Product Safety Assessment
Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
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Names
Product Overview
Manufacture of Product
Product Description
Product Uses
Exposure Potential
Health Information
Environmental Information
Physical Hazard Information
Regulatory Information
Additional Information
References
Names
?CAS No. 107-98-2 ? 1-Methoxypropan-2-ol
?Propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) ? 1-Methoxypropanol-2
?Propylene glycol monomethyl ether ? 2-Methoxy-1-methylethanol
?1-Methoxy-2-propanol ? 2-Propanol-1-methoxy
?1-Methoxy-2-hydroxypropane ? DOWANOLTM PM glycol ether
Product Overview
?Propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) is a clear, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor.
PGME is completely soluble in water, with moderate volatility.1 Dow manufactures and
markets PGME under the trade name DOWANOLTM PM glycol ether. For further details, see
Product Description.
? PGME is used in the chemical, agricultural, automotive, paint, lacquer, and varnish industries.
Its predominant use is as a solvent in various manufacturing processes and as a chemical
building block for the manufacture of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PMA). PGME is
also formulated into industrial, commercial, automotive, and household cleaners.2,3 For
further details, see Product Uses.
? Because PGME is formulated into a broad range of products, consumer contact is possible.
Workplace exposure is also possible.4 For further details, see Exposure Potential.
? Eye contact with PGME may cause slight temporary irritation, although corneal injury is
unlikely. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause irritation. Prolonged skin contact with
very large amounts may cause dizziness or drowsiness. PGME has very low toxicity if
swallowed. The odor of PGME is objectionable at 100 ppm. Vapor levels higher than 100
ppm produce eye, nose, and throat irritation and are intolerable at 1,000 ppm. Anesthetic
effects are seen at or above 1,000 ppm.5 For further details, see Health Information.
? PGME is flammable and vapors may travel a long distance. Store this material away from
heat, sparks, and flame. PGME is thermally stable at typical use temperatures. PGME is
incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers, and contact should be
avoided.6 For further details, see Physical Hazard Information.
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Created: April 15, 2008 The Dow Chemical Company Page 1 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Manufacture of Product7
? Capacity ?Western Europe is the largest producer and consumer of propylene oxide-based
glycol ethers. The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") produces both ethylene oxide- and
propylene oxide-based glycol ethers in the United States at facilities in Midland, Michigan and
Plaquemine, Louisiana; these products are also produced by a Dow subsidiary in Europe at
the Stade, Germany site. Union Carbide Corporation ("UCC"), also a Dow subsidiary,
manufactures glycol ethers in Taft, Louisiana, and Seadrift, Texas. The estimated 2007 U.S.
production capacity for propylene oxide-based glycol ethers is 191,000 metric tons (420
million pounds), with PGME accounting for 129,000 metric tons (285 million pounds).
? Process ?Propylene glycol methyl ether is produced by the reaction of propylene oxide with
methanol using a catalyst as shown below.
CH3 CH3
+ CH3OH
H2C CH CH3O CH2CHOH
O
Propylene Methanol Propylene glycol
oxide methyl ether
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Product Description8,9
Propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) is a clear, colorless, liquid with an ether odor. It is
completely soluble in water and has moderate volatility. PGME is a propylene oxide-based, or P-
series, glycol ether. Dow manufactures and sells PGME and other P-series glycol ethers under
the trade name DOWANOLTM glycol ethers. DOWANOL PM glycol ether contains greater than
99% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and less than 0.5% 2-methoxy-1-propanol.
