Experimental exposure to propylene glycol mist in aviation emergency training: acute ocular and respiratory effects
G Wieslandera, D Norbäcka, T Lindgrena b
a Department
of Medical Sciences/Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala
University, University Hospital, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden, b
Scandinavian Airline System (SAS), STOIM-O, S-195 87 Stockholm,
Sweden
Correspondence to: Dr G Wieslander gunilla.wieslander@medsci .uu.se
Accepted 1 June 2001
OBJECTIVES
Propylene
glycol (PG) (1-2 propanediol; CAS No 57-55-6) is a low toxicity
compound widely used as a food additive, in pharmaceutical preparations, in cosmetics, and in the workplacefor example, water
based paints, de-icing fluids, and cooling liquids. Exposure to PG mist
may occur from smoke generators in discotheques, theatres, and aviation
emergency training. Propylene glycol may cause contact allergy, but
there is sparse information on health effects from occupational
exposure to PG.
METHODSNon-asthmatic
volunteers (n=27) were exposed in an aircraft simulator to PG mist over
1 minute, during realistic training conditions. Geometric mean
concentration of PG was 309 mg/m3 (range 176-851
mg/m3), with the highest concentrations in the afternoon.
The medical investigation was performed both before and after the
exposure (within 15 minutes). It included an estimate of tear film
stability break up time, nasal patency by acoustic rhinometry, dynamic
spirometry, and a doctor's administered questionnaire on symptoms.
RESULTSAfter exposure
to PG mist for 1 minute tear film stability decreased, ocular and
throat symptoms increased, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced
vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was slightly reduced, and self
rated severity of dyspnoea was slightly increased. No effect was found
for nasal patency, vital capacity (VC), FVC, nasal symptoms, dermal
symptoms, smell of solvent, or any systemic symptoms. Those exposed to
the higher concentrations in the afternoon had a more pronounced
increase of throat symptoms, and a more pronounced decrease of tear
film stability. In four subjects who reported development of irritative
cough during exposure to PG, FEV1 was decreased by 5%, but
FEV1 was unchanged among those who did not develop a cough.
Those who developed a cough also had an increased perception of mild dyspnoea.
CONCLUSIONShort
exposure to PG mist from artificial smoke generators may cause acute
ocular and upper airway irritation in non-asthmatic subjects. A few may
also react with cough and slight airway obstruction.
Keywords: acoustic rhinometry; aviation medicine; propylene glycol; respiratory symptoms; tear film stability break up time
© 2001 by Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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