Ok so is there anti-freeze in my e-cigs (or) e-cigs in my anti-freeze?
I did a little research last week but never got around to posting it. Since this subject came up again I decided to post some of my findings.
There is confusing info out there on what is in anti-freeze. So I did a little research. Honeywell is the largest US manufacturer of antifreeze in the US. I used them as a background to my research. My auto mechanic always told me to get the extended life antifreeze. Doesn't matter the brand it all comes from the same place.
From: Jeffrey Bye Vice President Prestone Honeywell International Inc
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation "In the United States, our Prestone antifreeze is sold in all 50 states and
through virtually all major mass retailers, such as Wal-Mart, and auto retailers, such as Autozone and Advance. In addition, we supply private label antifreeze to most major retailers in the United States. We also supply automakers, such as General Motors, Ford and Toyota, for the factory fill of their automobiles in North America."
So I took a further look into the ingredients. Here is the MSDS of Honeywell; makers of Prestone and almost all generic labled antifreeze in the US.
http://win14.american.edu/safety/au/vault/000/000718.pdf
Ingredients:
Ethylene Glycol 80-96%
Diethylene Glycol 0-8%
Water > 1%
None of these ingredients are human carcinogens. Meaning long term exposure will not lead to cancer. However Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol are poisons. Ethylene Glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze (80-96%) and also the most poisonous of the two. It is sweet to the taste and is a reason there are accidental poisonings of animals.
Diethylene Glycol is another ingredient in antifreeze (0-8%). While poisonous you will be surprised what commodities out there contain this ingredient to include makeup and tobacco. This was the chemical in the FDA report that was found in 1 flavor (555) cartridge out of numerous tested from one particular e-
juice manufacturer. That 1 cartridge contained undisclosed trace amounts LESS THAN 1% according to the FDA report. This manufacturer does pre-filled cartridges for Smoking Everywhere and does not produce bottled juice. The name of that company is somewhere on ECF if you look around a bit. Other e-juice manufacturers tested did not have this diethylene glycol chemical in any trace amount. So stating antifreeze is in ecigs if far from the truth and misleading.
Recently Prestone Honeywell has come out with a "Low Tox" antifreeze that simply replaces the Ethylene Glycol, and Diethylene Glycol mixture with a Propylene Glycol based antifreeze. Being that it's industrial grade for automobiles far from USP grade, Prestone states 90-100% Propylene Glycol.
Here is the MSDS info on propylene glycol done for Low Tox antifreeze.
http://www.msdshazcom.com/WEB_DOCS/Facilities/PrestoneLowTox.pdf
Green liquid with a characteristic odor. Not classified as flammable or combustible but will burn under fire conditions. Direct eye contact may cause transient discomfort. Not toxic by inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
ACUTE HAZARDS
INHALATION: No significant adverse health effects are expected from inhalation exposure.
SKIN CONTACT: No significant irritation is expected.
SKIN ABSORPTION: Skin irritation is minimal, can be mildly irritating to mucous membranes. May cause allergic contact dermatitis.
EYE CONTACT: Direct contact may cause stinging and tearing but no residual injury or discomfort.
INGESTION: Considered relatively non-toxic following acute ingestion, however, lactic acidosis, stupor and seizures have been reported following chronic ingestion and in individuals with underlying kidney disease.
CHRONIC HAZARDS: None currently known.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: None currently known.
CARCINOGEN: None of the components of this product are listed as a carcinogen or suspected carcinogen by IARC, NTP or OSHA.
