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Propylene Oxide

CAS Number

75-56-9

Synonym

AI3-07541; Caswell No. 713A; Epoxypropane; 1,2-epoxypropane; Methyl ethylene oxide; Methyloxirane; NCI-C50099; Propene oxide; Propylene epoxide; Propyleneoxide; EPA Pesticide Code: 042501

Occurrence/Use

Fumigant (almonds, pistachios), preparation of biological samples, herbicide component; production of polyurethane plastics, polyester resins, solvent, preservatives, de-icing fluid, liquid for electronic cigarettes. Has been used as racing fuel and glow fuel. Component of tobacco smoke

Cancer Potency Information

Inhalation Unit Risk (μg/cubic meter)-1: 
3.7 E-6
Inhalation Slope Factor (mg/kg-day)-1: 
1.3 E-2
Oral Slope Factor (mg/kg-day)-1: 
2.4 E-1
Comments/References: 

OEHHA 2009. Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Technical Support Document for Cancer Potencies. Appendix B. Chemical-specific summaries of the information used to derive unit risk and cancer potency values. Updated 2011.

 

US EPA 1990. IRIS Database: Propylene oxide.

Air

Acute RELs

Acute REL (μg/m3): 
3100
Species: 
Mouse
Acute REL Toxicologic Endpoint: 
Reproductive/ development (reduced fertility and teratogenic effects in rats), respiratory and eye irritation
Acute REL Target Organs: 
Reproductive/ development, respiratory system, eyes
Severity: 
Severe
Last Acute REL Revision: 
1999
Acute Reference Exposure Levels Comments: 

Chronic REL

Chronic Inhalation REL (μg/m3): 
30
Chronic Target Organs: 
Respiratory system
Human Data: 
No
Last Chronic REL Revision: 
2000
Chronic Reference Exposure Levels Comments: 

Proposition 65

Chemical Status

Cancer: 
Currently listed

Cancer

Listed as causing: 
Cancer
Date of Listing: 
10/01/1988
Basis for Listing: 
State's Qualified Experts