Propylene Glycol – Germs Worst Nightmare?

Did you know – in 1942, Dr. Oswald Hope Robertson conducted a study to see how the inhalation of propylene glycol affected mice? Within this study, Dr. Robertson advised,

“The propylene glycol itself was a potent germicide. One part of glycol in 2,000,000 parts of air would – within a few seconds – kill concentrations of air-suspended pneumococci, streptococci, and other bacteria numbering millions to the cubic foot.”

Citing from a TIME magazine article from 1942,

“Dr. Robertson placed groups of mice in a chamber and sprayed its air first with propylene glycol, then with influenza virus. All the mice lived. Then he sprayed the chamber with virus alone. All the mice died.”

As you all probably know by now, propylene glycol (PG) is a primary ingredient used in vape juice. PG is an artificial liquid whose job is to absorb water. Aside from our beloved E Juice, PG is used in an array of cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. It is clear and has relatively zero taste/odor.

What does this mean for us, as vapers, today? What we can theorize right now is that instead of being a threat to our health, the PG in the juice we vape might just keep us healthy. Further studies should be done on the effects of inhaling vaporized PG in order to determine if it can be used successfully as a virus prevention (or extermination) tool.

Our question is, where are clinical trials to further this potentially life saving liquid now? If you, our readers, have heard of any happening since e cigarettes have hit the scene – let us know in the comments below! We would love to know more… (I’m sure other vapers would as well).