Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?

[kristin]

Read the Wiki article again.
It does NOT say that Propylene Glycol has been "approved for human inhalation by the EPA. In fact, it says this:

inhalation exposure to mists of these materials should be avoided

It's a little contradictory. Remember that wikis can be written by anyone and not always 100% correct.

The entire paragraph is a little more informative, if you look at some key words used:

Inhalation of the propylene glycol vapors appears to present no significant hazard in ordinary applications. However, limited human experience indicates that inhalation of propylene glycol mists could be irritating to some individuals. Therefore inhalation exposure to mists of these materials should be avoided. Some research has suggested that propylene glycol not be used in applications where inhalation exposure or human eye contact with the spray mists of these materials is likely**, such as fogs for theatrical productions or antifreeze solutions for emergency eye wash stations.[12]
Propylene glycol does not cause sensitization and it shows no evidence of being a carcinogen or of being genotoxic.

**I'd like to see the research mentioned in the part in italics (my emphesis)

It lists one of PG's uses as:

In smoke machines to make artificial smoke for use in firefighters' training and theatrical productions

(Which means inhalation.)

Inhalation: Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory tract irritation.

Possible air germicide:
Studies conducted in 1942 by Dr. Oswald Hope Robertson of University of Chicago's Billings Hospital showed vaporized propylene glycol inhalation in laboratory mice may prevent pneumonia, influenza, and other respiratory diseases. Additional studies in monkeys and other animals were undertaken to determine longterm effects, especially the potential for accumulation in the lungs. After a few months of treatment, no ill effects were discovered

I added a link to the EPA report that talks about it being approved for inhalation.

I looked up some reports cited and a lot of those theatrical fogger machines use triethylene glycol and the testing didn't include propylene glycol.
Read more:
http://www.esta.org/tsp/working_grou...docs/cohen.pdf

http://www.esta.org/tsp/documents/do..._E1-5_2003.pdf

One 2001 study, Occup Environ Med -- Sign In Page, (I have to register to read) specifically on exposure to PG in high concentrations as a smoke simulator in airlines, seemed to conclude that PG, being a drying agent, dries out the eyes and is a mild irritant of the upper respiratorty system in sensitive individuals. It affected non-smokers more than past or current smokers.

But again, nothing has been approved SPECIFICALLY for use in PVs yet, but seeing what the componenets of PV ARE approved for can help us (personally) decide if the risk is minimal enough to continue use while specific testing is done on PVs.

I welcome any comments here - the more we know, the more we can make educated decisions!

[helki12]

Nice report. I am sure it will help many people.

[emus]

To be on the safe side:
I frequently sterilize atomizer and cart with PGA or vodka.
Keep liquid in clear bottle to monitor color and opacity.

[sallylynn]

Kristin, here is a little more information. I found it at tabaccodocuments.org. Propylene glycol is added to tabacco to keep it moist, burn better and produce a smoother taste. It has been added to tabacco since the 1950's. So I am not sure why the FDA or any one else cares if we are inhaling it now.

[kristin]

Kristin, here is a little more information. I found it at tabaccodocuments.org. Propylene glycol is added to tabacco to keep it moist, burn better and produce a smoother taste. It has been added to tabacco since the 1950's. So I am not sure why the FDA or any one else cares if we are inhaling it now.

Yes, it's pretty much common knowledge now that PG is used as a humectant in tobacco. Unfortunately, there is a LOT of bad stuff in tobacco, too, including nicotine. The FDA and others against vaping don't care that they are logically "safer" than tobacco or contain some of the same ingredients. They want it to be able to stand on it's own as a safe product.

Honestly, they don't care about smokers - they care about non-smokers who may start using them.

[miketee]

Kristin,

Thanks for that very concise compilation of facts about e-cigarettes. I'm a new member of this forum and this is my first post. I am a non-smoker (never started) but I've been married to a smoker for 25 years. My wife has smoked since she was 14, she is now 66 and has gone through several attempts to quit, all unsuccessful. She has cut down to less than 1/2 a pack a day but really want's to quit all together. She has good reason to quit...about three years ago, she started experiencing chest pressure and was getting winded easily. Turned out she had a 90% blockage in one of her arteries and was dangerously close to having a heart attack! Fortunately, she went into the hospital and had a stent put in. Unfortunately, even after that scare and going through physical therapy for 6 weeks, she gradually started smoking again!! I'm saying all this to illustrate just how difficult it is for some people to quit.

I first heard about e-cigs on a radio ad for one of those "free trial" deals about a month ago. A visit to their web site led me to do further research which is how I found this forum. I am amazed at the number of different brands of e-cigs are out there already and at how much information is out there (both positive and negative). After much reading and looking at many options, I settled on a Green Smoke starter kit and ordered one for my wife. Now, I need to find a way to persuade her to try it. She is very skeptical about it and is afraid that she will experience side effects, which she has with certain medications she's taken. She has agreed to show it to her doctor but I'm afraid that her doctor will either not know anything about e-cigs or discourage her from trying it.

At this point, I'm just searching for any and all positive information on e-cigs and hoping for the day when my wife will accept them as a sensible alternative to her Marlboro's! Not to mention the relief I'll get from not having that disgusting smell when I walk past her bathroom or get in her car! Thankfully, she refrains from smoking all over the house!

Again, I'm not a smoker but if I were, I would have no problem trying an e-cigarette. Sorry for the long post but I thought my story would be interesting and show how the promise of e-cigs have also affected non-smokers who live with those who still smoke. I welcome any and all words of advice and encouragement and would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with a spouse or someone they know.

