Learning Objective

• General idea regarding aerosols and its historical background

An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas. In everyday life, we come across aerosols in the form of clouds and air pollution such as smog and smoke. The history of aerosols dates back to 1870, when pressurized carbonated beverages were introduced in France. Later in 1927, the first aerosol can and valve that was capable of dispensing the propellant and product was developed by Erik Rotheim of Norway. In 1953, Robert H Albanalp patented the present day aerosol valve. The first aerosol, an insecticide preparation was developed in 1942. The first pharmaceutical aerosol was developed in 1950, which was meant for topical application. Aerosol for inhalation containing the drug epinephrine was developed in 1955. Historical view of the aerosol cans is shown in Figure 12.1.

Figure 12.1 Historical View of the Aerosol Cans