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Product Uses10,11,12,13
The main commercial uses for PGME are:
?Chemical intermediate ?for the
13
manufacture of propylene glycol Projected Use of PGME in the U.S. (2007)
methyl ether acetate (PMA)
PMA
?Solvent ?for paints, varnishes, inks,
Production
Other solvents
strippers, cleaners, and degreasers
49%
?Coalescing agent ?for water- 10%
based paints and inks to promote
Electronics
polymer fusion during the drying
process industry
?Coatings ?for automotive, 7%
Paints,
architectural, industrial maintenance, Cleaning
coatings
wood and coatings, and metal
solvents
22%
finishing
12%
?Electronics ?to manufacture
copper-clad lamination products
PGME is formulated into a wide variety of household products including:
?Floor polish and related products
?Paints, lacquers, varnishes, and other paint-related products
?Nonstructural caulking compounds and sealants
?Synthetic resin and rubber adhesives
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Trademark of the Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") of an affiliated company of Dow
Created: April 15, 2008 The Dow Chemical Company Page 2 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
? Pesticides
? Automotive cleaners
? Dyes and inks ?ball point and felt-tip pens
? Cleaning products for glass, ovens, hard surfaces, floors, rugs, and upholstery
? Laundry aids ?ironing aids and dry-cleaning spot-cleaning preparations
? Specialty cleaning and sanitation products ?swimming pool cleaners
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Exposure Potential
PGME is used in the production of industrial and consumer products. Based on its uses, the
public could be exposed through:
?Workplace exposure14 ?Exposure can occur either in a PGME manufacturing facility or in
the various industrial or manufacturing facilities that use PGME. Those working with PGME in
manufacturing operations could be exposed during maintenance, sampling, testing, or other
procedures. The primary potentials for occupational exposure to PGME are through skin
contact or vapor inhalation. Each manufacturing facility should have a thorough training
program for employees and appropriate work processes, ventilation, and safety equipment in
place to limit unnecessary exposure. See Health Information.
?Consumer exposure to products containing PGME15 ?PGME is not marketed for direct
consumer use, but it is used in household-cleaning formulations, paints, and other products.
Products containing PGME generally contain levels between 1 and 10%, although some
products may have levels as high as 50%. The highest exposures to consumers are likely to
be associated with the use of paints and varnishes that contain PGME. Inhalation exposures
to relatively high concentrations of PGME are believed to be self-limiting due to the irritant
effects of the chemical. See Health Information.
?Environmental releases16 ?In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to
prevent contamination of soil, sewers, and surface or ground water. Isolate the area. For
small spills, PGME should be absorbed with clay or sand. Collect material in suitable and
properly labeled containers. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information.
?Large release ?Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and generally contained. If a large
spill does occur, isolate the area, keeping personnel out of low areas. PGME vapors are
heavier than air. Keep upwind of the spill and ventilate the area. Warn the public of any
downwind explosion hazard. Eliminate all sources of ignition and ground and bond all
containers and handling equipment. Check the area with a combustible-gas detector before
reentering. Use appropriate safety equipment. Use an approved air-purifying or positive-
pressure, supplied-air respirator if atmospheric levels are above exposure guidelines. Contain
the spilled material if possible. Use nonsparking tools in cleanup operations. Absorb with
materials such as clay or sand. If available, use foam to smother or suppress vapors.
?In case of fire ?Keep people away and deny any unnecessary entry. Stay upwind and keep
out of low areas where fumes can accumulate. Water may not be effective in extinguishing
the fire and use of a direct water stream may spread the fire. Wear positive-pressure, self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or fight the fire from a safe distance. Consider the use
of unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Violent steam generation or eruption may
occur upon application of a direct water stream to hot liquids. Use water fog or fine spray,
dry-chemical or carbon-dioxide extinguishers, or foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed
containers and the fire-affected zone until fire is out and the danger of reignition has passed.
Follow emergency procedures carefully. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard
Information.
For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet.
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Created: April 15, 2008 The Dow Chemical Company Page 3 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Health Information17,18
Eye contact with PGME may cause slight temporary irritation, although corneal injury is unlikely.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause irritation. Prolonged skin contact with very large
amounts may cause dizziness or drowsiness. PGME is not a skin sensitizer.
PGME has very low toxicity if swallowed. Swallowing small amounts incidental to normal handling
operations are not likely to cause injury. Swallowing larger amounts may cause injury.
The odor of PGME is objectionable at 100 ppm. Higher vapor levels produce eye, nose, and
throat irritation and become intolerable at 1,000 ppm. Anesthetic effects are seen at levels at or
above 1,000 ppm. Symptoms of excessive exposure may be anesthetic or narcotic effects
including dizziness and drowsiness. Observations in animal vapor exposure studies generally
include adaptive, non-adverse liver and male rat-specific kidney effects.
