Recently, the Drugs Controller General of India directed drug manufacturers to stop using propylene glycol sourced from the Delhi-based firm that supplied the ingredient to Marion Biotech, whose cough syrups were linked to the deaths of 19 children in Uzbekistan.
About Propylene Glycol –
- Propylene glycol is a synthetic food additive that belongs to the same chemical group as alcohol.
- Characteristics of Propylene Glycol —
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- Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water.
- It is a clear, colourless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature.
- It may exist in air in the vapour form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapour.
- It is practically odourless and tasteless.
What are the uses of Propylene Glycol?
- Propylene glycol is 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.
- It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products.
- It is a solvent for food colours and flavours and in the paint and plastics industries.
- Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and theatrical productions.