The old tech that could help stop the next airborne pandemic

Recent research efforts are focusing on the potential of glycol vapors—an old, overlooked technology—to inactivate airborne viruses and reduce the risk of future pandemics.

Glycol vapors, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and triethylene glycol, have demonstrated virus-inactivating properties when vaporized into indoor air, remaining at concentrations safe for humans. Historical studies from the 1940s showed significant reductions in respiratory illnesses in hospital wards treated with glycol vapors. Renewed interest emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to emergency EPA approvals for glycol-based disinfectants in some states, though scientific data remained limited.

Recently, Blueprint Biosecurity awarded $4.5 million in grants to fund multidisciplinary research into glycol vapors’ efficacy and safety. The research aims to clarify how these vapors interact with pathogens, their real-world effectiveness, and safety profiles, especially for vulnerable populations. Initial results are expected by mid-2027, which could inform future pandemic mitigation strategies.

Why It Matters

This research could lead to a low-cost, effective method for reducing airborne disease transmission, potentially transforming pandemic preparedness and response. If proven safe and effective, glycol vapor deployment could complement existing measures, especially for highly contagious airborne viruses like influenza, coronaviruses, or Ebola.

Background

The interest in glycol vapors dates back to the 1940s, when studies indicated they could significantly reduce respiratory infections in hospital settings. However, interest waned with the advent of antibiotics and modern disinfectants. The COVID-19 pandemic rekindled attention, prompting emergency approvals but limited scientific validation. Now, renewed funding aims to rigorously evaluate their potential as a scalable, low-cost intervention for airborne disease control.

“Glycol vapors could be a game-changer in pandemic prevention, if we can confirm their safety and effectiveness through rigorous research.”

— Jacob Swett, Blueprint Biosecurity

“These vapors are particularly effective against enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, which are major concerns for airborne pandemics.”

— Curtis Donskey, infectious disease researcher

“Our goal is to understand both the efficacy and safety of glycol vapors so that they can be reliably deployed in real-world settings.”

— Brian Renda, Blueprint Biosecurity

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What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how effective glycol vapors will be in diverse real-world environments, their long-term safety, and optimal deployment protocols. The upcoming studies aim to address these questions, but definitive conclusions are still pending.

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What’s Next

Research teams will conduct experiments to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and interaction of glycol vapors with air filters, with initial results expected by mid-2027. If findings are positive, pilot programs and regulatory reviews could follow, paving the way for broader application.

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Key Questions

How do glycol vapors inactivate viruses?

Glycol vapors are believed to disrupt the lipid envelopes of viruses, rendering them inactive. The exact mechanisms are still under study.

Are glycol vapors safe for humans?

At low concentrations, vapors like propylene glycol are considered safe for inhalation, but comprehensive safety evaluations are ongoing to confirm safety for widespread use.

Could glycol vapors replace current disinfection methods?

It is too early to say. If proven effective and safe, glycol vapors could serve as a supplementary tool, especially in indoor environments where airborne transmission is a concern.

When will we know if glycol vapors are a viable pandemic prevention tool?

Initial scientific results are expected by mid-2027, after which regulatory review and pilot programs may determine their practical use.