| Lee Daniels, daniels@tamu.edu wrote:
> 
> >From: Johnmowog@aol.com
> >
> >be aware that the coolant brand that advertises that it is "safe" is not
> >even close to safe.
> 
> NOT SO.  I assume you are referring to Sierra brand antifreeze, which is
> mostly propylene glycol.
> 
> Most brands are made up essentially ethylene glycol, which is lethal in
> humans at a dose of about 100ml. (um, about 5 or 6 ounces).
> 
> HOWEVER, propylene glycol (i.e. the Sierra brand) is considered by
> toxicologists to be essentially harmless to humans (prob. because it is
> converted to acetic acid in the body; i.e. vinegar.)   It's so safe, that
> it's used as a solvent in some pharmaceuticals!  It's used as an antifreeze
> in dairies  and breweries because of its non-toxicity, and is an ingredient
> in some spray-type air disinfectants.  So why haven't manufacturers used it
> as an automotive antifreeze before?  Simple economics.  It costs a lot
> more.  Want to know more?  A review of toxicity, metabolism and
> biochemistry appears in _Toxicology_and_Applied_Pharmocology_, Vol. 21,
> p.102.
> 
> Yes.  I am a chemist.
        Can we call you "Al"?
Tim "this cold is really going to my head" Moses
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