Nicotine Build-up Over Time?

[spikku]

Hi All!

New to the e-cig thing, and loving it! Thank goodness for these things!

I've been trying to research this, but can't really find anything. I understand nicotine content in exhaled vapor is minimal at best, but what about settled vapor over time? I'm mostly concerned for the sake of my children...

For instance, let's say I vape in my office for two years. 1ml per day @ 18mg. At a maximized estimate of 10% remaining nicotine in the exhaled vapor = 1,314mg rogue nicotine.

What happens to the vapor/nicotine? Does it just fall/cling to the carpet/walls/desk and return to liquid with the remaining nicotine?

Is my estimate of remaining nicotine way too high?

I read something about nicotine oxidizing in the air easily, does that mean it becomes inert?

Am I worried about nothing since my children won't be eating large portions of my office? lol...

I know this probably sounds extremely over-protective, but... it's my kids.

Thanks for everything you're going to say to put this concern to rest, including any and all references to tomatoes.

 

[shockvibee]

Not 100% sure on this, however I have read that nicotine being exhaled in vaping becomes non-existent eliminating second-hand inhalation after a very short period of time through dissipation. Not super positive, there will be a vet with a better answer and proof, but it is understandable to be concerned!

 

[Dakota Jim]

excellent question. some people have complained about a film on their windows in their car.

I believe that nicotine exposed to air on any type of surface will actually break down fairly quickly like you stated, but I am sure some one with a much better education than I have will have a more concise answer for you.

Most people will keep their eliquids locked up if they have children in the house to keep them from seeing the pictures of fruit and deserts on the labels and thinking they are candy drops.

and, er, "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" was not based on their nic levels, at least I don't think so.

oh, and welcome to the ECF

 

[happydave]

nicotine is used an organic pesticide because as soon as it it hits light and atmosphere its starts to break down and is pretty much gone in a matter of hours.
some of the nicotine is broken down from the heating coil when you vape it. best estimates are about %50 of it is destroyed. its also water soluble so it clings to the water in your mouth throat and lungs. exhaled nicotine is very minimal.
once the vapor cools down it will sink to the bottom of the room (kid level) because its heavier than air. so i dont vape in the same room as kids. i also crack a window because the smell of stale vapor gets to me after a while.

i would be more concerned about the effects PG / VG and flavoring than i would the nicotine. someone could be allergic to any of the things in e-liquid.

 

[Txaggiesaunt]

I have been vaping for 9 mos like a freight train and have found no build up on anything. Driver side window has not had any kind of build up since I started vaping.

 

[happydave]

that film on people car windows is because of the plastic in the carpet, fabric and dash are "off gassing" its more common with newer cars. my late 80s honda does not that problem anymore but my new car i just got films up the windows pretty bad... should have got the leather package LOL...

 

[spikku]

Thanks all! I believe there is no more worry here. The fact that it breaks down so quickly eliminates the concern completely. I found this page which gives more specific environmental half-life times for nicotine: Environmental fate and effects of nicot... [Environ Toxicol Chem. 2008] - PubMed - NCBI

 

[otrpu]

When I tried vaping straight VG/no nic, my car windshield would be completely coated with an oily substance in a half hour drive to work. I cut back to 50/50 PG/VG, would take alot longer for windshield to require inside cleaning. JMHO

Cheers,
otrpu

 

[rico942]

that film on people car windows is because of the plastic in the carpet, fabric and dash are "off gassing"

That is exactly right, and is the reason that precision optics can never be exposed to any plastic components, the initial outgassing from polymers can foul a lens or mirror beyond recovery. I design this stuff, and its a primary rule of the business ...

My car is now almost 3 years old, new car smell is long gone, and the inside surfaces of the windows have remained clear of any detectable residue since I stopped blowing burning tobacco fumes at them ...

I beleive the evidence of my own senses of sight, smell and taste. PG vapor dissipates almost immediately, even in a confined space ...

Even for juices with high VG content, I have never noticed a huge buildup of residue in nightclubs that use fog machines, which I believe use some form of VG ...

But I still blame the PG for making my pee smell funny in the morning ...