This adjective is used to describe propylene glycol in a solar heating plant. But how can propylene glycol be labelled non-toxic? It's a potent carcinogen even though it's in most shampoos, designer perfumes etc. as well as engine degreaser, and I don't see how it can be suddenly made harmless. Does anyone have another meaning for this word 'atossico'?
Paulfromitaly
MODerator
Italian
Atossico does mean "non-toxic".
As to why these people claim their product is non-toxic, I'm afraid we can't help you
As to why these people claim their product is non-toxic, I'm afraid we can't help you
silver frog
Senior Member
Italiano
As the person above said, atossico simply means non-toxic. My guess is that there's some legal loophole at play here and that non-toxic does not necessarily equal harmless, and perhaps (mind, that's my speculation) they are taking advantage of that.
As in: "toxic but within legality hence non-toxic".
As in: "toxic but within legality hence non-toxic".
TimLA
Member Emeritus
English - US
silver frog
Senior Member
Italiano
I know nothing about chemistry, but googling propylene glycol this is what I got immediately:
Source
If it isn't toxic, why do so many ethical shampoo manufacturers go to the trouble of using more expensive ingredients and then have to proudly claim that their products don't contain it?
e.g.:
Propylene glycol: cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Inhalation:
No adverse health effects via inhalation.
Ingestion:
Relatively toxic. Ingestion of sizable amount (over 100ml) may cause gastrointestinal upset and temporary central nervous system depression. Effects appear more severe in individuals with kidney problems.
Skin Contact:
Irritant and defatting agent, especially on prolonged contact.
Eye Contact:
May cause transitory stinging and tearing.
Chronic Exposure:
Lactic acidosis, stupor and seizures have been reported following chronic ingestion Kidney disorders, skin disorders, eye tissue damage.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Kidney disorders, skin disorders, eye tissue damage.
and although many sites claim it is not carcinogenic, mainly because it's so cheap it keeps the shampoo industry on its feet:
Glycols (group): Causes delayed-contact allergy. Used as humectant. (emulsifier/moisturizer). Propylene glycol causes liver abnormalities and kidney damage in laboratory animals. Diethylene glycol and carbitol are considered toxic. Ethylene glycol is a suspected bladder carcinogen. Glycols are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic.
Note that p.g. accumulates over years in the system and is absorbed through the skin every time it's applied via shampoo, moisturiser, perfume, makeup etc.
e.g.:
Propylene glycol: cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Inhalation:
No adverse health effects via inhalation.
Ingestion:
Relatively toxic. Ingestion of sizable amount (over 100ml) may cause gastrointestinal upset and temporary central nervous system depression. Effects appear more severe in individuals with kidney problems.
Skin Contact:
Irritant and defatting agent, especially on prolonged contact.
Eye Contact:
May cause transitory stinging and tearing.
Chronic Exposure:
Lactic acidosis, stupor and seizures have been reported following chronic ingestion Kidney disorders, skin disorders, eye tissue damage.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Kidney disorders, skin disorders, eye tissue damage.
and although many sites claim it is not carcinogenic, mainly because it's so cheap it keeps the shampoo industry on its feet:
Glycols (group): Causes delayed-contact allergy. Used as humectant. (emulsifier/moisturizer). Propylene glycol causes liver abnormalities and kidney damage in laboratory animals. Diethylene glycol and carbitol are considered toxic. Ethylene glycol is a suspected bladder carcinogen. Glycols are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic.
Note that p.g. accumulates over years in the system and is absorbed through the skin every time it's applied via shampoo, moisturiser, perfume, makeup etc.