Tobacco alkaloid (and a couple other) questions

[k0rd]

Hi,

Recently got away from analogs thanks to provari!

I still have cravings and questions...

1)
How are the people that make juices with tobacco alkaloids extracting it? Is it just a/b? If so - how are they washing the alkaloids? Seems like bathtub science to me...

2)
What kind of chems are used in flavoring? It is weird that I'm worried about this, right? What can be worse than an analog?

3)
Hardcore smokers, what flavors do you like?

Thanks in advance for answers <3 k0rd

 

[elfstone]

1) This post should start you on finding answers: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/230570-wta-e-liquid-issues.html

You might also be interested in this: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/liquid-extraction-tobacco/

2) Flavorings are usually "food grade". That doesn't mean much. There are a zillion molecules used in the flavoring industry and they are not from one single chemical class. A little explanation is here: Frequently Asked Questions

The problem is that although all these flavorings are approved for ingestion, none of them is really vetted for inhalation for extended periods of time. Some flavor molecules are indeed known to be hazardous for inhalation - the "buttery" flavors based on diacetyl and related molecules. These are usually avoided by juice makers. Inhalation safety for flavors is a hot issue in the food industry as workers are exposed to even higher concentrations for longer times than we are. There is surprisingly little information about this topic, and the FDA together with OSHA are actively researching the topic. The good news is that someone looks into it, the bad news is that there are legal and financial interests involved - imagine they discovered a commonly used molecule in bakery flavoring is toxic when inhaled: this would lead to massive lawsuits from bakery manufacturer employees...

Truth be told, we don't know how safe or unsafe the flavors are. It is reasonable to assume they are not acutely toxic as there is little evidence of that, and it is somewhat reasonable to believe that they might be far less toxic than tobacco smoke, but the correct answer is "time will tell".

My response to this issue was to switch entirely to DIY e-liquid, and use minimum amounts of a minimum number of flavoring compounds. One can even switch to unflavored vaping which, since it contains only nicotine, PG and glycerin is reliably safe.

3) I don't know if I was hardcore - 1 PAD x 17 years. I like fruity and minty flavors (never smoked menthol cigarettes!) and to a point sweet / dessert types but I cannot vape them for long. My all-day vape is Black Cherry Menthol.

Hope it helps...