What is in the e-cigarette vapor (aerosol) ?
The aerosol (e-cigarette vapor) that comes out of an e-cigarette -mainly- contains CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water vapor). Those two compounds are the result of the chemical reaction of the Glycerol or the propylene Glycol or both of them when exposed to heat.
Although, the term “e-cigarette vapor” may sound harmless, it may contain substances that are addictive (like nicotine). This is in addition to certain other ingredients that can cause diseases (When using a non pharmaceutical grade and approved tested components).
It is important to know that most ready-to-vape e-cigarettes contain nicotine. There is evidence that nicotine harms the brain development of teenagers. Also, if used during pregnancy, nicotine may also cause premature births and low birth-weight babies.
Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes vapor may contain traces of Propylene Glycol and Glycerin that did not transform completely into carbon dioxide and water vapor. As a matter of fact, these are substances to carry flavors fixers and to produce thick vapor. Unfortunately, it may cause lung and airway irritation after excessive exposure (especially Propylene Glycol).
In addition, e-cigarettes and e-liquids (When manufactured by none pharmaceutical expertise companies) may contain Volatile organic compounds. Those, at certain levels, can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea. Also, some flavorings may contain a chemical called Diacetyl that cause a serious lung disease called Bronchiolitis Obliterans.
Finally, Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing substance that may form if an e-liquid overheats when using MODs and vaporizers with high wattage or voltage over 4.5V. Or else, when there is not enough e-liquid reaching the heating element.