Skip to content
CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Propane

  • Aliphatic solvents
  • CAS 74-98-6
  • IUPAC: Propane

Propane (CAS 74-98-6) appears in 36 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Simple asphyxiant and extremely flammable gas (H220). No specific organ toxicity. The primary risk is fire and explosion — keep aerosols containing propane away from heat, open flames, and temperatures above 50°C (120°F).

Propane is the primary aerosol propellant in many car-care and household aerosol products. It liquefies under the pressure inside the can and vaporizes as the valve is opened, driving the liquid contents out as a spray. In conjunction with butane, it provides consistent spray pressure across a range of temperatures.

The H280 classification (compressed gas) and H220 (extremely flammable gas) apply to the propellant fraction specifically. There are no inhalation toxicity concerns at normal consumer-use levels — propane is not an asthmagen, sensitizer, or carcinogen. The danger is fire: aerosol cans pressurized with propane/butane should never be exposed to a heat source, open flame, or direct sunlight.

Not on Prop 65. Disperses into the atmosphere after use; negligible environmental persistence.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Aerosol propellant — pressurizes the can and helps atomize liquid contents into fine mist

Common questions about Propane

What is Propane used for in car care?
Aerosol propellant — pressurizes the can and helps atomize liquid contents into fine mist
Is Propane a VOC?
No. Propane is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Propane on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Propane is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Propane biodegradable?
Yes. Propane has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

36 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.