Vaping FAQs

are there any toxic chemicals formed from vaping propylene glycol

by Bailey Quitzon Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

When vaporized, propylene glycol

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. It is a viscous, colorless liquid which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, includin…

turns to formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. The New England Journal of Medicine found that PG, particularly with high voltage vapors, creates a high concentration of formaldehyde (again, a carcinogen). If you want to dispute that formaldehyde is not a carcinogen, good luck.

New research shows that propylene glycol can also generate methylglyoxal, an alpha di-carbonyl compound recently shown to cause epithelial necrosis at even lower concentrations than diacetyl, the flavoring chemical associated with bronchiolitis obliterans
bronchiolitis obliterans
Bronchiolitis obliterans is an inflammatory condition that affects the lung's tiniest airways, the bronchioles. In affected people, the bronchioles may become damaged and inflamed leading to extensive scarring that blocks the airways.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov › bronchiolitis-obliterans
("Popcorn Lung").
Jan 6, 2021

Full Answer

What are the dangers of propylene glycol?

  • Various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products contain propylene glycol.
  • Propylene glycol is metabolized to compounds that are normal constituents of the citric acid cycle.
  • Propylene glycol toxicity generally is not a factor in environmental or occupational exposures.

More items...

Does propylene glycol damage heating system?

Since glycol has a lower specific heat than water, higher concentrations of glycol in your closed loop water will reduce the heat carrying capacity of the system. Too much glycol will, therefore, increase energy costs as the system works harder to accomplish the desired heating or cooling. Does the Glycol Protect the Metal in My Systems?

Can propylene glycol go bad?

Yes, propylene glycol can go bad. It is usually stored in dark glass bottles and can last for years. But, if left exposed to sunlight, it can turn yellowish and smell bad. To avoid this problem, store it in a refrigerator. Propylene Glycol is used in cosmetics because it helps moisturize skin and hair.

Is propylene glycol bad for You?

Propylene glycol has been found in some of the most hazardous waste sites in the country, but in normal amounts, it’s not considered unsafe. But the fact that it’s also an ingredient in antifreeze raises concerns about the possible side effects of eating any food contaminated with it.

What are the substances in e-cigarettes?

What is the most common solvent used in e-cigarettes?

What are the ingredients in e-cigarettes?

What is glycerol used for?

How long is PG safe to breathe?

What are the symptoms of smoking e-cigarettes?

How is PG absorbed?

See 4 more

About this website

Is propylene glycol toxic in Vapes?

For a simple example, most vape liquid uses propylene glycol – a completely harmless chemical that also makes asthma inhalers work – to suspend and deliver the flavorings. However, cheap, mass-market vapes have been found to contain diethylene glycol – an industrial solvent which is definitely poisonous.

What happens if you vape propylene glycol?

Vaping propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine may lead to lung inflammation. Researchers have found that using e-cigarettes with the e-liquid refills containing propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) may lead to inflammation of the lungs over a period of time.

Is it safe to inhale propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol (PG) is generally recognized as safe by oral, dermal or inhalation routes and has been a common ingredient in all American made tobacco cigarettes for seven decades (AAPHP website).

What is the most harmful chemical in Vapes?

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.volatile organic compounds.heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Is propylene glycol a carcinogen?

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified propylene glycol for carcinogenicity. Animal studies have not shown this chemical to be carcinogen.

What is the safest vape liquid?

PG (Propylene Glycerin) – A liquid derived from propylene glycol. Though also considered safe by the FDA, it tends to have other applications, such as solvents and preservatives. Though both of these ingredients are deemed safe by the FDA, vegetable glycerin believed to be safer than propylene glycerin.

What are the health risks of propylene glycol?

► Propylene Glycol can cause nausea and vomiting. ► Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and passing out.

What is the healthiest vape?

The PAX 3 is consistently ranked one of the healthiest vapes, and it's an incredibly customizable conduction vaporizer suitable for dry herb and wax.

Does propylene glycol contain formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is known as a product of propylene glycol and glycerol vapor degradation. Formaldehyde is one of the chemical agents categorized as carcinogen.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

How do lungs heal from vaping?

However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

Does propylene glycol cause popcorn lung?

New research shows that propylene glycol can also generate methylglyoxal, an alpha di-carbonyl compound recently shown to cause epithelial necrosis at even lower concentrations than diacetyl, the flavoring chemical associated with bronchiolitis obliterans ("Popcorn Lung").

