Introduction
Glycol is a versatile compound with a wide range of uses. It is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that is miscible with water and alcohol. Glycol is used in a variety of applications, including as an antifreeze, coolant, solvent, and preservative.
Types of Glycol
There are two main types of glycol: propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a less toxic glycol that is often used in food and pharmaceuticals. Ethylene glycol is a more toxic glycol that is commonly used as an antifreeze.
Uses of Glycol
- Antifreeze: Glycol is the main ingredient in antifreeze, which is used to prevent water from freezing in engines and other machinery.
- Coolant: Glycol is also used as a coolant in a variety of applications, such as air conditioning systems and computer cooling systems.
- Solvent: Glycol is a good solvent for a variety of substances, including resins, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
- Preservative: Glycol is used as a preservative in a variety of products, such as cosmetics and food.
- Other Uses: Glycol is also used in a variety of other applications, such as the production of plastics, polyester fibers, and explosives.
Health Risks of Glycol
Glycol is generally safe when used properly. However, it can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Propylene glycol is less toxic than ethylene glycol, but it can still cause some health problems, such as skin irritation and respiratory problems. Ethylene glycol is more toxic than propylene glycol and can cause serious health problems, such as kidney failure and death.
Regulations
There are a number of regulations in place to protect workers from exposure to glycol. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for glycol of 50 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended an exposure limit of 25 ppm for glycol.
Measuring Glycol Levels
Glycol levels in water can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). There are a number of kits available to measure glycol levels in water. These kits typically use a colorimetric method to measure glycol levels.
All of those units can be found here: https://www.gas-sensing.com/information/glycol
Conclusion
Glycol is a versatile compound with a wide range of uses. It is important to use glycol safely and to follow the appropriate regulations to protect workers from exposure.