In laboratory animal testing, exposure to PGME did not cause cancer or birth defects. Exposure
to high vapor concentrations caused maternal toxicity and secondary effects on neonates.
Genetic toxicity studies were negative.
For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet.
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Environmental Information19,20
PGME is practically nontoxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis. PGME is not likely to
accumulate in the food chain (bioconcentration potential is low) and is readily biodegradable.
For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet.
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Physical Hazard Information21
PGME is flammable, and vapors may travel a long distance. PGME should be stored away from
heat and ignition sources. PGME is thermally stable at typical use temperatures. The product can
oxidize at elevated temperatures. Generation of gas during decomposition can cause pressure in
closed systems. Decomposition products can include and are not limited to aldehydes, ketones,
and organic acids. PGME is incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers
and contact should be avoided.
During a fire, containers may rupture due to gas generation. PGME vapors are heavier than air
and may accumulate in low-lying areas. PGME vapors are extremely flammable. Ignition and/or
flashback may occur. Smoke may contain the original material, in addition to unidentified toxic or
irritating compounds that may include but are not limited to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet.
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Regulatory Information
Regulations may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use, and/or disposal of
PGME. These regulations may vary by city, state, country, or geographic region. Information may
be found by consulting the relevant Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, or Contact Us.
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Created: April 15, 2008 The Dow Chemical Company Page 4 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Additional Information
? Safety Data Sheet (http://www.dow.com/webapps/msds/msdssearch.asp).
? Contact Us (http://www.dow.com/oxysolvents/contact/index.htm).
? DOWANOLTM PM Product Information Datasheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No.
110-00617-0304, March, 2004
(http://www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_005c/0901b8038005c5f0.pdf?filepath=oxysolve
nts/pdfs/noreg/110-00617.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc)
? Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-
Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): U.S., January 23?6, 2001
(http://www.inchem.org/documents/sids/sids/107982.pdf)
? Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 17 ?Propylene
Glycol Ethers, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Arona, Italy,
November 11?4, 2003 (http://www.inchem.org/documents/sids/sids/pges.pdf)
? "Glycol Ethers," Marketing Research Report, Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI
Consulting, July, 2004
For more business information about PGME, visit Dow's Oxygenated Solvents web site.
(http://www.dow.com/oxysolvents/index.htm or www.dowanol.com)
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References
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Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
1
DOWANOLTM PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1 and 5?.
2
DOWANOL PM Product Information Datasheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 110-
00617-0304, March, 2004, pages 1 and 2.
3
Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-
Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): U.S., January 23?6, 2001, page 29.
4
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, page 5.
5
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1, 2, and 6.
6
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1, 4, and 6.
7
Chinn, Henry, "Glycol Ethers," Marketing Research Report: Chemical Economics Handbook,
SRI Consulting, July, 2004, pages 5, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 28.
8
DOWANOLTM PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1 and 5?.
9
Dow Oxygenated Solvents website ?P-Series Glycol Ethers
(http://www.dow.com/oxysolvents/prod/pseries.htm)
10
Dow Oxygenated Solvents website ?Applications Center
(http://www.dow.com/oxysolvents/app/index.htm)
11
DOWANOL PM Product Information Datasheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 110-
00617-0304, March, 2004, pages 1 and 2.
12
SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), OECD UNEP:
U.S., January 23?6, 2001, pages 29 and 32.
13
Chinn, Henry, "Glycol Ethers," Marketing Research Report: Chemical Economics Handbook,
SRI Consulting, July, 2004, page 50.
14
SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), OECD UNEP:
U.S., January 23?6, 2001, pages 31 and 32.
15
SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), OECD UNEP:
U.S., January 23?6, 2001, pages 24 and 30?2.
Created: April 15, 2008 The Dow Chemical Company Page 5 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
16
DOWANOLTM PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company,
MSD: 000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 2?.
17
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1? and 6.
18
SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), OECD UNEP:
U.S., January 23?6, 2001, pages 23 and 32?6.
19
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 6 and 7.
20
SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 ?1-Methoxypropanol-2ol (PGME), OECD UNEP:
U.S., January 23?6, 2001, pages 23?4 and 30?1.
21
DOWANOL PM Glycol Ether Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, MSD:
000051, Product Code: 22473, June 6, 2003, pages 1 and 3?.
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Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
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