Glycerol

RTECS #
MA8050000
CAS #
56-81-5
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
March 2019
Molecular Weight
92.11
Molecular Formula
C3H8O3
Synonyms
1,2,3-Propanetriol
1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
90 Technical glycerine
Citifluor AF 2
Clyzerin, wasserfrei (German)
Glycerin
Glycerin mist
Glycerin mist (ACGIH,OSHA)
Glycerin, anhydrous
Glycerin, synthetic
Glycerine
Glyceritol
Glycyl alcohol
Grocolene
MOON
Osmoglyn
Star
Synthetic glycerin
Trihydroxypropane

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /rabbit 500 mg/24H mild85JCAE -,207,1986
skin /rabbit 500 mg/24H mild85JCAE -,207,1986

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisoral/rat1 gm/kgTGANAK 19,436,1985
DNA inhibitionlymphocyte/human200 mmol/LPNASA6 79,1171,1982

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
intratesticular/rat 280 mg/kg (2D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct
CCPTAY 29,291,1984
intratesticular/rat 1600 mg/kg (1D male)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Male fertility index (e.g., # males impregnating females per # males exposed to fertile nonpregnant females)CCPTAY 29,291,1984
intratesticular/rat 862 mg/kg (1D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)LIFSAK 34,1747,1984
intratesticular/monkey 119 mg/kg (1D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct
CCPTAY 39,447,1989
oral/rat 100 mg/kg (1D male)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)TGANAK 19,436,1985

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 87.5 gm/kg/25W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Facilitates action of known carcinogens
CALEDQ 229,181,2005

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, colon tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 35.8 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/Human, colon tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 21 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/Human, colon tumor Inhibitor Concentration Low: 40 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell morphology: overgrowth of cell appendixes etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/Human, colon tumor Inhibitor Concentration Low: 50 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitroFCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/Human, leukemia cells Inhibitor Concentration (5 percent kill): >25000 mg/L/30MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell countingTIVIEQ 27,857,2013
In Vitro/Human, leukemia cells Inhibitor Concentration Low: 25000 mg/L/30MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 27,857,2013
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 983 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 3,189,1989
In Vitro/Human, lung Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): >4 mmol/LIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 30,274,2015
In Vitro/Human, lymphocyte Inhibitor Concentration (30 percent kill): >200 mg/L/45HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (dye exclusion): trypan blue assay etc.TIVIEQ 29,901,2015
In Vitro/Human, lymphocyte Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): >200 mg/L/45HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 29,901,2015
In Vitro/Human, monocyte Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): >10000 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TOLED5 199,51,2010
In Vitro/Human, monocyte Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): 10 mmol/L/2HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTOLED5 199,51,2010
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration Low: 0.01 pph/6HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 27,2213,2013
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): >2000 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 29,688,2015
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): >2000 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell metabolic activity: Alamar Blue assay etc.TIVIEQ 29,688,2015
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration (30 percent kill): >2000 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 29,688,2015
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration (30 percent kill): >2000 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell metabolic activity: Alamar Blue assay etc.TIVIEQ 29,688,2015
In Vitro/jdaInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 454605 mg/L/1HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TOLED5 212,198,2012
In Vitro/jkhInhibitor Concentration Low: 50 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitroFCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/jkhInhibitor Concentration Low: 40 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell morphology: overgrowth of cell appendixes etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/jkhInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 34.5 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/jkhInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 23 µmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.FCTOD7 74,311,2014
In Vitro/jzxInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 68391.33 mg/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 25,1989,2011
In Vitro/jzxInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 55.2 pph/60MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 26,150,2012
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 289 mmol/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 27,1357,2013
In Vitro/paaInhibitor Concentration Low: 267 mmol/L/44HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 27,1416,2013
In Vitro/Rabbit, ocular Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 0.035 gm/L/10MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell Viability (cell death), unspecified assayTIVIEQ 3,329,1989
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5 mL/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)FCTOD7 50,2622,2012
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5000 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Renal function tests depressedEKFAE9 55,21,1992
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 8 mL/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)

Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation
TXCYAC 201,143,2004
intramuscular/rat lowest published lethal dose: 10 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes in urine composition
NPRNAY 20,47,1978
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 4 mL/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Urine volume decreased or anuria

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Catalases
PHMCAA 67,41,2003
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 4000 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation
FCTOD7 46,710,2008
intramuscular/rat lowest published lethal dose: 10 mL/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)

Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects
CEXPB9 33,119,2006
intramuscular/rat lowest published toxic dose: 4 mL/kgVascular: Contraction (isolated tissue)

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes
JPETAB 322,461,2007
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 8700 mg/kgBehavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)ARZNAD 28,1579,1978
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4420 mg/kgBehavioral: Toxic psychosis

Cardiac: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes
RCOCB8 56,125,1987
intravenous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4250 mg/kgJAPMA8 39,583,1950
intravenous/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 53 gm/kgNIIRDN 6,215,1982
intravenous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5566 mg/kgARZNAD 26,1581,1976
oral/guinea pig lethal dose (50 percent kill): 7750 mg/kgJIHTAB 23,259,1941
oral/human lowest published toxic dose: 1428 mg/kgBehavioral: Headache

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting
34ZIAG -,288,1969
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 3.88 gm/kgBrain and Coverings: Changes in surface EEG

Behavioral: Excitement

Gastrointestinal: Hypermotility, diarrhea
JTCTDW 47,312,2009
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4090 mg/kgFRZKAP (6),56,1977
oral/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 27 gm/kgDMDJAP 31,276,1959
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 12600 mg/kgBehavioral: General anesthetic

Behavioral: Muscle weakness

Liver: Other changes
FEPRA7 4,142,1945
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 12600 mg/kgENTOX* -,449,2005
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 91 mg/kgNIIRDN 6,215,1982
subcutaneous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 100 mg/kgNIIRDN 6,215,1982

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 560 gm/kg/8W- continuousLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchiEXLRDA 12,281,1987
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 2800 mg/kg/25W- continuousSkin and Appendages: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Facilitates action of known carcinogens
CALEDQ 155,61,2000
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 96 gm/kg/30D- intermittentBlood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count

Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase
GISAAA 49(10),81,1984

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWINMEAF 9,-,1940
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTPHSDY 23,504,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTPHSDY 24,355,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,449,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 47,1287,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWREPTED 58,252,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 84,133,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 58,395,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 59,364,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 61,119,2011

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATIONFEREAC 54,7740,1989
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDESCancelledRBREV* -,313,1998
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARDNUISANCE PARTICULATES (mist)DTLWS* 3,20,1973
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 20 mg/m3, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 10 mg/m3, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 50 mg/m3, inhal, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3 (mist), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3 (inhalable), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3 (mist), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3, JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 50 mg/m3, KZG-week 100 mg/m3, inhal, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 10 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 10 mg/m3, OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 15 mg/m3, total dustCFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 5 mg/m3, respirable fractionCFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 15 mg/m3, total dustCFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 5 mg/m3, respirable fractionCFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 15 mg/m3, total dustCFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 5 mg/m3, respirable fractionCFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 35085; Number of Industries 310; Total Number of Facilities 67054; Number of Occupations 215; Total Number of Employees Exposed 2135546; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 1346631
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 35085; Number of Industries 358; Total Number of Facilities 86657; Number of Occupations 198; Total Number of Employees Exposed 1085329

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018