CAS Number: 75-56-9. A colorless, highly flammable liquid that is
soluble in water and has a sweet, alcoholic or ether-like odor.
It is used primarily in the production of polyethers and
propylene glycol. Also used in the fumigation of foodstuffs and
plastic medical instruments, and in the preparation of ubricants,
surfactants, and oil demulsifiers. Chemical formula = C3H6O.
Molecular weight = 58.08 g/mol.
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Propylene oxide is used in the production of polyethers (the
primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol.
Acute (short-term) exposure of humans and animals to propylene
oxide has caused eye and respiratory tract irritation. Dermal
contact, even with dilute solutions, has caused skin irritation
and necrosis in humans. Propylene oxide is also a mild central
nervous system (CNS) depressant in humans. Inflammatory lesions
of the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs and neurological effects
have been observed in animals chronically (long-term) exposed to
propylene oxide by inhalation. Propylene oxide has been observed
to cause tumors at or near the site of administration in rodents,
causing forestomach tumors following ingestion via gavage
(experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach) and nasal
tumors after inhalation exposure. EPA has classified propylene
oxide as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.