Sunday, March 22, 2015

500 GALLON PROPYLENE GLYCOL CHEMICAL LEAK IN VAIL VILLAGE, COLORADO




MARCH 20, 2015

VAIL, COLORADO

Vail fire and work crews quickly corralled a 250 to 500 gallon glycol spill Friday afternoon. 

At about 4 p.m. Friday, crews responded to a call reporting a leak in Vail’s snowmelt system. A 17-year-old pipe developed a leak on East Meadow Drive near the pedestrian entry to the Vail Village parking garage, across from the Covered Bridge. 

Between 250 and 500 gallons of propylene glycol spilled. Fire Chief Mark Novak says an unknown quantity entered a nearby storm drain that empties into Gore Creek. 

Crews worked with responders from Vail’s public works department to create a containment area. The leak was isolated by 4:30 p.m. 

Propylene glycol is a minimally hazardous antifreeze used to prevent the snowmelt system from freezing. 

Environmental health and water regulatory agencies have been notified, Novak said. 

The cleanup company, Interstate Restoration, was already working Friday afternoon. 

The in-town bus route has been rerouted until the cleanup is complete and pedestrians will continue using a detour. 

This particular pipe was installed in 1998. 

Installation of a town-wide snowmelt system began in 2004, covering almost nine acres. It took five years to complete. 

Source:vaildaily.com

//--------------------------------------------------//

1.1 What is propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products. It is a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint and plastics industries. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions. Other names for propylene glycol are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, and trimethyl glycol. 

Propylene glycol is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature. It may exist in air in the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Propylene glycol is practically odorless and tasteless.

1.2 What happens to propylene glycol when it enters the environment?

Waste streams from the manufacture of propylene glycol are primarily responsible for the releases into the air, water, and soil. Propylene glycol can enter the environment when it is used as a runway and aircraft de-icing agent. 

Propylene glycol can also enter the environment through the disposal of products that contains it. It is not likely to exist in large amounts in the air. We have little information about what happens to propylene glycol in the air. The small amounts that may enter the air are likely to break down quickly. If it escapes into the air, it will take between 24 and 50 hours for half the amount released to break down. Propylene glycol can mix completely with water and can soak into soil. It can break down relatively quickly (within several days to a week) in surface water and in soil. Propylene glycol can also travel from certain types of food packages into the food in the package.

1.3 How might I be exposed to propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol has been approved for use at certain levels in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. If you eat food products, use cosmetics, or take medicines that contain it, you will be exposed to propylene glycol, but these amounts are not generally considered harmful. People who work in industries that use propylene glycol may be exposed by touching these products or inhaling mists from spraying them. These exposures tend to be at low levels, however. Propylene glycol is used to make artificial smoke and mists for fire safety training, theatrical performances, and rock concerts. These artificial smoke products may also be used by private citizens. These products are frequently used in enclosed spaces, where exposure may be more intense. 

1.4 How can propylene glycol ether enter and leave my body?

Propylene glycol can enter your bloodstream if you breathe air containing mists or vapors from this compound. It can also enter your bloodstream through your skin if you come in direct contact with it and do not wash it off. If you eat products that contain propylene glycol, it may enter your bloodstream. Exposure of the general population to propylene glycol is likely since many foods, drugs, and cosmetics contain it. 

Propylene glycol breaks down in the body in about 48 hours. However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some irritation.

1.5 How can propylene glycol affect my health?

Propylene glycol breaks down at the same rate as ethylene glycol, although it does not form harmful crystals when it breaks down. Frequent skin exposure to propylene glycol can sometimes irritate the skin. 

1.6 Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been exposed to propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol is generally considered to be a safe chemical, and is not routinely tested for, unless specific exposure, such as to a medicine or cosmetic, can be linked with the observed bad symptoms. Since propylene glycol breaks down very quickly in the body, it is very difficult to detect. 

1.7 What recommendations has the federal government made to protect human health?

The government has developed regulations and guidelines for propylene glycol. 

These are designed to protect the public from potential adverse health effects.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as "generally recognized as safe," which means that it is acceptable for use in flavorings, drugs, and cosmetics, and as a direct food additive. According to the World Health Organization, the acceptable dietary intake of propylene glycol is 25 mg of propylene glycol for every kilogram (kg) of body weight.


References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1997. Toxicological profile for Propylene Glycol. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.