Propane

Synonyms

A-108; Dimethylmethane; HC 290; Hydrocarbon Propellant A-108; LPG; Liquefied petroleum gas; Petroleum gas, liquefied; Propane; Propyl hydride; Propyldihydride; R 290; n-Propane; [ChemIDplus] UN1978

Category

Simple Asphyxiants

Description

Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: A foul-smelling odorant is often added when used for fuel purposes. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]; [NIOSH] Vapor density = 1.56 (heavier than air); [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as a fuel, solvent, refrigerant, and propellant; [Hawley]

Comments

Propane is a simple asphyxiant. [LaDou, p. 558] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] "Critical Effects" for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases are CNS depression; cardiac sensitization; [ACGIH] Propane is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmias; [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

No

1000 ppm

1000 ppm

2100 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

It has been reported that brief inhalation exposures to 10,000 ppm propane cause no symptoms in humans [Braker and Mossman 1980]. Propane is considered to be a simple asphyxiant [ACGIH 1991].

12225 ppm

Odor Threshold High

20005 ppm

LC50 (rat) > 800,000 ppm/15m

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL; Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = -156 deg F; See "Appendix F: Minimal Oxygen Content." A simple asphyxiant and explosion hazard; [TLVs and BEIs]

burn readily

Acute solvent syndrome

Other Poison

Simple Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, simple
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Petroleum Production and Refining