[Thulium]

Miketee,

Kristin has prepared an excellent timeline of the history of electronic cigarettes that includes links to multiple lab reports that will be helpful in answering any questions you, your wife, or your physician may have. CASAA.org

[purplxhaze420]

Kristin,

Thanks for that very concise compilation of facts about e-cigarettes. I'm a new member of this forum and this is my first post. I am a non-smoker (never started) but I've been married to a smoker for 25 years. My wife has smoked since she was 14, she is now 66 and has gone through several attempts to quit, all unsuccessful. She has cut down to less than 1/2 a pack a day but really want's to quit all together. She has good reason to quit...about three years ago, she started experiencing chest pressure and was getting winded easily. Turned out she had a 90% blockage in one of her arteries and was dangerously close to having a heart attack! Fortunately, she went into the hospital and had a stent put in. Unfortunately, even after that scare and going through physical therapy for 6 weeks, she gradually started smoking again!! I'm saying all this to illustrate just how difficult it is for some people to quit.

I first heard about e-cigs on a radio ad for one of those "free trial" deals about a month ago. A visit to their web site led me to do further research which is how I found this forum. I am amazed at the number of different brands of e-cigs are out there already and at how much information is out there (both positive and negative). After much reading and looking at many options, I settled on a Green Smoke starter kit and ordered one for my wife. Now, I need to find a way to persuade her to try it. She is very skeptical about it and is afraid that she will experience side effects, which she has with certain medications she's taken. She has agreed to show it to her doctor but I'm afraid that her doctor will either not know anything about e-cigs or discourage her from trying it.

At this point, I'm just searching for any and all positive information on e-cigs and hoping for the day when my wife will accept them as a sensible alternative to her Marlboro's! Not to mention the relief I'll get from not having that disgusting smell when I walk past her bathroom or get in her car! Thankfully, she refrains from smoking all over the house!

Again, I'm not a smoker but if I were, I would have no problem trying an e-cigarette. Sorry for the long post but I thought my story would be interesting and show how the promise of e-cigs have also affected non-smokers who live with those who still smoke. I welcome any and all words of advice and encouragement and would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with a spouse or someone they know.

Let's start off with this. Why do people smoke cigarettes? For the NICOTINE. Present this idea to your wife, that she will be getting a (depending on her preference) a lesser, equal, or greater amount of nicotine. Also present to her the idea that she can get just about ANY flavor one can imagine... from just about every type of candy, fruit, drink, alcoholic beverage, or even actual Marlboro flavor (along with just about type of analog cig -- they make a flavor for it somewhere)! Also, share with her some of the benefits. I started vaping 3 days ago, and now I'm between 1-5 traditional cigarettes/day. I SMELL LIKE PURE SHI*! You really never notice how bad you smell until you can actually smell yourself fully. And you never know the full taste of food, either. Smoking regular cigarettes annihilates taste buds more or less (which is also what makes you smell -- tiny buds on back of tongue by the adenoids where air is taken in from your nose). Even though I am still having a few butts per day for now... i have noticed my cloths wreak. my hands wreak. Even my laundry room wreaks of cigarettes from my clothes. Another perk you can bring up to your wife is that you can utilize an e-cig ANYWHERE. (Unless your country/state has banned them, like Australia). I'm assuming you are in the U.S., so this shouldn't be an issue. It's kind of nice actually, sit there at work/school and you get stressed out and need some nicotine quick before you start screaming at people... just take a few smell-free, tasty puffs. I have smoked analog cigarettes since i was 13 (am now 18)... and after about my first 3 butts of the day, every one i smoked, would give me a nice chest pain in the lower lobe of my left lung (right at the bottom of my ribcage). Not to mention that my throat would also feel burn/aggravated, my teeth are getting yellow, and that nasty cough with the Lovely, Attractive, Delicious tobacco-y phlegm that would come up with every cough. On wait... the best part of all... the e-cig you buy will pay for itself in less than a month, if you wife smoke aprox. a pack a day. (I RECOMMEND YOU/SHE REFILLS HER OWN CARTRIDGES WITH E-LIQUID... SAVES A TON OF MONEY) All that cigg-money that gets spent daily will be going right in the bank, or wherever else... just not on Butts! Also be aware, the FDA and Philip-Morris company are slandering this product left and right. They make note of the "addictive drugs" -- AKA.. NICOTINE -- that are in e-cigs, and a few (about 2-10, depending on which liquid u use) other chemicals that can barely be considered harmful. They also fail to mention that all these horrible chemicals that are found in this "wretched" e-cig.. can be found at AT LEAST double the concentration (except the nicotine) IN THEIR OWN TOBACCO PRODUCTS! To me, and many others here on this form, it is blatantly apparent that e-cigs are much much safer than regular cigarettes, IF NOT HARMLESS! [opinion]
Hope I helped and I'm curious if you are able to convince your wife lol...

[MissVapor]

Hope it helps a lot of people!

Why don't you make put that in an article like on Hubpages or Squidoo?

[420GypsyGirl]

I know a lot of people think Hon Lik from China developed the first e-cigarette, they would be mistaken. It turns out the first e-cigarette was developed back in 1963 by Herbert A. Gilbert. He was awarded a US patent in 1965.

This is a excerpt from his explanation as to the purpose of an e-cigarette to the patent office.

“The present invention relates to a smokeless non-tobacco cigarette and has for an object to provide a safe and harmless means for and method of smoking by replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air; or by inhaling warm medication into the lungs in case of a respiratory ailment under direction of a physician.”

Cool huh?



BTW he used a light bulb as a means to vaporize the liquid! Brialliant design.