The Growing Importance of Glycols in Modern Life
It’s hard to imagine modern life without glycols. Used in everything from cosmetics to food, these manmade chemical compounds are omnipresent. If you’re wearing polyester fabric or drinking from plastic bottles, chances are you’ve interacted with glycols. They’re present in everyday items, such as toothpaste and bottled salad dressings.
Manufactured at industrial scales from crude oil and natural gas, glycols serve critical functions, notably as antifreeze ingredients and in refrigeration systems, enhancing cooling capabilities beyond what water can achieve alone.
Glycols: A Potential Ally Against Pathogens
However, glycols have properties that extend far beyond their traditional uses. Remarkably, when vaporized into indoor air, glycols have been shown to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungal spores—even in low concentrations that are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. This unique property could be beneficial in curbing the seasonal flu and may play a role in mitigating airborne pandemics, a capability we’ve understood for nearly a century. Recent studies suggest we may soon harness these properties at scale.
A glycolator ad from 1950. Reading Eagle, October 9, 1950
Understanding Glycols and Their Applications in Public Health
From a chemical standpoint, glycols are organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family. Notable variations such as propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), and triethylene glycol (TEG) vapors appear safe for human inhalation. TEG vapors are particularly promising for use in indoor settings, costing between 10 to 50 cents per day to safeguard a 1,000-square-foot area. While the exact mechanisms by which glycols combat pathogens remain somewhat unknown, studies have demonstrated their effectiveness against both air- and surface-borne viruses, particularly enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
Research supporting the efficacy of glycols in preventing infections dates back to the mid-20th century. Notably, a study from 1941 to 1944 in a pediatric hospital revealed a remarkable 96 percent reduction in colds in wards treated with glycol vapors compared to those that were not. Patients in the glycol-treated wards reported 90 percent fewer cases of tracheobronchitis, middle ear infections, and acute pharyngitis.
The Historical Context of Glycols in Disinfection
Despite the promising early research, interest in glycol vapors peaked in the 1940s but waned as antibiotics became widely available. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of academic focus on glycols, largely in relation to their role in antifreeze and disinfection. However, broader public interest remained limited.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic reignited curiosity regarding glycols’ antimicrobial properties. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted emergency approval for TEG-based products designed for disinfection in occupied indoor spaces. Nevertheless, scientific research throughout the pandemic was limited, often due to skepticism from public health agencies regarding the safety and efficacy of using glycol vapors as an active disinfectant.
A Renewed Focus on Airborne Pathogens
Despite earlier misconceptions about SARS-CoV-2’s transmission, the pandemic underscored the necessity of reevaluating how we approach airborne diseases. As Jacob Swett, executive director of Blueprint Biosecurity, aptly notes, the next pandemic is likely to be airborne. With existing respiratory illnesses causing significant health burdens, the protective potential of glycol vapors merits focused research. The Blueprint Biosecurity initiative recently allocated $4.5 million for its Glycol Vapors for Infection Suppression: Efficacy and Safety Research (GlycolISER) program to deepen our understanding of these compounds.
This research will assess how glycol vapors work against pathogens, their effectiveness during real-world emergencies, and their interactions with different air filtration systems. Importantly, studies will also explore the safety profiles of glycol vapors for vulnerable populations, such as asthma sufferers.
“Being ready to fight the next pandemic means we need to robustly evaluate a wide range of possible interventions,” remarked Brian Renda, a program director at Blueprint Biosecurity. Initial findings from the ongoing research are expected in early to mid-2027.
The Potential Future of Glycol Vapors in Public Health
The implications of this research extend well beyond mere academic interest. With the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrating the urgent need for effective airborne disease prevention strategies, the potential application of glycol vapors could revolutionize public health responses. Whether used to reduce absenteeism in workplaces or protect vulnerable populations, glycols may represent a multifaceted approach to improving indoor air quality and thereby safeguarding health.
Moreover, as the field of pandemic preparedness continues to evolve, solutions like glycol vapors deserve critical examination as they may complement existing measures like improved ventilation and filtration systems. While there will likely be hesitance to add substances into the air we breathe, confidence in safety could increase if the EPA endorses these measures for occupied spaces.
As Swett aptly puts it, “If a product has an EPA registration indicating that it’s safe for use in occupied areas, I think most people will be comfortable.” With further evaluations and the right strategies, a future filled with cleaner air—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of public health—could soon become a reality.
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Image Credit: www.vox.com
