Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is found in many skin creams, lotions, soaps, hair products and shower gels. PEGs are petroleum-based compound that are often used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers.
Is polyethylene glycol harmful to humans?
In controlled amounts, polyethylene glycol is not harmful if ingested and is an ingredient in laxative medications. Ethylene glycol, by contrast, is very toxic and is best known for its use in antifreeze and deicer solutions.
What are the dangers of polyethylene glycol?
- irritation of the rectum.
- a sleep disorder.
- excessive thirst.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- stomach cramps.
- abdominal bloating.
- a feeling of general discomfort called malaise.
What is polyethylene glycol in?
Polyethylene glycol compounds are widespread in household products from skin care and cosmetics, to baby wipes and cleaners. The raw materials used to produce polyethylene glycol are by-products from petroleum refining and can also be derived from natural gas or coal. These are non-renewable sources.
What do PEG numbers mean?
PEGs are almost often followed by a number, for example PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-100 and so on. This number represents the approximate molecular weight of that compound. Typically, cosmetics use PEGs with smaller molecular weights. The lower the molecular weight, the easier it is for the compound to penetrate the skin.Dec 2, 2014
What is polyethylene glycol PEG 6000?
Poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 is a high quality research product used as multipurpose polymer of ethelyne glycol for various biochemical, molecular biology and molecular diagnostic applications.
What is PEG in cough syrup?
Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used to treat occasional constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool. This increases the number of bowel movements and softens the stool so it is easier to pass.
What does PEG 300 mean?
Polyethylene Glycol
What is the use of polyethylene glycol 6000?
What is it? Polyethylene glycol, referred to as PEG, is used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, plasticizer, surfactant, ointments and suppository base, and tablet and capsule lubricant.
What is the difference between PEG 6000 and PEG 8000?
the number associated with the various pegs indicate the average molecular weight of the polymer. peg6000 and 8000 are the same, peg6000 was found to have an average fw of 8000 and was renamed. The clue is in the name - POLYethylene glycol!May 8, 2006
How toxic is polyethylene glycol?
A consequence of its low reactivity is that PEG does not exhibit toxicity in humans also because mammals do not have enzymes which are able to metabolize PEG. Therefore, once ingested or parenterally administered PEG remains intact until it is eliminated via urine or feces.
Is polyethylene glycol 2000 safe for humans?
Stable under normal conditions. No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions of use.
Is polyethylene glycol a carcinogen?
Taken together, these results suggest that PEG could be a potent anticancer agent in the postinitiation phase of carcinogenesis. Because PEG is a substance that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS list, Food and Drug Administration), its cancer-preventive features could be tested in humans.