Concern about toxins and safety ...

[VeggieGirl]

Hi ... I've been reading these forums since February and have what I think are serious concerns over the safety of e-cigarettes regarding what they are made of. I hear words like asbestos, polyfill, plastic, aluminum, PG, polyethylene glycol, etcetera, and I am very worried that what I'm vaping might actually be worse than what i was inhaling when I smoked. Also, I may have health issues involved with my lungs. Plus, about 2 months ago (after not smoking for 2 months), I had labs done that showed that I was anemic and read some posts in this foum that referred to the CDC, so I started back to sometimes smoking cigarettes. I'd like to know that vaping is really, really much better for me than smoking. I already know that cigarettes contain a multitude of toxic chemicals, but might e-cigarettes also be just as dangerous? Perfaps less toxic substances but in a more concentrated form? Quitting vaping and smoking is not an option that I want entertain. I just want to know the very safest way to vape. I finally found what i think is the almost perfect mega dual-coil cartomizer that's very easy to fill and has great vapor and flavor all at once, but I'm not certain about safety. At this point, I love vaping but am very confused about the health risks compared to smoking cigarettes. Any help with my dilemma will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Hi
There is several places here on ecf that address your issues....look at the main page, scroll down and look for health issues.....There are also groups that are doing testing---look further down.....
My health has done nothing but improve 1000x.....You know that analogs kill, I have'nt heard of one case where an ecig has.....
jmho

 

[Dee74]

Don't know what to say that won't sound mean spirited, but if you are that concerned just quit both, than you KNOW you will have no toxic stuff to inhale. Driving a car is not safe, more people die in accidents in the home, these are facts, smoking may or may not ever cause you problems, vaping by the early info we have is "safer" whatever that means. You will have to do what is in your heart and your head is telling you. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Dee74]

Don't know what to say that won't sound mean spirited, but if you are that concerned just quit both, than you KNOW you will have no toxic stuff to inhale. Driving a car is not safe, more people die in accidents in the home, these are facts, smoking may or may not ever cause you problems, vaping by the early info we have is "safer" whatever that means. You will have to do what is in your heart and your head is telling you. Good luck in your decision.

To add, my health has improved big time. So it has been a great blessing for me as well.

 

[TomCatt]

Veggie, can't say that I've heard or seen anything about asbestos in relation to e-cigarettes. Polyfill, plastic, aluminum are all around us these days. Aluminum food/drink containers, plastic food/drink containers, polyfill in our pillows and furniture. PG is actually propylene glycol not polyethylene glycol although polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) has been used as a base for vaping.

Wikipedia on PEG-400 "PEG 400 (polyethylene glycol 400) is a low molecular weight grade of polyethylene glycol. It is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid. Due in part to its low toxicity, PEG 400 is widely used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations."

Doing a quick Google on 'chemicals in cigarettes' returns this list: Harmful Chemicals In Cigarettes

Here is a link to CASAA's resources page which links to lab reports, journal articles, etc on e-cigs.

Overall, unless you are running your attys/cartos dry and actually burning polyfill or plastic because of this, I believe e-cigs to be MUCH MUCH MUCH less harmful than cigarettes. And if you actually do run an atty/carto dry and actually burn something, it's not gonna taste very good, so it wouldn't be very much exposure and in the overall picture of day-to-day life would not adversely affect you to any great degree.

 

[swedishfish]

If you've done research on ecigs and are still concerned, I wouldn't vape then. Try some patches or gum. Or cigarettes if you think that's healthier. It's all about personal decisions and you seem to have made your mind up about ecigs.

I researched ecigs thoroughly before I started vaping and I'm in the medical field. Or was when I worked. I'm fine with the decision for me. Ultimately you have to make that decision for yourself. And do the research for yourself. Not post a bunch of claims to alarm new people and expect members to somehow dispell your fears. Read and post in the health section, that's a good place to start.

 

[swedishfish]

Can you give us a link to where you read that there's asbestos and toxic substances in ecigs?

 

[MTV]

First...there is no asbestos in ecigs. I saw a thread where someone thought a material in the atomizer was, however the material is an aramid.

Second...test have proven that ecig vaper is 1000x safer that analogs. All of the ingredients can be found in any flavoring liquid used in baking...see vanilla extract.

Third...Plastic and Aluminum are used in the construction..but these are not inhaled in anyway.

