Propylene Oxide is a synthetic, highly-flammable, volatile, colorless liquid that is soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents. The major use of propylene oxide is in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol. Propylene oxide is also used in the fumigation of foodstuffs and plastic medical instruments and in the manufacture of dipropylene glycol and glycol ethers, as herbicides, as solvents, and in the preparation of lubricants, surfactants, and oil demulsifiers. Propylene Oxide is a chiral epoxide, although it is commonly used as a racemic mixture. Acute (short-term) exposure of humans and animals to propylene oxide has caused eye and respiratory tract irritation. Dermal contact, even with dilute solutions, has caused skin irritation and necrosis in humans. Propylene oxide is also a mild central nervous system (CNS) depressant in humans. Inflammatory lesions of the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs and neurological effects have been observed in animals chronically (long-term) exposed to propylene oxide by inhalation.