The "dangers" of silica wicks

[Fishtec]

On the contrary, none of what I posted is speculation. There's quite a considerable amount of science performed on what crystalline silica can do in the form of silicosis.

Also, as opposed to fear mongering, I thought my comparison of what a worker is exposed to versus a vaper was reason enough to quell any huge panic. Geuss not.

Ultimately, until we know if a silica wick is amorphous or crystalline, we can't be certain that the danger exists. I plan on giving one to a certified industrial hygienist I know, and see if she can run a lab on one. If I do, I'll be sure to post my gibberish here.

Be sure to use multiple wicks if she would be ok with that novas visions ect will get a far better idea then just using the one thanks

 

[Underwhelmed]

I'm not the one pretending to be a scientist.

Oh right, it's the internet, he couldn't say it if it wasn't true.

I'm a French Model.

 

[Esteveo]

banana banana. Ill take my chances with the wick then go back to analogs. Nothing is 100% safe.

 

[DC2]

Proof before spreading innuendo would seem better to me.

There is a huge thread on this topic already.
And that thread has led to MANY people switching to cotton wicks.

The innuendo is already out there.
Someone who is willing to look at the matter for real should be welcome.

 

[Thrasher]

On the contrary, none of what I posted is speculation. There's quite a considerable amount of science performed on what crystalline silica can do in the form of silicosis.

Also, as opposed to fear mongering, I thought my comparison of what a worker is exposed to versus a vaper was reason enough to quell any huge panic. Geuss not.

Ultimately, until we know if a silica wick is amorphous or crystalline, we can't be certain that the danger exists. I plan on giving one to a certified industrial hygienist I know, and see if she can run a lab on one. If I do, I'll be sure to post my gibberish here.

well all i can say is make sure the test is controlled and the sample being tested is of vapor produced from the wick surface not the wick itself as just telling us what a wick is made of is nothing , you have to prove that this material is entering the vapor stream.

 

[gthompson]

There is a huge thread on this topic already.

Exactly the point.

 

[DC2]

Exactly the point.

I've read that entire thread, and there is nothing whatsoever other than speculation in the first few posts.

 

[vsummer1]

I got a new atty with silica wick in it. I didn't realize it was, but only vaped on it for a few hits. Went to remove the wick to replace with cotton and the thing was already falling apart. I guess they just disintegrate when wet and handled.

I gave up smoking to try to get the crap outta my lungs, you know, harm reduction? The way I see it, there are other easily obtained materials for wicks that don't break into shards. Sure, it might not be a concern. Sure, I will most likely die of something else.

That said, I would like to hear what the OP comes up with as to what the wicks being used are made of. After all, they may just be the safe kind. But until this controversy has been settled, and even if it takes a long time, I would really rather not have silicosis later in life.

Also, OP, can you tell me if silicosis resembles mesothelioma? I would think it would be similar?

 

[gthompson]

I've read that entire thread, and there is nothing whatsoever other than speculation in the first few posts.

This is the newbie forum. Do you really think this the the kind of thing newbies should be greeted with?

 

[Litcube]

Also, OP, can you tell me if silicosis resembles mesothelioma? I would think it would be similar?

Can't tell you, my friend. I'm just an OHSP.

 

[DC2]

This is the newbie forum. Do you really think this the the kind of thing newbies should be greeted with?

Well, maybe not, I don't know.
There is an argument to be made either way.

I know one thing for sure, and that is that I have been looking for answers on this subject.

 

[classwife]

Moved to Health, Safety and E-Smoking

 

[Thrasher]

That said, I would like to hear what the OP comes up with as to what the wicks being used are made of.

the whole problem with these posts is NOT what the material is, but SHOULD be are we inhaling any of it!

just remember the wick we fear is wrapped with a nickle chromium wire, another substance we shouldnt inhale as it is highly alergenic, sitting inside a polycarbonate tank or if steel usually chrome plated or stainless, another nickle releasing substance, to fear one is to fear them all. to say im going to cotton but i wont change my chrome plated tank or worry what the wire is doing to me is foolish.

 

[gthompson]

Well, maybe not, I don't know.
There is an argument to be made either way.

I know one thing for sure, and that is that I have been looking for answers on this subject.

There might be an argument if he could show any proof he is what he says he is, and that what he says he is is even qualified to make the speculation he makes.

 

[matt13104]

I guess it all comes down to one question then: what kind of silica are the wicks made from. The only wicks I ever saw that were labeled said the wicks were fiberglass. I would assume that is amorphous as it is technically glass?

 

[Litcube]

There might be an argument if he could show any proof he is what he says he is, and that what he says he is is even qualified to make the speculation he makes.

Yes, thank you! By speculation, do you mean that I'm trying to provide a persuasive argument either way? If so, what is it you think I'm trying to promote? I don't get it. I'd be interested in hearing your discourse.

 

[DC2]

Moved to Health, Safety and E-Smoking

I figured that was coming, not that I disagree.
But at least I'm in before the move, so I am subscribed now.


If it was started in Health, Safety, and E-Smoking I never would have seen it.

 

[matt13104]

That was mostly just gibberish, don't be scairt.

I'm certainly not scared, but it certainly wasn't gibberish. It was unbiased, scientific and informative. It was one of the few posts that aren't heavily biased gibberish. He didn't say "Use wicks and your gonna die of silicosis." He just made you a little less ignorant on the subject and you scorn him for that. Sounds like backwards thinking to me. My advice is try to be more open about new information and opinions.

 

[Litcube]

I guess it all comes down to one question then: what kind of silica are the wicks made from. The only wicks I ever saw that were labeled said the wicks were fiberglass. I would assume that is amorphous as it is technically glass?

Correct. Fiberglass doesn't cause silicosis. Doesn't mean this .... is cool.


Thrasher has a good point. It'd be better to find out if this stuff is even breaking off in fibers that you're inhaling.

 

[DC2]

Thrasher has a good point. It'd be better to find out if this stuff is even breaking off in fibers that you're inhaling.

Maybe you would be interested in contacting this guy...
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/372128-silica-wick.html