Are vape pens dangerous?
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there has been an outbreak of EVALI (or e-cigarette or vaping product associated lung injury) with nearly 3,000 cases reported as of February 2020. 1 For this reason, it's important that people who use vape pens become familiar with the facts and understand the risks.
Are there toxic chemicals in vape juice?
Toxic chemicals may be present in e-liquids (“vape juice”) or could be created as the liquid is turned into a gas. Some of the toxic chemicals found in vape products, such as diacetyl, are used even though the health dangers are well-known.
What is a vape pen?
Initially created as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, vape pens are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
How safe are vaping devices?
Vaping devices are marketed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, vape pens and other devices may cause serious injuries and illnesses. The Vape Danger editorial team provides the latest studies and data to help readers make informed health and legal choices. Olmedo, P., Goessler, W., Tanda, S., et al. (2018, February 21).
How do you know if a cart is safe?
Any THC cartridge that has a burnt flavor, a metal aftertaste, or that makes you cringe is a good sign that the cartridge is counterfeit. These “off-flavors” should not be present and may indicate that it has contaminants or other additives that are causing a bad reaction when heated up into vapor.
How do I know if my vape is dodgy?
There are some recognisable ways your e-cigarette shows you that it needs a new coil, as well as a few less obvious ones.Your Vape Tastes Burnt. ... Your E-Cigarette Is Gurgling. ... Your Vape Tastes 'Strange' ... Your Coil Is Used Up. ... E-Cigarette Leaks.
Are vape cartridges toxic?
Chemicals found in vape products may lead to lung disease, heart problems, and other serious health risks. Toxic chemicals may be present in e-liquids (“vape juice”) or could be created as the liquid is turned into a gas.
Do you inhale toxic metals when you vape?
Further, the metal levels in the aerosols that users inhale tend to be higher than those in the liquids. Studies of samples from users, including blood and urine, showed that e-cigarettes are a source of exposure to a large list of metals, including lead and arsenic.
Can your lungs heal from vaping?
Breathing in the harmful chemicals from vaping products can cause irreversible (cannot be cured) lung damage, lung disease and, in some cases, death. Some chemicals in vaping products can also cause cardiovascular disease and biological changes that are associated with cancer development.
What are the symptoms of lung damage from vaping?
EVALI may cause the following symptoms:Shortness of breath.Cough.Chest pain.Fever and chills.Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.Rapid heartbeat.Rapid and shallow breathing.
How many toxic chemicals are in vapes?
Nearly 2,000 Chemicals—Some Potentially Harmful—Found in Vaping Aerosols | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine.
What chemicals do you inhale when vaping?
The Chemicals You Inhale When Vaping E-liquid concoctions usually include some mix of flavorings, aromatic additives and nicotine or THC (the chemical in marijuana that causes psychological effects), dissolved in an oily liquid base.
What chemicals are in a cart?
Instead of containing nicotine, cannabis vape cartridges typically contain a mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, various solvents used as thinning agents, and flavoring additives. By pressing the power button, the vape oil is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales.
What are the symptoms of metal poisoning?
Common symptoms across several types of heavy metal poisoning include:diarrhea.nausea.abdominal pain.vomiting.shortness of breath.tingling in your hands and feet.chills.weakness.
Can you get lead poisoning from vaping?
The Dangers of Vaping. Using vape pens like JUUL has been proven to be more dangerous than smoking cigarettes, especially for underage consumers. E-cigarettes can lead to lead poisoning and other heavy metal toxicity.
What toxic metals are in Vapes?
E-cigarettes have gained popularity in recent years, largely due to their reputation as a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes. But these devices can expose users to toxic metals such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, and lead, noted Ana María Rule, Ph.
What is a vape pen?
Vape pens are designed to vaporize cannabis oils and distillates. A vape pen comprises two primary components: a battery and the vape cartridge. The battery consists of the bottom portion of the vape pen, providing power to the heating element, which vaporizes the cannabis oil contained inside the vape cartridge.
