There are thousands of different e-vape liquids flavours to choose from, whether you like the taste of a tropical berry smoothie or the heady notes of a dark tobacco flavour, it’s easy to find the perfect vape juice for your taste buds. But what many people don’t know is that some of these flavourings are not safe to inhale. For example, when heated a vanilla extract called vanillin turns into acetals which can cause lung irritation and damage. Other common flavours such as cinnamon, menthol and berry can also do the same thing.
E-liquids consist of a base fluid of either propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) which is mixed with concentrated flavourings and optionally nicotine. These liquids are then filled into cartridges or refill bottles to be used in a vaping device. Studies have shown varying levels of chemicals are released during the vaporisation process of these liquids and these may have an impact on your health, for instance ethanol has been detected in a number of liquids, even when it was not listed as a component.
The Alchemy of Vape Liquids: Crafting a Flavorful Journey Through the World of E-Liquids
VG and PG are naturally occurring liquids that occur in some plants and are also found in the cosmetic industry as well as pharmaceutical drugs. They are known for producing large vapour clouds which some people like, especially if they use an open coil device. However, when heated they release cancer-causing formaldehyde which can irritate the lungs over time. Most e-liquids are made with a mixture of both PG and VG. Both of these liquids are naturally sweet and have been a daily part of most people’s lives before they started vaping, they are both used as food additives to add sweetness and also as emulsifiers and solvents.