E-Cigarette Flavors Expose Users to Chemicals
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Manufacturers of e-cigarettes promote the health benefits of not inhaling the harmful tar and nicotine found in tobacco products, but new research indicates that the flavorings in e-cigs may expose vapers to more chemicals than they might want to inhale.
Researchers examined 30 different e-cigarette fluids in a variety of flavors, including tobacco, menthol, vanilla, cherry, cotton candy and bubble gum, and discovered the flavorings can carry twice the recommended workplace exposure limits of two chemicals, benzaldehyde and vanillin. Those chemicals have been known to cause respiratory irritation.
The study points out that while the chemicals may be harmless when eaten, they may be less safe when inhaled, particularly at the higher temperatures present during vaping.
Medical observers not involved in the research note that the study assumed a consumption of five mL a day, which is based on widely self-reported numbers on vaping online forums.
The research is published in the journal Tobacco Control.
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