Ethylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol Poisoning

The most common source of ethylene glycol exposure is antifreeze. Antifreeze contains up to 95% ethylene glycol. Antifreeze accounts for about 40% of the ethylene glycol produced and is easy to obtain. Ethylene glycol is also used for de-icing airplanes and in air conditioning units.

The most common way people are exposed to ethylene glycol and poisoned by it is from swallowing antifreeze.

TCE can be harmful to people. Studies show that workers who are exposed to moderate amounts of TCE might get headaches, feel dizzy, or become sleepy. Exposure to large amounts of TCE can cause coma and even death.

Symptoms seen in humans from short-term and long-term exposure were similar.

TCE can harm the central nervous system and damage the kidneys, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and the developing embryo or fetus. Scientific studies have shown that TCE can cause kidney and liver cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans.

The following steps might reduce the risk for ethylene glycol poisoning:

• Keep antifreeze in original, labeled containers, securely stored, and out of children’s reach.
• If you think someone has swallowed antifreeze, get them to a doctor immediately.

Ethylene glycol is a common cause of overdose in the United States. Ethylene glycol can be measured in blood.

Laboratories use special equipment to detect and measure ethylene glycol. These include gas chromatographs and mass spectrometric detectors. However, many hospitals do not have this equipment.

Call your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms of the following:

• Central nervous system trouble
• Other health changes (especially those possibly related to heart and kidney problems)

Signs and symptoms of central nervous system trouble may include the following:

• Loss of control of body movement
• Loss of speech or trouble talking
• Drowsiness
• Irritation
• Restlessness
• Disorientation

Signs and symptoms of heart disease may include the following:

• High or low blood pressure
• Irregular heart beat
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• Blackouts, fainting, vomiting, or lightheadedness

Signs and symptoms of kidney disease may include the following:

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• Chest pain or pressure
• Drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures or coma

No follow-up appointment is needed unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

Return for laboratory testing: ___________________

Return to the emergency department/clinic on (date) ____ at _____ AM/PM for a follow-up examination.

Do not perform vigorous physical activities for 1 to 2 days.

You may resume everyday activities, including driving and operating machinery.

Do not return to work for _____days.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke for 72 hours. Smoke can worsen the condition of your lungs.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours. Alcohol can worsen injury to your nervous system or have other effects.

Avoid taking the following medicines: ________________________________________

Tell the emergency department the name and number of your doctor so they can send that person a record of your emergency department visit.

Other instructions: _______________________________________________________________________

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Propylene glycol is used as a solvent in various forms of
cosmetics and medicines:

• Oral
• Injectable
• Topical

Propylene glycol is a diluting solvent found in many intravenous and oral drugs, including

• phenytoin,
• diazepam, and
• lorazepam.

Propylene glycol exposure occurs mainly through swallowing food and medicines and through skin contact with cosmetics or topical medicines.

Propylene glycol is a commonly used solvent for intravenous medicines. Although usually safe, it can be harmful when given in large doses over a short period.

Newborns and infants are among those at special risk from rapidly injected propylene glycol-containing medicines or extra-large doses.

Propylene glycol can be measured in blood.

Laboratories use special equipment to detect and measure propylene glycol. These include gas chromatographs and mass spectrometric detectors. However, many hospitals do not have this equipment.

Call your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms of the following:

• Central nervous system trouble
• Other health changes (especially those possibly related to heart and kidney problems)

Signs and symptoms of central nervous system trouble may include the following:

• Loss of control of body movement
• Loss of speech or trouble talking
• Drowsiness
• Irritation
• Restlessness
• Disorientation

Signs and symptoms of heart disease may include the following:

• High or low blood pressure
• Irregular heart beat
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• Blackouts, fainting, vomiting, or lightheadedness

Signs and symptoms of kidney disease may include the following:

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• Chest pain or pressure
• Drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures or coma

No follow-up appointment is needed unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

Return for laboratory testing: ___________________

Return to the emergency department/clinic on (date) ____ at _____ AM/PM for a follow-up examination.

Do not perform vigorous physical activities for 1 to 2 days.

You may resume everyday activities, including driving and operating machinery.

Do not return to work for _____days.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke for 72 hours. Smoke can worsen the condition of your lungs.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours. Alcohol can worsen injury to your nervous system or have other effects.

Avoid taking the following medicines: ________________________________________

Tell the emergency department the name and number of your doctor so they can send that person a record of your emergency department visit.

Other instructions: _______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________