Vapor vs Combustion?

[Bombdiggity]

I ordered the blu cig starter pack and have been vaping for two days. I've read bad reviews on it but it seems to be working for me. My question is regarding the vapor it produces. I was expecting a vapor that once exhaled would quickly dissipate. This stuff behaves just like cigarette smoke. It hangs in the air and lingers for quite some time. I even blew some into a glass and covered it to see what would happen. 15 min. later it was as thick as when I blew it in. My non-smoking husband does not notice any odor (combustion), nor do I.

Can someone explain what is going on. I'd hate to trade one form of smoking for another if I'm still technically inhaling smoke. Please be as geeky as you can, I want to understand the science behind
what is happening! Thanks in advance .

 

[psychicsmokin]

Interesting...hmmmmmm...must be some really good vapor in there. I might just decide to blow some of my Inferno vapor into a jar and see what happens...especially with my new cisco atty..that ecig makes MUCHO vape.

But to answer your question...that would puzzle me too. It's not cigg smoke...but it may be VG (not sure)...since VG is more known to make much more vapor then PG Because it is more humidant and causes a more "soft oily type fog"

 

[BiffRocko]

Propylene glycol is the same chemical that's used in smoke machines. That's why it hangs around. Despite popular rumor, it's not just water vapor which is probably what you were expecting.

 

[NCC]

Your juice is composed primarily of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin. Both are hygroscopic (attract/absorb water).
There's been a LOT of debate regarding the composition of your exhaled vape. It is clear to you and me that it is NOT just steam. The PG and VG don't just vanish when you vape them. Some unknown part of it is absorbed by your body, the rest is exhaled with water it has picked up in the journey.

Some of that is opinion. It is mine. Some of the answers are unknown. So far as I know, nobody has chemically anaylized exhaled vape.

 

[Soulkeeper13]

ever see a fog machine? y'know for dances, spooky halloween decor and the such? a fog machine works much the same way an ecig does, it's not smoke. but yummy nicotine delivering fog.

from howstuffworks:
"Fog machines use glycerin or glycol mixed with water.

According to a Seattle Times article, "The fog is created using propylene glycol and triethylene glycol, mixed with 20 percent water."

 

[Stosh]

Vapor is from a substance going from a liquid state to a gaseous state, vs
Combustion which is the oxidation (burning) of a substance, changing the chemical
components of the substance.

Heat water (or VG / PG), creates steam, capture the steam and cool it, it's still water.
Burn a piece of paper, capture the smoke & ash, never be paper again...

 

[Bombdiggity]

Propylene glycol is the same chemical that's used in smoke machines. That's why it hangs around. Despite popular rumor, it's not just water vapor which is probably what you were expecting.

I absolutely was expecting just water vapor. I'm very surprised how effective vaping is at getting me off of smoking real cigs; I just hope it's not too good to be true . I "get" that they don't contain nearly as many chemicals as tobacco, but I just wish there were studies that could shed more light on the effect of prolonged exposure to these vapors. I'm also concerned about the flavors. After vaping the scent lingers in my nose for a while. Kinda makes me think about how air freshener's coat the nasal passage with chemicals...nastiness.

I really want this to be a healthier alternative to smoking (tongue-in-cheek). My plan is to stick with this long enough to wean off of the nicotine then hopefully drop the habit all together...we'll see. Have there been any studies worth looking at?

 

[DC2]

Have there been any studies worth looking at?

I suggest reading this...
Electronic cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy

And you might want to look around in here...
CASAA.org - Lab Reports