What to do if your vape cartridge is counterfeit?
If you have a vape cartridge that you suspect might be counterfeit, go to the manufacturer’s website and compare your cartridge with legitimate products.
What is the binding agent in vape cartridges?
Propylene glycol (PG): a binding agent that is added to cannabis vape cartridges because of its ability to foster even vape draws. Vegetable glycerin (VG): Added to vape liquids to help generate large vape clouds for the user. Vitamin E acetate: A generally safe additive for food, but it’s been found in thickening agents in illicit THC cartridges ...
What happens to cannabis terpenes during distillation?
All of that is stripped away during the distillation process. Some cannabis oil producers will collect the cannabis-derived terpenes during the process and reintroduce them into the oil, allowing the distillate-filled cartridge to be strain-specific.
What is a vape cartridge?
Vape cartridges include a mouthpiece, chamber, and heating element known as an atomizer. The chamber is filled with concentrated amounts of cannabinoids, usually either THC- or CBD-dominant, and terpenes. The atomizer is activated when contact is initiated with the battery, heating up the chamber and vaporizing the cannabis oil.
How does a vape atomizer work?
The atomizer is activated when contact is initiated with the battery, heating up the chamber and vaporizing the cannabis oil. Cannabis vape oils that fill vape cartridges are usually created through a process called distillation, which strips the cannabis molecules down to just the cannabinoids.
What is the cutting agent used in vape juice?
Common cutting agents that are sometimes infused with cannabis oil and e-cigarette vape juice include: Polyethylene glycol (PEG): a cutting agent used in vape liquids to keep the product evenly mixed.
Are There Contaminants in Your Vape Cartridge and Pens?
The most prevalent problem on the illegal vape market are concentrate cartridges that contain high levels of pesticides. When consumed at concentrated levels, inhaled pesticides cause health problems.
How to Tell if Your Vape Cartridge is Legit or Counterfeit
Another consequence of the vape pen’s rising popularity is the steady stream of fake THC cartridges that have flooded the market. Some of the industry’s most recognizable brands, such as Connected Cannabis Co. , Heavy Hitters and Kingpen, have battled against counterfeit vape cartridges.
What is the safety of a vape pen?
All portable vapor pens have a battery and a cartridge or tank. Of course, the battery powers the pen and the cartridge or tank holds the necessary oils needed to vape. These two components are crucial for proper vapor function. If one or both of these parts don’t work or are compromised, it could possibly damage your pen or even worse, your health.
Is a vapor pen safe?
When it comes to vapor pen safety, the oil or liquid in the cartridge or tank plays a major part in it all. With the black market still reigning over the legal marijuana market across the US, most marijuana users tend to find themselves purchasing illicit vapor pens or cartridges without even knowing it. In most states where marijuana use is legal, local governments have come out with their own guidelines to ensure vapor pen manufacturers are distributing and supplying a safe product to consumers. This may be a seal of approval or even a barcode that you can scan to check the laboratory test results or legality of the product or manufacturer. Since the vapor pen scare, state government regulations have forced legal manufacturers to adhere to these strict guidelines regarding the actual production of their vapor oil. Almost all legal vapor manufacturers have expressed their concerns with the overall safety of their products and have ensured that they are following the safety regulations provided by their local government. Try researching your states regulations to see what they are doing to ensure you are purchasing a legal marijuana vape pen.
Is it safe to buy counterfeit vape pens?
It really isn’t worth the potential damages that can occur by purchasing a counterfeit cartridge just to save a few extra bucks. If you aren't sure whether your current vape pen or cartridges are fake, it's a safer bet to simply purchase new ones from a legal licensed vendor because they go out of their way to make sure that the products they are selling are from the original manufacturer and are safe to use. Like stated in the previous section above, all legal and licensed marijuana products must display a form of verification or license number to verify the legality of the product, let alone the cleanness and safety of it to. Researching the manufacturer can help to determine whether or not they are a licensed and legal business.
