• What are the main health hazards associated with breathing in propane?
• What happens when propane comes into contact with my skin?
• Can propane hurt my eyes?
• What happens if propane is accidentally swallowed (enters the digestive system)?
• What are the long term health effects of exposure to propane?
• Will propane cause cancer?
• Will propane cause any problems with my reproductive system?
• Will propane cause effects on the fetus/unborn baby?
• Will propane act in a synergistic manner with other materials (will its effects be more than the sum of the effects from the exposure to each chemical alone)?
• Is there potential for propane to build-up or accumulate in my body?

What are the main health hazards associated with breathing in propane?

At air concentrations below 1000 ppm propane is virtually non-toxic. Brief exposures to 10,000 ppm cause no symptoms; 100,000 ppm can produce slight dizziness after a few minutes of exposure, but is not noticeably irritating to the nose and throat.

Propane is a simple asphyxiant. High concentrations of propane can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. Oxygen content in the atmosphere must not be allowed to fall below 18%. Effects of oxygen deficiency are: 12-16% breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular co-ordination slightly disturbed; 10-14% emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration; 6-10%: nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness; below 6%: convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse and death.

What happens when propane comes into contact with my skin?

The gas does not affect the skin. Contact with liquified gas escaping from its high pressure cylinder may cause frostbite. Symptoms of mild frostbite include numbness, prickling and itching in the affected area. Symptoms of more severe frostbite include a burning sensation and stiffness of the affected area. The skin may become waxy white or yellow. Blistering, tissue death and gangrene may also develop in severe cases.

Close range contact with liquified propane gas may cause injury characteristic of a thermal burn with swelling, fluid accumulation and extreme redness. Tissue death and gangrene may also develop.

Can propane hurt my eyes?

The gas does not cause eye irritation. Contact with liquified gas escaping from its high pressure cylinder may cause freezing of the eye. Permanent eye damage or blindness could result.

What happens if propane is accidentally swallowed (enters the digestive system)?

Not applicable to gases

What are the long term health effects of exposure to propane?

No long-term effects have been reported from exposure to propane.

Will propane cause cancer?

No specific data. Probably not carcinogenic.

Will propane cause any problems with my reproductive system?

No specific data. Probably has no reproductive effects.

Will propane cause effects on the fetus/unborn baby?

No specific data. Probably has no teratogenic or embryotoxic effects.

Will propane act in a synergistic manner with other materials (will its effects be more than the sum of the effects from the exposure to each chemical alone)?

No, propane does not act in a synergistic manner with other materials.

Is there potential for propane to build-up or accumulate in my body?

None

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Document last updated on December 19, 1997

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety