Why are people so defensive on this site?

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Confusednoobie

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Jun 9, 2013
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I just read your posts as well, your reply's seem to be more argumentative then the replys you got. If your concerned about it, don't do it. I vape not because it's safe but because it's safer. A lot of company's out there will give you pretty much all the info you need on their juices. If your not happy with the answers you get here then go to the source. I have a nickel allergy. I do my own research and I talk to the manufacturers of the products I intend on purchasing. I don't gamble my health on some replys I get from an internet forum. Did you ever try contacting PM or RJR regarding what was in their cigarettes? I bet you didn't......and you probably smoked anyways. Is vaping completely harmless? Probably not, but it's most likely a hell of a lot less harmful then the alternative.

Thank you. I have been trying to get answers from the source and what I am asking here is what I could not get answers to and I hoped others might have already researched it. Why re-invent the wheel? It is clear to me now that my concerns are not what this forum is about. So I will just research and decide for myself which is really all we can do.
 

Ta2ooz

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It must be my technical training and background- I have been a pharmacist for 35 years and I am used to the patient package inserts that mention every possible detail.

So I suppose I am used to that kind of completeness and precision and do not see it as "alarmist" but rather as being informed.

I guess it does not occur to me that asking questions prior to using a product is being "alarmist"- I feel the exact same way about pharmaceuticals and approach THEM in precisely the same way- with caution- and I counsel all my patients as thoroughly as I can so that they know as much as they can and minimize their risk of suffering an adverse reaction.

with all of your technical background, could you not use your credentials when contacting the manufacturers to get to the bottom of the question at hand, i also would be very interested in fiding out what happens to certain flavourings etc, when heated, at what temp they go towards the dangerous side, if there is a safe temp to be inhaled and so on. you could be a very valuable asset to this forum and to vapers everywhere.
 

Confusednoobie

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The ARE certain topics that seem to bring out "bristlers" and there are a few folks who're just bristly. Not very many, and they're not typical of the folks a ECF. Keep asking, you'll find out what you want to know.

Baditude has it exactly right, however - no one knows for sure whether or how much. And people react differently, and like different things. So your mileage is very, very likely to vary - no matter what juice or device you're using. And honestly, I think you're smart to wonder what's in your vape.

I'm an herbalist, and although I haven't started doing DIY juice yet, I plan to experiment with all-natural herbal materials. FYI, even though I'm not talking about anything illegal or questionable, that's one of the topics that seems to bring out the bristlers. Don't let it bother ya.

Thank you. I am finding out things bit by bit.
 

SonHouse

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I used to create software for medically validated devices so I understand where you're coming from, the problem is you're asking in the wrong field. These are not medical devices nor are the liquids you put in them medicines. It's an entirely different degree of rigor since they are regulated and labeled as a tobacco product.

When's the last time you saw the contents of a tobacco product labeled with any more rigor than contains a blend of domestic and imported tobacco? So, I would follow the suggestions you've already received. Ask about specific compounds of concern or roll your own. The only other alternative is to pay for a spectroscopic analysis of the brands you wish to try. Nothing defensive in those statements, that's the answer even if you want more, there is no more we can give you. People aren't being defensive, they just don't know.
 

III BIRDMAN III

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I am new to vaping and I have a lot of questions about what is in the smoke juices- I am not talking PG or VG and the elusive "flavors"- everyone knows about that. But what about things like artificial sweeteners (which degrade into toxic products when heated) certain toxic artificial dyes or anything that might be allergenic (even food products) etc. I am as concerned about what is in the entities that I inhale as I am to what is in the food I eat or air I breathe or the water I drink or the products that I apply topically. But I notice that on this forum everyone just bristles if you mention anything about labeling and about ingredients. A lot of people have sensitivities to certain food, scents, food coloring etc. So to me it is a legitimate and informed question. We ask for disclosure on all products that we are in contact with and exposed to. So Why are people on this forum so defensive and even hostile when someone asks about what is in smoke juice? My Dad smoked Kent cigarettes for their micro filters and it was later revealed that there was asbestos in the filters. So why is it wrong to want to know if there is anything harmful in the smoke juices? Not to mention the fiber fill in cartomizers? Isn't it wiser to know what you are inhaling than burying your head in the sand? So.. What am I missing?

Is this where this thread started?

Any hew......

Great Question,
I don't recall being able to tell you what was in my Newports.
Been over a year for me personally.
I feel amazing TBH.

Is this stuff killing me?
Well dying feels AWESOME! :D

I'm sure some of these juices are probably not very healthy.
I mean you can't just go around vaping apple pie all day and think its not going to effect you. :p

Absinthe is probably eating me alive.
Odd that food still tastes amazing.
Don't let BT tell you it's dangerous.

Few weeks ago I drove to the store to grab some tummy tabs. (they are for baby gas)
Any Hew......

The tabs had PG in them.
Propylene Glycol.
When I seen that I thought.
PG has been around long time. :D
Almost Vaped me a tab or two :p

Quit Smoking..........
Alternatives Have Arrived.........
 

Confusednoobie

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I'm a little confused...

When I look at labels to see what ingredients are used in foods or beverages, this is what I often see...
--Artificial flavors
--Artificial colors
--Artificial sweeteners

What exactly are you looking for on these labels?


This right here is the answer.

You are right- many foods DO say that- and I avoid those- so I was just looking to know IF smoke juices use artificial sweeteners or certain dyes. Because I always try to avoid those and would probably also choose not inhale them. Honestly I did not expect some a big reaction from so many people for such a simple query.
 

Confusednoobie

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Jun 9, 2013
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I used to create software for medically validated devices so I understand where you're coming from, the problem is you're asking in the wrong field. These are not medical devices nor are the liquids you put in them medicines. It's an entirely different degree of rigor since they are regulated and labeled as a tobacco product.

When's the last time you saw the contents of a tobacco product labeled with any more rigor than contains a blend of domestic and imported tobacco? So, I would follow the suggestions you've already received. Ask about specific compounds of concern or roll your own. The only other alternative is to pay for a spectroscopic analysis of the brands you wish to try. Nothing defensive in those statements, that's the answer even if you want more, there is no more we can give you. People aren't being defensive, they just don't know.

Thank you. I have come to the same conclusion on my own. My concerns are too technical and detailed for this forum. So after reading the responses to this thread I will probably have no further reason to visit this site.
 

Confusednoobie

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I am sorry you feel that people have been defensive towards you, this is not the way we treat members here.


As for flavorings, in the DIY sub forum there is great info on flavors and ingredients.
If it is a supplier, perhaps state up front what ingredient you have an issue with, and ask if that is in what you are interested in...??
Some of the more complex liquids tho, I really doubt if the exact flavorings used would be disclosed as that would be "giving away" their "secret recipe"

Truely, searching ECF...answers to most every question is in here.

Thank you. I am realizing my questions are just too specific and too technical- probably from 35 years of being a pharmacist and knowing every possible detail about every product readily available to me.
 

Confusednoobie

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Folks being defensive could also be just a perception on your part.

I'd speculate that those you perceive to be defensive might feel that ecigs and ejuices (most don't refer to it as "smoke" juice) are the real deal because they helped them quit smoking, and that is a tightly held belief on their part. When those defensive individuals feel (based on speculating about their perception) that you might be attacking that tightly held belief, that could cause them to behave in the manner you described.

I'd posit that if perhaps you approached things in a different manner, folks might be much more responsive.

Having said that, I'd be more likely to agree with what Gerick said, that most folks on here are pretty helpful. I know many were when I started here.

I think you are exactly right. I bought a VEA kit and JC calls theirs "smoke juices" so I got used to doing that. I guess it was that defending vaping or "e-liquids" as if I were attacking that, that I perceived. On my first post as a member I did disclose that I just liked the action of smoking. The exhaling and hand to mouth and that I was just seeking good flavors- and that I was not seeking to replace nicotine never having been more than an occasional smoker. I was not asking any questions that I do not also ask about the food I eat and did not expect the reaction I got.
 

Leithan

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You are right- many foods DO say that- and I avoid those- so I was just looking to know IF smoke juices use artificial sweeteners or certain dyes. Because I always try to avoid those and would probably also choose not inhale them. Honestly I did not expect some a big reaction from so many people for such a simple query.
You said earlyer, you are asking in the wrong place, I would expect that if you were conducting research you would go to the source.