How long does it take for propylene glycol to leave the body?

about 48 hoursPropylene glycol breaks down in the body in about 48 hours. However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some irritation.

Why is propylene glycol used in e cigs?

In e-cigarette devices, e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) are mainly composed of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (Gly), which add flavours and nicotine, and are heated in the device to generate aerosols without combustion [1].

Is glycerol safe to vape?

Researchers have recently found that vegetable glycerin can lead to inflammation of the lungs due to long-term vaping or e-cigarette use. One study on the dangers of vaping glycerin ran for four weeks, during which 34 were randomized to using flavor- and nicotine-free e-cigs or to a control group of no-use.

What are the substances in e-cigarettes?

Substances identified in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols include nicotine, solvent carriers (PG and glycerol), tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), aldehydes, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), flavorings, tobacco alkaloids, and drugs. Most reviewed studies have evaluated nicotine and impurities in the liquids such as TSNAs and nicotine-related impurities, while other studies have focused on identifying potentially harmful chemicals in the aerosol, such as carbonyl compounds, VOCs, TSNAs, metals, and silicates. Various chemical substances and ultrafine particles known to be toxic, carcinogenic, and/or to cause respiratory and cardiac disease have been identified in e-cigarette aerosols, cartridges, refill liquids, and environmental emissions. Some of the identified TSNAs, aldehydes, metals, VOCs, phenolic compounds, PAHs, and tobacco alkaloids are harmful or potentially harmful constituents, and their general health risks are described below.

What is the most common solvent used in e-cigarettes?

In addition to these humectants, water is a common ingredient of e-liquids. PG and glycerol (commonly referred to as a “vegetable glycerin” in liquid formulations) are the most common vaporizing solvents used in e-cigarettes.

What are the ingredients in e-cigarettes?

In general, e-cigarettes often contain ingredients such as propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol, mixed with concentrated flavors and, optionally, a variable percentage of nicotine.

What is glycerol used for?

Glycerol is used in food products, nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, and oral care products. As discussed above, most liquids used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices contain a mixture of PG and glycerol.

How long is PG safe to breathe?

Though some preclinical studies showed inhalation of PG and glycerol can be safe up to 28 days (Werley et al., 2011) or 18 months (Robertson et al., 1947), breathing aerosolized PG can also affect the risk of asthma development (Choi et al., 2010).

What are the symptoms of smoking e-cigarettes?

The most common symptom reported by e-cigarette users is a dry mouth and throat , which is considered to originate from the water-absorbing property of PG and glycerol. However, the health consequences of long-term exposure to PG and glycerol from e-cigarettes have not been investigated. Both compounds might pyrolyze, leading to the formation of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes), which contribute to potential health risks in e-cigarette users (for discussion about carbonyl compounds, see the subsequent section in this chapter).

How is PG absorbed?

PG is well-absorbed orally and can also be absorbed through skin or mucous membranes from topical preparations. Following absorption, the kidneys eliminate 45 percent of the PG, and the liver metabolizes the remainder to lactic acid, pyruvic acid, or acetone. Thus, patients with impaired liver and/or kidney function are generally thought to be at increased risk for developing PG toxicity following high-dose oral or intravenous administration.

What is the role of propylene glycol in cigarette products?

The major role of propylene glycol is preservative. It is found in food, cosmetics, drugs, tobacco. Omnipresent, it is found in electronic cigarette products where it generates vapor. Propylene glycol is a food, cosmetic, medical additive. Preservative and vapor generator in the electronic cigarette, its toxicity is evaluated.

What is PG in vaping?

PG is a major ingredient in electronic cigarette products. It makes up the majority of e liquids available on the market and is part of the homemade e liquid that the vapers make themselves, method called DIY, do it yourself.

What is the chemical name for propane?

Propylene glycol or propane 1,2 diol is organic chemical compound obtained by the petrochemical process. The result is a translucent, odorless and tasteless liquid used as an anti-caking agent, antioxidant, dough hardener, thickener, stabilizer, solvent, emulsifier and preservative.

How to reduce irritation caused by PG?

