Vaping is a common sight; maybe spotted at a café or during a work break. It may seem so ordinary, until you stop and think about it. Are you wondering what’s in that vapor cloud? It’s natural that vapers, many of whom are dual or former tobacco users, may want to know what they are exposing their bodies to when they vape. Once people have a grasp on how vapes stack up against tobacco in terms of chemicals, they can figure out if they want to vape, and how much.
What’s in Vape Liquid?
The e-liquid in a vape becomes the vapor you inhale. The chemicals in e-liquid are easy to account for. It’s a simple mix, usually just a few ingredients. On the other hand, cigarettes contain 600 ingredients. The exact number of chemicals cigarettes produce when burned isn’t known, with over 7,000 having been identified. At least 69 of them are confirmed as causing cancer.
Sorting Fact from Fear
Even with what we know about the greater risks of smoking, we still need more studies about vaping, as many flawed studies don’t provide a clear picture on vaping’s long-term effects. This isn’t a claim that vaping is safe, but an honest look at it to help people make informed choices. Adults can take into account that while vaping is not risk-free, and long-term effects are still debated, the American Medical Association states: “Public health and media reporting have often overstated the potential risks of e-cigarettes, and inaccurate perceptions of the harms of vaping relative to smoking are pervasive.”
Main Ingredients in E-Liquids
Vape juice contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine (although there are zero-nicotine vapes, too), and flavorings. Each has a specific job in how the vape feels and tastes. A description of these ingredients shows what’s involved.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless liquid. It’s found in asthma inhalers, cosmetics, and some foods. In vape liquid, it carries flavor and gives a throat hit similar to smoking. The FDA considers it generally safe for limited inhalation or ingestion. More research is needed to review prolonged inhalation effects.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin, a thicker liquid from plants, is used in foods, medicines, and skincare products. It creates the thick vapor clouds in vaping. The FDA says it’s safe for consumption. Allergic reactions, while not common, can happen.
Nicotine
Nicotine in e-liquids is optional. It’s addictive, like in cigarettes, but not the main cause of smoking-related cancers. Choosing the nicotine strength lets you control the amount consumed.
Flavorings
Flavorings can give vapes a particular taste. These are food-grade compounds, but their safety when inhaled is less clear.
Are There Harmful Chemicals in Vapes?
Vaping has risks, with some chemicals forming under certain conditions. Research is ongoing, and for now, the risks are not considered as high as with smoking.
What the Studies Say
Vaping studies often stir debate, with some raising big warnings. Many early reports tested devices at extreme temperatures no one would use, focusing on risks like formaldehyde production. In normal conditions, these by-products are much less common. Long-term effects are still unclear, a point worth watching as more research is conducted.
By-Products at High Temperatures
Overheating a vape can create harmful compounds, posing health risks. Here’s what can happen:
- Formaldehyde: A cancer-causing chemical that forms when coils get too hot, like during a burnt hit.
- Acetaldehyde: A toxic substance, but found in tiny amounts in typical use.
- Acrolein: Can irritate lungs, but there is debate if the levels are high enough to cause disease.
Studies continue to review what chemicals are present in vapes, and how they may affect people over time. Cigarettes, which burn tobacco, always produce tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of harmful substances.
How Vaping Compares to Cigarettes
Vaping skips burning, avoiding tar and carbon monoxide. Its ingredients, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, optional nicotine, and flavorings, are far fewer. By eliminating burning, some of the worst byproducts are avoided, including smoke, which reduces exposure to some risks.
So, how does vaping stack up vs. cigarettes when you puff or inhale smoke?
It has been shown over decades of research that smoking tobacco poses health hazards. Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful substances, including:
- Arsenic: Found in rat poison.
- Benzene: Used in gasoline.
- Cadmium: In batteries.
So what’s the takeaway? Although there are fewer toxins and no tar when vaping, nicotine and certain chemicals can cause lung irritation and addiction.
Regulation and Quality Control
Vape products vary widely, making regulation and careful choices important. Oversight helps, but picking the right products plays a big role in cutting risks.
FDA Oversight
The FDA regulates U.S. vaping products, requiring manufacturers to list ingredients and get approval for new items. This filters out some low-quality products, though enforcement isn’t perfect.
Why Trusted Brands Matter
Reputable brands focus on safety, testing for contaminants and avoiding harmful flavorings. When picking a product, look for:
- Lab reports: Proof of what’s inside.
- Clear ingredients: No hidden substances.
- Clean production: Facilities that prevent contamination.
Shop I Love Ecigs for Name-Brand Vape Products
Studies are still ongoing, and we will find out more as science provides additional answers about the long-term effects of vaping. What we are aware of today is that vaping isn’t totally safe; it comes with potential risks. Compared to cigarettes’ thousands of harmful substances, though, vape liquid is much simpler.
We previously mentioned how to choose vapes responsibly. Are there any further points to take into account that can manage risk and increase enjoyment?
Get to know the retailers you buy from and their suppliers so you can be informed about the vape products you select. As we mentioned, there are many zero-nicotine vapes, too, so those are always an option if you would like to avoid nicotine.
It’s easy to shop responsibly with I Love Ecigs. Buy quality brands like Logic, Jinx, Juul, Blu and Vuse on I Love Ecigs’ website. View our product line for a great vapes selection!
