TEG and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

by Sandi Durell . . .

Andrew Lloyd Webber has called on the government to trial a “game-changing” chemical he claims could allow theatres to reopen. The composer and theatre maker has spent months lobbying the government to test the chemical triethylene glycol (TEG) and see whether it could be used to help open up venues and schools. According to Lloyd Webber, tests of the substance’s effectiveness at removing Covid-19 were successfully carried out at a Broadway theatre last year. Manufacturers of TEG, which is already used to sanitise venues, claim it can clean the air when continually sprayed indoors. Webber has been vocal about reopening Theaters during the pandemic and believes the West End will reopen Summer of 2021 post vaccine rollout.

Further information on the product reveals:

Molecular formula HOCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.

TEG (triethylene glycol) is a colorless, odorless viscous liquid used in air sanitizer products, when aerosolized it acts as a disinfectant. Glycols are also used for natural gas and in air conditioning systems and can be an additive for hydraulic fluids and brake fluids and a base for “smoke machine” fluid in the entertainment industry.

According to the EPA,¹² “the Agency has no risk concerns for triethylene glycol with respect to human exposure. … TEG inactivates viruses and bacteria because it is very hydroscopic; it condenses on bacteria- and virus-containing particles until its concentration becomes sufficiently high to be germicidal.

Potential Acute Health Effects: Very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of inhalation. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Potential Chronic Health Effects: Very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant).

People are afraid of using many products without scientific approval but think about the efficacy of us using vaccines that were whisked thru for this Covid-19 emergency without undergoing the usual 4-5 years of stringent testing. And there are still many who have positive beliefs about using alternative methods and drugs. What do you think?