The Human Exposure Potential from Propylene Releases to the Environment

Abstract

A detailed literature search was performed to assess the sources, magnitudes and extent of human inhalation exposure to propylene. Exposure evaluations were performed at both the community and occupational levels for those living or working in different environments. The results revealed a multitude of pyrogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic emission sources. Pyrogenic sources, including biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion, appear to be the primary contributors to atmospheric propylene. Despite a very short atmospheric lifetime, measurable levels could be detected in highly remote locations as a result of biogenic release. The indoor/outdoor ratio for propylene has been shown to range from about 2 to 3 in non-smoking homes, which indicates that residential sources may be the largest contributor to the overall exposure for those not occupationally exposed. In homes where smoking takes place, the levels may be up to thirty times higher than non-smoking residences. Atmospheric levels in most rural regions are typically below 2 ppbv, whereas the values in urban levels are much more variable ranging as high as 10 ppbv. Somewhat elevated propylene exposures may also occur in the workplace; especially for firefighters or refinery plant operators who may encounter levels up to about 10 ppmv.

Seasonality and Source Apportionment of Nonmethane Volatile Organic Compounds at Boulder Reservoir, Colorado, Between 2017 and 2019

“…The source of a fourth factor that predominantly consists of ethene and propene is less clear but can likely be attributed to local vehicular emissions. Prior studies show that vehicle exhaust is a large contributor to urban levels of ethene and propene (Morgott, 2015, 2018), and other source apportionment studies in urban environments have shown that traffic‐related emissions of ethene generally dominate over other outdoor sources (e.g., Morgott, 2015; 2018). Although, we acknowledge that ethene is widely used in the chemical industry, and propene is a raw material for plastics.…”

Biological Factors Influencing Individual Responses to Propylene Oxide: A Systematic Review of Exogenous Exposure, Endogenous Production and Detoxification

“…One source of Propylene Oxide in the human body is inhalation of Propylene. PE is an odorless gas that is ubiquitous in the environment, arising from both natural and anthropogenic sources (Morgott 2018). However, the body’s conversion of propylene to propylene oxide appears to reach saturation at high exposure levels (Pottenger 2007).…”

“…The body's physiological state influences its handling of propylene. Factors like age, health status, pregnancy and menstruation cycle can alter respiration rate, circulation, liver function and other parameters in ways that change the internal propylene dose and effects (Morgott 2018). For example, higher respiration and circulation during exercise or fever can increase the internal dose.…”

“…Propylene , a precursor to Propylene Oxide, is detectable even in remote locations, sourced from diverse emissions such as biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion (Morgott, 2018). It is also detected in interstellar space and celestial atmospheres (Singh et al, 2022), indicating its widespread presence independent of human activities.…”

“…Indoor propylene exposure is typically 2-3 times higher than outdoors due to residential activities like cooking and heating (Morgott, 2018). Exposure is even higher in smoking households.…”