Is Propylene Glycol Safe?
What is propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol is a petroleum byproduct and one of the components of vape ejuice. The reason why it serves as the base of e-liquid is that it produces vapor when heated. This substance is colorless and odorless liquid with sweet taste. It has the ability to keep things moist, which means it can provide the experience similar to smoking. The experience of this kind is of great importance, especially for those who are quitting tobacco use and transitioning to vaping. It enables similar, yet way less harmful sensation.
However, there are several reports regarding allergic reactions to propylene glycol. If allergic symptoms happen to occur due to PG usage, you will have to switch to vegetable glycerin which is thicker and alters the flavor of the liquid to a certain extent.
Even though many are relating propylene glycol to vaping exclusively, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries also use this chemical. Propylene glycol is certified for use as a food additive, which means that the United States Pharmacopoeia tests it for compliance with its specifications.
Is propylene glycol safe to use?
Allegedly, in small percentage of cases, PG can cause possible lung damage to vapers, but not to those exposed to the second-hand smoke, or vape. Additionally, some users claim that propylene glycol causes a sore throat, muscle pain, and thirst. If you experience loose bowel movements, rash or sweating at night, you are probably allergic to propylene glycol.
According to users’ reports, propylene glycol side effects may last for a couple of days until your body gets used to the substance.
To avoid throat irritation, make sure to take a break after every vaping session and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Also, make sure not to mistake quit smoking side effects, such as stomach pain, headache, nausea, etc., with side effects of propylene glycol. To better understand your condition if anything of the mentioned occur.
According to the FDA, propylene glycol can be used during the extended period. World Health Organization also find it safe to use. The substance leaves the body 48 hours after the ingestion.
Dr. Oswald Hope Robertson exposed lab mice to propylene glycol vapor back in 1942. The results of his experiments were rather interesting. He discovered that this substance could help in fight against pneumonia and other damaging respiratory diseases. The problem is the mainstream media, especially those platforms boosted by the government, which will not even dive deeper into scientific conclusions before making their statements that are dramatic and adverse by default.
On the other hand, given that vaping industry is relatively new, there are still not enough scientific studies regarding the ingredients of vape juice including propylene glycol. And, if you are about to start vaping, make sure you pick the vape juice that makes you think wow this is an incredible flavor.
Conclusion
As propylene glycol is one of the main ingredients of vape juice, it is understandable that users are concerned about the safety of this product. According to the FDA and the World Health Organisation, propylene glycol is safe to use.
Maybe one day the FDA, that seems to be the biggest opponent of vaping, will give it a rest and approach vaping more constructively. Vaping devices contain far less damaging chemicals, and many of them don’t even contain nicotine or other lethal substances found in tar or tobacco cigarettes.