Thoughts on ceramic wicks.....(BVCs)

[krobeson]

Safe? Not safe? I've seen a few people that have questioned them (ex: riptrippers)

I love my BVCs when I'm not using an rda which is mostly when I'm around the wife because she says the clouds are obnoxious and also when I'm driving. No drippin' and driving people!!!

Just gathering inputs here!!

 

[Baditude]

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the vertical coil, ceramic wicks. However, I saw the review that Rip Tripper did of the Mini Aspire Nautilus and the potential health concerns he had with the ceramic wicks. I haven't purchased the Mini Aspire so I don't have a personal opinion on it, but I believe some caution is in order until there is some type of data available on the safety issue. If Aspire was smart, they would have done some pre-manufacture tests on the vertical coils/ceramic wicks. How often does it seem that Chinese manufacturers release new gear without working out all of the bugs first? Pretty often in my experience.

 

[inswva]

From Aspire:

Aspire - News - The Safety of our BVC Coils

For what it's worth, I guess.

 

[HecticEnergy]

I bought one - i ran a tank of juice through it. It was GREAT! I wont go back to it just because I mostly drip and I really enjoy rebuilding.
I understand the concern, but I'm confidant that it is still safer than smoking cigarettes. I still have a mild concern about using cotton as a wicking material in micro coils, and the juice we vape for that matter. None of this stuff has long term research done, but again, personally I feel confidant that it is much safer than smoking cigarettes.
If the ceramic really bothers you Rip rebuilds a bvc coil with cotton. You could always do that with your spent heads.

 

[Baditude]

 

[Baditude]

From Aspire:

Aspire - News - The Safety of our BVC Coils

For what it's worth, I guess.

So the test report labels the wick or filler material as "fiberglass".

Is ceramic and fiberglass the same material?

 

[Jdbaker82]

I don't know about healthy but they sure as hell seem like they burn clean some of the best flavor I have got vaping

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[krobeson]

If the ceramic really bothers you Rip rebuilds a bvc coil with cotton. You could always do that with your spent heads.

Yeah, I tried to rebuild it. The coil part was easy....wrapping the coil and fitting it back into the hole.....OMG!! I will try it again on another day!

Also, I'm not sure if that report holds much water considering it wasn't from a third party. I do enjoy my BVCs...thats for sure!!! Depending on the juice I've had it as high as 15W on my Atlas.

This is where I see some FDA regulations helping the industry. I don't think they need to tear the industry down, but just standardize everything and hold companies accountable for what they release. ISO programs!!!!

 

[HecticEnergy]

Not to get off topic (but here we go...)
I don't think we need FDA to step in, it can be a self regulating industry. We just need something like Aemsa for hardware

 

[krobeson]

Not to get off topic (but here we go...)
I don't think we need FDA to step in, it can be a self regulating industry. We just need something like Aemsa for hardware

Oh I agree with that! Let's just omit the FDA part and just have ISO programs!! Because actually....I don't trust the Chinese any farther than I can throw them, which in reality is probably pretty far!

 

[Funk Dracula]

I imagine the concern isn't just about the chemicals in the wick, which could be fine, but the off chance of loose "glass" particles scarring your lungs and what not if inhaled. The fact that it's brittle when dry, and has that screen over the top doesn't help the paranoia of that scenario.

Pure speculation of course, but not too crazy to be outside of a possibility. Makes sense to me.

I do hear great things about them... not my market though.

Stay safe peeps.

 

[stevegmu]

I wouldn't trust the screen to catch everything...

 

[Baditude]

American Lung Association and Fiberglass

"What is fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a silicate fiber made from very fine strands of glass. Today, it is primarily used for insulation in homes and buildings to replace asbestos. Unlike asbestos, fiberglass is a man-made material. Fiberglass has three main uses: 1) electrical insulation, 2) thermal and acoustic insulation and 3) heat resistance or light-weight materials. At one time, fiberglass was linked to cancer. However, the International Agency on Cancer Research (IACR) removed fiberglass from its “possibly carcinogenic to humans” list in 2001.

How does fiberglass affect your health?

Studies have shown inhaling these fibers can reduce lung function and cause inflammation in animals and humans. A study published in 2006 found that, independent of other environmental hazards and respiratory problems, fiberglass altered components of the lungs in men working in glass fiber-reinforced plastic processing. Fiberglass can cause skin, eye and throat irritation. At higher exposure levels, fiberglass also has been associated with skin rashes and difficulty in breathing.

Fiberglass emits a synthetic material called styrene, which is a possible carcinogenic according to the IACR and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At high levels, styrene can cause tiredness, concentration and balance problems, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

How can you reduce exposure to fiberglass?

Certain steps can reduce your exposure to fiberglass:

Use protective measures. If you work with fiberglass, wear goggles, gloves and a dust mask. This gear will protect your eyes and lungs and reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
Cover all exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to reduce skin irritation or inflammation.
Wash hands and face. Washing your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water can help prevent skin irritation and inflammation from fiberglass."

 

[Katya]

I imagine the concern isn't just about the chemicals in the wick, which could be fine, but the off chance of loose "glass" particles scarring your lungs and what not if inhaled. The fact that it's brittle when dry, and has that screen over the top doesn't help the paranoia of that scenario.

My sentiments exactly.

I watched Rip's video and decided I don't want that kind of filler in my tank. That material obviously deteriorates and crumbles and Aspire is aware of this--why would they install a mesh screen otherwise? And that screen is not going to catch those minuscule glass particles. I have no desire to inhale them--or to choke on them.

That's just my opinion--others may disagree. I prefer the old filler (similar to the filler in Kanger's duals).

Go to 12:50 into the video:

 

[Funk Dracula]

I remember a similar discussion over potential glass particles coming from silica wick a year ago. I believe it came down to size at the end of the day. If the loose particles are too small, they will lodge themselves and wreak longterm and irreversible havoc to the lungs. If the particles are big enough, they will be an irritant but at least expellable from the lungs.

I believe I'm recalling the gist of that correctly, but could be mistaken. Either way it's unappealing to me personally. ymmv

Again, as always with vaping, it is up to the consumer to learn everything they can and decided what risks they are willing to take accordingly.

Cheers

 

[Katya]

American Lung Association and Fiberglass

"What is fiberglass? (snop)

Yup! I'm not a materials engineer--I have no idea what that stuff is from their description. If it's fiberglass, I don't want it.

If it's anything like the fiber blanket used in kilns, well, I don't want it either. Please see posts from ECF vets and artists who actually work with that material:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-etc-filler-type-cartos-476.html#post14051640 (post #9502)

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-etc-filler-type-cartos-476.html#post14055182 (post #9510)

 

[Jdbaker82]

So the new aspire wicks literally have fiberglass in them?????

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[Katya]

So the new aspire wicks literally have fiberglass in them?????

TBD.

Aspire calls is "ceramic fiber."

 

[Jdbaker82]

Found this and now I still have no idea what to think

http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_...pire_just_released_a_statement_regarding_the/

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[Katya]

Found this and now I still have no idea what to think

http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_...pire_just_released_a_statement_regarding_the/

Perhaps some things are also lost in translation...

Thanks. Anyway, if it crumbles, I don't want it in my juice. But that's just me.