Asking a question on an internet forum will get you nothing but opinions. Some of your replys sounded accusatory, which makes people less not more inclined to help you. I believe you said you were a Pharmacist, you wouldn't pole all the customers in a "Rite Aid" about possibly harmful substances in a drug before you decided to prescribe it right? As a medical practitioner you should be more then familiar with the research proses. Artificial sweeteners are used in a lot of juices because they are less likely to gunk up coils. There a few juice makers who claim to be all natural and organic.
What I don't understand is the line of questioning. If you don't want to vape something that could be potentially harmful then don't. I think I read you vape 0 nic. If that's the case, why vape at all. Also your inability to use the lingo, i.e. "smoke Juice" instead of nic juice, E-liquid, or just damn "Juice" is starting to make me feel like your asking these questions with an ulterior motive. You say your a medical professional, I say you should of known where these answers could be found and it's not on an internet forum. You stated you have 35 years as a Pharmacist and the technical training that goes with it. I don't, but I can use Google and with in two minutes I found enough data to convince me I would be fine, to include a great interview with the owner of Virgin Vapors, she goes into exhaustive detail about her ingredients and mixing techniques.
Many people DIY their own juice, they are more then happy to post their recipes and techniques, I can't believe that they vary much from juice venders other then being on a smaller scale.
 
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Confusednoobie

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Edited for readability:)

Fixed it for ya

Actually Most here have already learned most of the important information and get tired of rehashing over and over........

E-liquids are of little mystery. They are very simple in design, have very few actual components and are simple to produce.

You seem to already know the Basic main ingredients:
Polyethylene Glycol
Vegetable Glycerin
Nicotine

Flavorings are almost all simple chemical blends that approximate real items - Tobacco/fruits/Deserts/Drink Flavors
These ingredients ARE approved for Human consumption. A few do have dangerous effects and most if not all E-liquid producers have stopped using them.
Most do NOT use any food colorings, though a Few mixes do, for recognition. (Gimmicky)
Sweeteners are mostly artificial, NOT sugar - as it tends to damage equipment.

Are e-liquids safe to Vape? Maybe, maybe not.
Bigger question - Are Cigarettes Safe to Smoke? Definitely NOT!

So, should this be a Health argument or a healthier alternative debate?

Thank You- this is exactly what I wanted to know
 

TigerLadyTX

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Not trying to sound defensive, attacking.. or anything other than helpful here.. ok??? If you are concerned about what is in your juice, and since you are vaping zero nic juice, why not go to the store and get a bottle of Kosher VG, thin some with a bit of distilled water, add a bit of candy flavoring from from some place like Michael's and there ya go.. Bob's your Uncle. You have made your own very simple juice and it has exactly 3 things in it. Flavoring, water, and VG. Then you need not worry yourself silly over sweeteners and artificial colors and the like.

~Tiger
 

Confusednoobie

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Just another thought... If you hardly use your ecig, and barely smoked before.. and you have many concerns about what's in your ejuices (which IS a good question), perhaps you could attain that which many of us can't or won't: completely quit smoking AND vaping.

That is a very viable option also.

Yes- and that is exactly what I am trying to determine. For instance, if the sweeteners are artificial- and someone else just posted that they are because sugar gunks the equipment- then I will just stop vaping. That is why I asked these questions. So now I got my answer so that is an easy decision- for me, at least.
 

Confusednoobie

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I now vape flavorless as do many others here. Problem is there's very little statistical data in regards to the ingredients in juice vapor. Recently read 2 studies- one stated certain questionable "byproducts" of PG are in the vapor while the other study stated certain questionable "byproducts" of VG are in the vapor :confused:
When it comes to the digestive tract and the lungs they are worlds apart in regards to accepting substances. An example...tap water perfectly safe to drink but not safe to use/ rinse the nasal passages.

YES- thank you- that is why I was asking because eating and inhaling are not at all the same. Someone did answer that since sugar gunks up the equipment, artificial sweeteners are used. I don't use artificial sweeteners even in food so I will probably just stop vaping. I was just vaping for the flavors (not nicotine) so it will be the route I go.
 

Borescoped

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I read that you are vaping zero nicotine juice. If you are not addicted to the nicotine why vape if you don't have to? My goal is to drop down to zero and then quit but keep it around for high stress or drinking situations so I don't get tempted to pick up a cigarette. I have quit many many times only to fall off the wagon. It is a healthier alternative to smoking but if you don't have to don't do it.

Hmm, didn't I say that earlier?
 
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