What Is Butylene Glycol and Is It Bad For My Health?
Butylene glycol is a chemical compound used in many industrial products such as food packaging, medical equipment, pesticides, etc. There are two types of butane: 1) Propane 2) Butane. Both forms have different properties. However, propane is cheaper than butane because it can be produced from natural gas or coal power plants. Propane is commonly used in cooking, heating, and lighting. It is also used in certain kinds of cleaning products and as a propellant for some firearms.
However, propylene glycol (PG), which is a liquid at room temperature, has been widely used since the 1930s as an antifreeze substitute. PG was first marketed under the brand name “Xylitol” by Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Since then, it has become one of the most popular ingredients in consumer products.
The FDA requires that all food manufacturers list the presence of any ingredient they believe may cause cancer in their product labels. According to the agency, there is no evidence that PG causes cancer when consumed regularly over long periods of time. However, there is enough concern about its potential health risks that it must not be used in foods unless it comes with a warning label stating so.
History and Alternatives
PG was first used as a substitute for antifreeze and still finds use in some products meant to be consumed by children or by pregnant or nursing mothers. The reason why it is used as an ingredient in some foods is that it improves flavor and extends shelf life. It is also used extensively in cosmetics, beauty supplies, and pharmaceutical ointments because it absorbs moisture.
These products are not meant to be consumed and, therefore, the FDA does not regard them as food.
This ingredient has been tested extensively since the 1930s and no evidence has been found yet to prove that it is a human carcinogen (able to cause cancer). It was only in the 21st century that any evidence was found that it could be harmful to humans. In fact, it was not even until 2006 that animal studies indicated that it caused tumors in some animals.
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