"They Put It In Hospital Ventilation Systems" cite?

[rpc1]

I've seen here many times the claim that propylene glycol is added to "hospital ventilation systems". If that's true, then it seems to me that it's an extremely good way to counter the old "you're inhaling antifreeze" argument. But, unlike the ANTZ, before I go around making powerful arguments, I like to verify that they are actually true.

Unfortunately, when I google something like "propylene glycol hospital ventilation", all I get is vapers repeating the argument. I haven't been able to find any definitive proof that "they" actually add it to hospital ventilation systems. It seems to me that if this is true, then there will be some documentation. Can anyone find it?

I'll settle for just about anything. A peer-reviewed medical journal article saying that it's a good thing to do would be nice. But it would be even better if I found the instruction manual for the Acme Hospital HVAC System which shows you where to pour one gallon of PG into it. Or perhaps there's the package insert for the PG itself saying that it's approved for such use.

If you're the guy who works at the hospital, and it's your job to pour it in there, that's great. If you know the guy who has that job, that's not quite so good. If that guy is a friend of a friend, then I still believe you, but that doesn't help me with making the argument to others.

So can anyone show me some documentation that they put it in hospital ventilation systems?

 

[dePeatrick]

The only documented proof of it being used as an anti-bacterial that I have seen was a proposal to use it in underground air-raid shelters in the UK during WWII, even at that it took a whole lot of chasing and time to find it and apologies but I do not have a link to it. If I remember correctly the delivery system was what stopped it from being used but the effects of PG's anti-bacterial properties was recognised even then.

 

[DC2]

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/propylene_glycol_red.pdf

Air Sanitizer
Read the directions included with the automatic dispenser for proper installation of unit and
refill. Remove cap from aerosol can and place in a sequential aerosol dispenser which
automatically releases a metered amount every 15 minutes. One unit should treat 6000 ft of
closed air space. Dispenser should be located at a height of eight feet and at a point where wind
flow will carry the particles throughout the area. Each spray dose is 100 mg and the median
particle size is 30 microns. For regular, non-metered applications, spray room until a light fog
forms. To sanitize the air, spray 6 to 8 seconds in an average size room (10' x10').

Hard, Non-Porous Surface Disinfectant
Spray surface until thoroughly wet and let stand 10 minutes, then wipe with a dry paper towel.
On non-porous surfaces, rinse surface with water. To sanitize non-porous surfaces, spray until
wet. Let stand one minute, then wipe. To prevent mold and mildew on pre-cleaned non-porous
surfaces, spray surface until wet. Allow to air dry. Repeat application on pre-cleaned surface at
weekly intervals.

 

[Thrasher]

I cant find the original link right now but maybe some information direct from the EPA will do for now

Air Sanitizers | Pesticides | US EPA

and PG is the main ingredient in almost all air sanitizers such as ozium

 

[rpc1]

Thanks. That was the kind of thing I was looking for. In addition to the quotes you showed, it states: "Propylene glycol is used on the following use sites: air treatment (eating establishments, hospital, commercial, institutional, household, bathroom, transportational facilities); medical premises and equipment, commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment" (emphasis added).

The only downside of that document is that the casual reader might seize upon the word "pesticide", and conclude that, in addition to inhaling antifreeze, we're also inhaling pesticide! Therefore, something less technical would be nice, such as the instructions for the operator saying, "dump one gallon of PG here for all of the patients to breathe in."

 

[DC2]

Thanks. That was the kind of thing I was looking for. In addition to the quotes you showed, it states: "Propylene glycol is used on the following use sites: air treatment (eating establishments, hospital, commercial, institutional, household, bathroom, transportational facilities); medical premises and equipment, commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment" (emphasis added).

The only downside of that document is that the casual reader might seize upon the word "pesticide", and conclude that, in addition to inhaling antifreeze, we're also inhaling pesticide! Therefore, something less technical would be nice, such as the instructions for the operator saying, "dump one gallon of PG here for all of the patients to breathe in."

Good luck with finding that.

The pesticide argument is ancient, and I rarely hear that one used anymore.
But whenever confronted with that garbage, I just remind them that salt kills snails.

If they don't understand my point, they may not be worth talking to.

 

[originalgolfer]

Believe this is the article...

http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/dis_tss_docs/dis-11.htm

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[rpc1]

Thanks for the information, everyone. I won't say "they put it in hospital ventilation systems", but now I can say, "hospitals spray it to sanitize the air", which is just as good. The instructions to "close all doors and windows" first is a nice added bonus.

 

[The Vagabond]

Believe this is the article...

http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/dis_tss_docs/dis-11.htm

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

excerpt from this
a.Claims.

Adequate experimental data is available to show that air sanitizers do not sterilize, disinfect, act as a germicide, or protect experimental animals from infections by airborne bacteria or viruses. Thus, claims of value in preventing or treating diseases, or providing any other health protection, whether expressed or implied, are not acceptable. Claims must clearly indicate the mitigating nature of the activity, such as "Temporarily reduces the number of airborne bacteria."