How much ethylene glycol is in antifreeze

The main difference between propylene glycol and ethylene is the level of toxicity. Propylene glycol has a very low toxicity, which is why it is also found in cosmetics and personal care products, whereas ethylene glycol is poisonous and must be handled with caution to restrict any human or animal exposure.

So why not just use propylene glycol? There are a number of benefits using ethylene glycol over propylene glycol, especially in closed loop systems were risk of contact with food is minimal. For example, freeze point depression is much more effective using ethylene glycol — so more propylene glycol would be required to maintain the same freeze point as ethylene.

As well as this, due to the lower viscosity of ethylene glycol it possesses excellent heat transfer properties. The use of propylene or ethylene glycol depends on the application in hand and the risk of accidental contact with food, potable water or human ingestion.

For example, in aeroplane de-icing propylene glycol is used for both removing ice and contaminates from an aeroplane as well as being used during winter and periods of snowfall to actively prevent accumulation of snow and ice. It is also present in a number of supermarket antifreeze products. Whereas ethylene glycol would be used in closed systems and in controlled industrial applications.

Antifreeze contains chemicals that are toxic if a person ingests them. Antifreeze poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

People add antifreeze to vehicle radiators to prevent the liquid coolant inside from freezing and overheating. Antifreeze typically contains ethylene glycol, methanol, and propylene glycol.

Although the chemicals in antifreeze are relatively nontoxic, the body can metabolize them into highly toxic alcohol byproducts.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may take time to develop, and they can be similar to alcohol intoxication. Anyone who suspects that they or someone else has ingested antifreeze should seek immediate medical attention or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers AAPCC for expert advice at In this article, we discuss what to do if someone ingests antifreeze.

We also cover symptoms, treatment, and complications of antifreeze poisoning. A person should call immediately or go straight to the emergency room if they suspect that they or someone else has ingested antifreeze. It is vital to seek help, even if a person does not show or feel symptoms of antifreeze poisoning. People who are unsure whether they or someone else has ingested antifreeze can also call the AAPCC for expert advice at Accidentally ingesting antifreeze can happen for many reasons.

For example, children may drink antifreeze because ethylene glycol tastes sweet. A person may accidentally drink antifreeze that someone has stored in an unlabeled container, such as a glass, food jar, or drinks bottle. However, ingesting antifreeze is not always accidental.

Some individuals may use antifreeze as an alternative source of alcohol. Other people may intentionally ingest antifreeze as a means of self-harm or in an attempt to take their own life.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may not appear immediately after a person ingests it, as it takes time for the body to metabolize the chemicals. The body converts the chemicals in antifreeze into smaller alcohols and acids. These can include:. The onset and severity of symptoms can vary according to several factors, such as the type and amount of antifreeze the person ingested. The first stage of antifreeze poisoning typically begins between 30 minutes and 12 hours after a person ingests it.

The ethylene glycol in antifreeze affects the central nervous system first. Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may appear similar to those of alcohol intoxication.

People generally enter the second stage of antifreeze poisoning 12—24 hours after ingestion. During this stage, the body continues to metabolize the chemicals in antifreeze into toxic acids.

These acids lower the pH level of the blood, which leads to a condition called metabolic acidosis. At this point, antifreeze poisoning will start to affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, brain, lungs, and liver. A person may also lose consciousness or go into a coma at this stage. Repeat these tests as necessary to closely monitor the progression of toxic effects. Contact a medical toxicologist or a regional poison control center for assistance in evaluating the anion and osmolar gaps and to decide whether antidotal therapy, intravenous sodium bicarbonate, or hemodialysis is needed.

Administer antidotes fomepizole or ethanol intravenously as soon as possible to block the conversion of ethylene glycol to formic acid and prevent acidosis. Fomepizole is preferred as its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated, and its therapeutic dose is more easily maintained. Administer folinic acid leucovorin intravenously to increase the rate at which formate is metabolized into less toxic chemicals.

Caution: Ethanol and fomepizole dosing must be adjusted during hemodialysis. Thiamine and pyridoxine facilitate a more rapid metabolism of ethylene glycol to non-toxic metabolites and should be given as a single dose IV mg daily. Some loss of kidney function may be permanent. Injury to the nerves of the head and neck cranial nerve palsies may be of short-term or long-term duration. This may affect the nerves that control facial movement, eye movement and vision, hearing, and swallowing.

Brain swelling cerebral edema causes an impaired level of consciousness. This may cause generalized seizures, brain death, or permanent brain damage.

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs pulmonary edema , due to heart or lung damage, may occur. Muscle inflammation myositis may occur. Limited studies have not found ethylene glycol to be a carcinogen. It is not known whether chronic or repeated exposure to ethylene glycol increases the risk of reproductive toxicity or developmental toxicity.

Chronic or repeated exposure to ethylene glycol may lead to: irritation of the throat, mild headache, low backache, loss of consciousness, and nystagmus. These will resolve if the source of exposure is removed. On-Site Fatalities. Coordinate responsibilities and prepare to enter the scene as part of the evaluation team along with the FBI HazMat Technician, local law enforcement evidence technician, and other relevant personnel.

Begin tracking remains using waterproof tags. Establish a preliminary holding morgue. Gather evidence and place it in a clearly labeled waterproof container. Hand any evidence over to the FBI. Remove and tag personal effects. Perform a thorough external evaluation and a preliminary identification check. See the Decontamination section for decontamination procedures.

Decontaminate remains before removing from the incident site. Occupational Exposure Limits. Acute Exposure Guidelines. Show More. Decontamination Environment and Equipment. However, if required, personnel should wear the appropriate PPE during environmental decontamination. Keep combustibles e. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift.

Avoid allowing water runoff to contact the spilled agent. Do not direct water at the spill or the source of the leak. Stop the leak if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel. Turn leaking containers so that gas escapes instead of liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements, or confined areas.

Isolate the area until gas has dispersed. Ventilate the area. Agent Properties. Slightly soluble in ether. Practically insoluble in benzene and its homologues, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ether, and oils. Specific Gravity: 1. Trade Names and Other Synonyms. Who to Contact in an Emergency. Important Notice. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.