The Development of Aerosol Technology

Back in World War II, American soldiers were fighting for their lives. They were also being eaten alive by mosquitoes. They needed a way to protect themselves. Scientists turned to a technology that had actually been around since the 18th century, but needed some modifications. Since then, step-by-step, aerosol technology has evolved to what we use today.

The first aerosol was developed in 1929 when a Norwegian engineer designed an early can and valve aerosol propellant system, the “primitive” forerunner for our modern design. During WWII, aerosol spray cans of insect repellents were first developed for mosquito-bitten American soldiers. It wasn’t until 1947 that aerosol technology was introduced to U.S. civilians.

In 1974, Scientists proposed the theory that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer. Prior to that time CFCs were used as propellants in aerosol products. Aerosol manufacturers began to discontinue the use of CFC before the U.S. banned them in 1978. In 1987, 24 countries signed The Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete The Ozone Layer, each agreeing to gradually phase out the use of Ozone Depleting Compounds, including CFCs. The protocol eventually fully phased out CFCs in 1996. In 2020, complete global phase out of the ODC Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) is expected to be completed under the guidelines of the Montreal Protocol Agreement.