At first glance, you might not see much of a connection between fries and antifreeze. Do a little research, though, and you'll discover a common ingredient between the two – propylene glycol.
Propylene glycol puts the 'anti' in 'antifreeze.' It serves the same purpose in food, cosmetics and medication – retaining moisture while preventing freezing.
The FDA and CDC insist small amounts of the chemical are safe for humans. As a result, you'll find it in everything from fries to ice cream, iced tea, boxed cake, anxiety-reducing medications and shampoo.
You won't find it in Europe, though; several governing bodies there have banned it outright in food production.
What do they know that the American government doesn't?
A lot, it turns out.
In its report on propylene glycol, the CDC says it poses no major health concerns. Ironically, though, the report also states:
Propylene glycol lives in several IV medications, including the anxiety treatment drug Lorazepam. Researchers have found that people who use this medication long enough suffer kidney malfunction. Eventually, the organ stops processing compounds at its normal rate.
Researchers have also noted propylene glycol's tendency to be dangerous for people with liver problems.
You can find propylene glycol in corticosteroids, a class of anti-inflammatory medications. One study reports that this placement is "an often unrecognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis."
In other words, many people experience a brief allergic reaction in response to the chemical in certain medications. This further raises questions about the chemical's safety.
The Scope Of Ignorance
In its report on propylene glycol, the CDC says it poses no major health concerns. Ironically, though, the report also states:
No studies were located regarding respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, hepatic, renal, endocrine, dermal, ocular or body weight effects.In other words, there hasn't been all that much research into the chemical's health effects. As a result, the CDC is giving it the green light – despite all we doknow about the chemical.
Negative Health Effects Of Propylene Glycol
#1 – It May Damage Your Kidneys And Liver
Propylene glycol lives in several IV medications, including the anxiety treatment drug Lorazepam. Researchers have found that people who use this medication long enough suffer kidney malfunction. Eventually, the organ stops processing compounds at its normal rate.
Researchers have also noted propylene glycol's tendency to be dangerous for people with liver problems.
#2 – It's Likely Dangerous For Infants
Those who insist on propylene glycol's safety tend to argue that the human body metabolizes it quickly so, therefore, it's not there long enough to cause damage. That's not quite true. Adult bodies do metabolize propylene glycol fairly quickly. That said, it still does a lot of damage before leaving your body. That damage is magnified in infants, whose bodies don'tmetabolize propylene glycol quickly. As Dr. Axe reports, the term 'infant' in this case may apply to children as old as four whose#3 – It May Cause An Allergic Reaction
You can find propylene glycol in corticosteroids, a class of anti-inflammatory medications. One study reports that this placement is "an often unrecognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis."
In other words, many people experience a brief allergic reaction in response to the chemical in certain medications. This further raises questions about the chemical's safety.
#4 – It Can Cause Mental Illness
Researchers warn e-cigarette users about the presence of propylene glycol in e-cig fluid. Why? Because it causes a whole host of mental issues, including:- Hyperactivity
- Behavioral changers
- Depression
- Ataxia (in extreme cases)
How To Avoid Propylene Glycol
Staying away from this chemical is not always as easy as looking for the words 'propylene glycol' on an ingredient label. It also goes by these names:- Propane-1,2-diol
- E1520
- A-Propylene Glycol
- 1,2-Dihydroxypropane
- Methylethylene glycol
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Skin cream
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes
- Salad dressing
- Soda
- Frozen dessert
- Flavored coffee
- Icing