The easiest way to overcome irritation caused by PG is to increase the ratio of vegetable glycerin in your e liquid.# N#You will easily find neutral bases with a high ratio of VG, usually 30% PG to 70% glycerine, or even what is called full VG base, composed only of vegetable glycerin.#N#An alternative based on Propane-1,3-diol, a synthetic diol that can be derived from corn by enzymatic degradation of glucose is also proposed to replace PG.#N#It remains that this product named vegetable mono propylene glycol is also hygroscopic and seems less studied in the long term.

How is propylene glycol metabolized?

Propylene glycol is metabolized by the liver, where it is converted to lactic acid and pyruvic acid acid, then to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water, a completely normal cycle. It is not bioaccumulative, which means it is not absorbed by the body.

How long does it take for PG to show up in vape juice?

PG side effects can only lead to a reduction in its presence in vape juice. Appearing usually one to two weeks after starting the vape, it is easy to overcome this problem by looking for liquids composed of a mixture of PG and glycerin or even 100% glycerin if the allergy is obvious.

What is PG solution?

PG solutions are commonly found to maintain a 70% moisture content in cigar humidors.

Who said inhaling stuff has a lot of impact on the lungs?

Lead author Dr. Peter Shields, a medical oncologist at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus said, “Obviously inhaling stuff is going to have some impact on the lungs. This is another piece of information.”.

Can vaping cause lung damage?

The researchers planned on quantifying the changes in the lungs after use of e-cigarettes, they explained. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that among those who have experienced lung injuries with vaping, “most patients report a history of using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products.”.

Does vaping cause lung inflammation?

Vaping propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine may lead to lung inflammation. Researchers have found that using e-cigarettes with the e-liquid refills containing propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) may lead to inflammation of the lungs over a period of time. The results of the study titled, “Effects of Electronic Cigarette ...

Can you use THC and nicotine containing products?

The CDC adds, “Exclusive use of nicotine containing products has been reported by some patients with lung injury cases, and many patients with lung injury report combined use of THC- and nicotine-containing products.”. This was the first “experimental design” study that showed the damage caused by e-cigarettes say the researchers.

Does e-cigarette affect inflammatory cells?

Results revealed that there was no significant difference in levels of inflammatory cells among the e-cigarette users and the control group. The levels of inflammatory cells and proteins in the adult lungs were slightly raised however among those who used higher amounts of propylene glycol. The levels of propylene glycol could be measured from ...

Does smoking e-cigarettes cause lungs to swell?

The team of researchers, in the pilot clinical trial have found that those who smoked e-cigarettes twice a day for just a month had higher levels of chemicals such as propylene glycol in their blood. This was associated with inflammatory changes in their lungs.

Can propylene glycol be measured?

The levels of propylene glycol could be measured from the urine samples of the participants. This helped the team analyze the extent of use of this chemical. Shields explained, “So people with higher changes in levels actually inhaled more, and when you look at that, you see an increase in inflammation.”.

What are the harmful substances in vapes?

Potentially harmful substances found in vape devices include: Diacetyl: Inhaling diacetyl has been linked to irreversible lung damage in factory workers, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

What is the chemical in vaping fluid?

The latest chemical of concern in regard to vaping-related lung injuries is vitamin E acetate, which was found in the lung fluid of each of the 29 patients recently sampled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How did popcorn lung get its name?

Popcorn lung got its name when, in 1999, a Missouri microwavable popcorn factory worker was found to have disabling lung damage. The same diacetyl that gave the microwavable popcorn its buttery flavor also gave an incurable disease to several employees of the Missouri factory when they inhaled the chemical.

What is the cause of popcorn lung?

Diacetyl inhalation has been linked to popcorn lung, a progressive lung disease. With this condition, microscopic air passages in the lungs become inflamed, causing long-term scarring and difficulty breathing.

What are volatile organic compounds?

Volatile organic compounds are created when different chemicals in vape products change and combine. A 2018 study published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that these compounds are created when the chemicals used to flavor vape products interact with glycerol and polypropylene glycol (solvent liquids).

What are the heavy metals in vapes?

Notable heavy metals found in vape products include: Arsenic: Arsenic was found in over 10% of vape dispensers sampled in a February 2018 study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Graz. Arsenic may cause muscle cramping, vomiting, skin numbness, skin cancer, and death.

What are the effects of exposure to heavy metals?

Heavy metals: Exposure to heavy metals may cause flu-like symptoms, lung damage, and even cancer in some cases. Ultrafine particles: If inhaled, ultrafine particles may damage the respiratory and cardiovascular (heart) system and other parts of the body.