Fouth...Nicotine...take you pick here...you get it with both products. Most test show that it is equivalent to caffeine.

Everyone should make up their own mind about any product they use, however we know that analogs are very bad for our health...as for ecigs...they have helped a lot of people

 

[MTV]

Here is the thread I saw swed:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/108306-asbestos.html

 

[swedishfish]

I find it odd that someone reading the board for 5 months (what were you reading?), vaping for 2 months never bothering to post their concerns before they started, suddenly has a great epiphany about how danerous vaping is.

 

[swedishfish]

Here is the thread I saw swed:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/108306-asbestos.html

If that's what they're talking about, the question was asked and answered.

 

[violetvoo]

I find it odd that someone reading the board for 5 months (what were you reading?), vaping for 2 months never bothering to post their concerns before they started, suddenly has a great epiphany about how danerous vaping is.

I find it rather odd too...

 

[Desdenova]

Hey Veggie,
The only advise i can give is do what you thinks best for you. For me, vaping is better and much more enjoyable than tobacco. Im sure there are those who have different opinions. There is good and bad info on the internet, just research and use your best judgement. I haven't heard of asbestos being in e juice, and its possible for some nutt job somewhere, to do something stupid. If you enjoy vaping, but have concerns trusting whats in your juice, you could DIY your own juice and know exactly whats in it. Good luck!

 

[Iffy]

I'd like to know that vaping is really, really much better for me than smoking.

Yes. That's assuming you have no physiological reactions to PG, VG or flavorings. Most folk don't

I already know that cigarettes contain a multitude of toxic chemicals, but might e-cigarettes also be just as dangerous?

Absolutely not!

 

[VeggieGirl]

Can you give us a link to where you read that there's asbestos and toxic substances in ecigs?

Sorry ... read it in one of the forums. I know people write these posts and it didn't occur to me that they may not always be right. When I read "asbestos" it really put fear in me about e-cigs. Sorry that I can't remember which forum. I only got a new printer recently, or I would have printed it out and save it. I think I'll start doing that now, so I can keep better track of the multitude of information I read daily on pv's. There doesn't seem to be much disclosure on what equipment is actually made of, though.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

I'm bookmarking the Wiki article so I can use it the next time someone starts talking about wicks burning. This is the first time I've ever heard of concerns regarding asbestos being in ecigs and quite honestly, it sounds alarmist to me. OP, if you're that concerned, then I have to agree with what Swed said earlier; Don't vape. E-cigs eliminate thousands of other harmful and carcinogenic substances found in cigarettes, not to mention there is no carbon monoxide. Do a little research, dig around the forums a bit (you can do searches at the top right corner where it says "Search ECF with google") and get informed. Vaping is far safer than smoking, but the choice is yours.

 

[VeggieGirl]

Thank you for your post ... it is most helpful. I'm a 65-year-old woman with cataracts, so, even though I read a lot of the web, it's more of a challenge now and sometimes I can't even see the screen for awhile and have to take long breaks. I'm very encouraged by your post.

 

[mohawkx]

Sorry ... read it in one of the forums. I know people write these posts and it didn't occur to me that they may not always be right. When I read "asbestos" it really put fear in me about e-cigs. Sorry that I can't remember which forum. I only got a new printer recently, or I would have printed it out and save it. I think I'll start doing that now, so I can keep better track of the multitude of information I read daily on pv's. There doesn't seem to be much disclosure on what equipment is actually made of, though.

As you are obviously highly concerned about your intake of substances, based on your first post and your user name, I would heartily suggest that you exercise a modicum of self control and refrain from either cigarettes or PV usage. It shouldn't be that much of a challenge for you as you have already sworn off meat, dairy and other forms of animal fats by being a vegetarian. Good luck to you.

 

[VeggieGirl]

I don't understand why some people feel they have to be insulting in their comments. It just amazes me. You don't know me, and you assume motives and intentions that are simply not there. I made a serious, heartfelt inquiry in this forum and was reminded why I don't usually participate in such things. Thank you everyone who has commented so nicely and alleviated my fears. I really appreciate the help.

 

[Iffy]

I highly recommend a visit to the CASAA. Read their info AND click on all the links they provide.

With all the info available here, some will be fact. Others may only be theory, conjecture, WAG, SWAG or outright lies.

We may not know it all, but we're great at telling folks where to go...