(1). Occupational exposure to n-propanol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-propanol is produced or used(SRC). For example, occupational exposure to n-propanol occurs in settings associated with its use as a solvent or from fermentation process and sewage treatment plants(2). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-propanol via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food additives and natural products, and dermal contact with consumer products containing n-propanol(SRC).

n-Propanol's production and use as a solvent, chemical intermediate, ruminant feed supplement, and flavor and fragrance in foods may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. n-Propanol occurs in nature as a result of emissions from animal wastes, microbes (by metabolism processes), plants (by fermentation and spoilage), volcanos, insect venom, and fusel oils. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 21 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-propanol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-propanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is 2.9 days. If released to soil, n-propanol is expected to have very high mobility based upon a Koc of 33. Vol...

irritation eyes, nose, throat; dry cracking skin; drowsiness, headache; ataxia, gastrointestinal pain; abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; In Animals: narcosis

CUTANEOUS REACTIONS TO N-PROPANOL WERE EVALUATED IN A CONTROL GROUP & IN PATIENTS BEFORE & DURING RECEIPT OF DISULFIRAM THERAPY. LOCAL CUTANEOUS ERYTHEMA WAS OBSERVED FROM PATCH TESTS WITH N-PROPANOL IN HYDRATED SKIN. SINCE REACTIONS NOTED FROM TOPICALLY APPLIED ALCOHOLS BEFORE & DURING DISULFIRAM THERAPY WERE NOT STATISTICALLY DIFFERENT, A LOCALIZED DISULFIRAM-ALCOHOL REACTION IS UNLIKELY. ERYTHEMA RESULTING FROM TOPICALLY APPLIED ALCOHOLS OCCURRED IN A DOSE RELATED MANNER & WAS CAUSED BY A DIRECT VASODILATORY EFFECT ON THE CUTANEOUS MICROVASCULATURE.

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system

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

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

Persons with pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent. ... In persons with impaired pulmonary function, especially those with obstructive airway diseases, the breathing of propyl alcohol might cause exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties.

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with lactated Ringer's to support vital signs. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia (decreased LOC, tachycardia, pallor, dilated pupils, diaphoresis, and/or a reading on a dextrose strip or glucometer of less than 50 mg/dl) and administer 50% dextrose if necessary ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Lower alcohols (1-3 Carbons) and related compounds/