What is a toxic metal found in cigarettes?

Cadmium – a toxic metal found in traditional cigarettes that causes breathing problems and disease

What are the effects of e-cigarettes?

Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not begun its review of any e-cigarette or its ingredients, nor has FDA issued any standards on the products, e-cigarette composition and effects vary. What researchers do know is that these toxic chemicals and metals have all been found in e-cigarettes: 1 Nicotine – a highly addictive substance that negatively affects adolescent brain development 2 Propylene glycol – a common additive in food; also used to make things like antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines 3 Carcinogens- chemicals known to cause cancer, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde 4 Acrolein – a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds, can cause irreversible lung damage 5 Diacetyl – a chemical linked to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans aka " popcorn lung " 6 Diethylene glycol – a toxic chemical used in antifreeze that is linked to lung disease 7 Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead 8 Cadmium – a toxic metal found in traditional cigarettes that causes breathing problems and disease 9 Benzene – a volatile organic compound (VOC) found in car exhaust 10 Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

What is the chemical used to kill weeds?

Diacetyl – a chemical linked to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans aka " popcorn lung ". Diethylene glycol – a toxic chemical used in antifreeze that is linked to lung disease.

What are the chemicals that affect the brain?

Carcinogens- chemicals known to cause cancer, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.

What happens when e-liquid heats up?

Additionally, when the e-liquid heats up, more toxic chemicals are formed. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not begun its review of any e-cigarette or its ingredients, nor has FDA issued any standards on the products, e-cigarette composition and effects vary. What researchers do know is that these toxic chemicals ...

Does e-juice contain nicotine?

The "e-juice" that fills the cartridges usually contains nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals. Studies have found that even e-cigarettes claiming to be nicotine-free contain trace amounts of nicotine.

What are the substances in e-cigarettes?

Substances identified in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols include nicotine, solvent carriers (PG and glycerol), tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), aldehydes, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), flavorings, tobacco alkaloids, and drugs. Most reviewed studies have evaluated nicotine and impurities in the liquids such as TSNAs and nicotine-related impurities, while other studies have focused on identifying potentially harmful chemicals in the aerosol, such as carbonyl compounds, VOCs, TSNAs, metals, and silicates. Various chemical substances and ultrafine particles known to be toxic, carcinogenic, and/or to cause respiratory and cardiac disease have been identified in e-cigarette aerosols, cartridges, refill liquids, and environmental emissions. Some of the identified TSNAs, aldehydes, metals, VOCs, phenolic compounds, PAHs, and tobacco alkaloids are harmful or potentially harmful constituents, and their general health risks are described below.

What is the most common solvent used in e-cigarettes?

In addition to these humectants, water is a common ingredient of e-liquids. PG and glycerol (commonly referred to as a “vegetable glycerin” in liquid formulations) are the most common vaporizing solvents used in e-cigarettes.

What are the ingredients in e-cigarettes?

In general, e-cigarettes often contain ingredients such as propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol, mixed with concentrated flavors and, optionally, a variable percentage of nicotine.

What is glycerol used for?

Glycerol is used in food products, nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, and oral care products. As discussed above, most liquids used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices contain a mixture of PG and glycerol.

How long is PG safe to breathe?

Though some preclinical studies showed inhalation of PG and glycerol can be safe up to 28 days (Werley et al., 2011) or 18 months (Robertson et al., 1947), breathing aerosolized PG can also affect the risk of asthma development (Choi et al., 2010).

What are the symptoms of smoking e-cigarettes?

The most common symptom reported by e-cigarette users is a dry mouth and throat , which is considered to originate from the water-absorbing property of PG and glycerol. However, the health consequences of long-term exposure to PG and glycerol from e-cigarettes have not been investigated. Both compounds might pyrolyze, leading to the formation of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes), which contribute to potential health risks in e-cigarette users (for discussion about carbonyl compounds, see the subsequent section in this chapter).

How is PG absorbed?

PG is well-absorbed orally and can also be absorbed through skin or mucous membranes from topical preparations. Following absorption, the kidneys eliminate 45 percent of the PG, and the liver metabolizes the remainder to lactic acid, pyruvic acid, or acetone. Thus, patients with impaired liver and/or kidney function are generally thought to be at increased risk for developing PG toxicity following high-dose oral or intravenous administration.

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