What is a vape pen?
Vape pens are designed to vaporize cannabis oils and distillates. A vape pen comprises two primary components: a battery and the vape cartridge. The battery consists of the bottom portion of the vape pen, providing power to the heating element, which vaporizes the cannabis oil contained inside the vape cartridge.
What to do if your vape cartridge is counterfeit?
If you have a vape cartridge that you suspect might be counterfeit, go to the manufacturer's website and compare your cartridge with legitimate products.
What is the binding agent in vape cartridges?
Propylene glycol (PG): a binding agent that is added to cannabis vape cartridges because of its ability to foster even vape draws. Vegetable glycerin (VG): Added to vape liquids to help generate large vape clouds for the user.
How to tell if a vape oil is compatible with a cartridge?
Most vape oil producers will tell you which voltage is compatible with the selected cartridge. These devices come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Some vape pens have a button that activates the vape cartridge, while others are buttonless and only activated once the user takes a draw.
What is the chamber of a cannabis atomizer?
The chamber is filled with concentrated amounts of cannabinoids, usually either THC- or CBD-dominant, and terpenes. The atomizer is activated when contact is initiated with the battery, heating up the chamber and vaporizing the cannabis oil.
Where are vape cartridges made?
A large portion of vape cartridge components are produced at metal foundries in China, many of which add small amounts of lead into brass and copper feedstocks to improve the malleability of metals. This includes the heating coil, which heats up the cannabis oil, potentially transferring toxic metals into the consumer's vapors.
How many people died from vaping in New York?
These vapes were identified by the New York State Department of Health as part of 34 cases of severe pulmonary illnesses in the state, among 380 confirmed and probable cases, with six patients dying, throughout the U.S. Health officials are looking into vitamin E acetate and its link to the illnesses.
What are the harmful substances in vapes?
Potentially harmful substances found in vape devices include: Diacetyl: Inhaling diacetyl has been linked to irreversible lung damage in factory workers, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
What are the chemicals in vapes?
Volatile organic compounds in vape products can include: Acetaldehyde: Inhaling acetaldehyde can harm the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and may cause cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Acetone: According to the CDC, acetone can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat. Formaldehyde: The American Cancer Society (ACS) ...
What are ultrafine particles?
Ultrafine particles are tiny clusters of matter found in the surrounding air, such as water droplets, dirt, and toxic chemicals emitted from vape products. Ultrafine particles are created as the vape device heats up. If inhaled, ultrafine particles can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream. From there, these particles can harm ...
What is the chemical in vaping fluid?
The latest chemical of concern in regard to vaping-related lung injuries is vitamin E acetate, which was found in the lung fluid of each of the 29 patients recently sampled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Can popcorn cause lung disease?
Diacetyl and Popcorn Lung. Diacetyl inhalation has been linked to popcorn lung, a progressive lung disease. With this condition, microscopic air passages in the lungs become inflamed, causing long-term scarring and difficulty breathing.
Can vaping cause cancer?
Formaldehyde: The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that formaldehyde can cause cancer in high doses. According to the Surgeon General, when vape products reach temperatures above 300°F, formaldehyde — a cancer-causing carcinogen — forms and is breathed in when vaping.
Does vaping cause asthma?
Asthma: Studies show that vaping can worsen existing asthma symptoms. Bronchitis: Research findings from the University of Kansas suggest that vaping may lead to bronchitis. Nickel, one of the toxic heavy metals found in vape products, has been known to cause bronchitis.
1. Indoor and Outdoor Public Usage
What is the vape laws concerning public usage? Is it allowed in private indoor and outdoor spaces or in public areas as well?
2. Vape Content
Depending on your state, vaping may be legal as long as you’re not using a banned substance, such as THC or CBD. This can be difficult to regulate, but you’re better safe than sorry.
3. Legal Purchase and Possession Age
Surprisingly, the legal purchase age of vape products varies from state to state, regardless of the vape oil used. Some states allow people who are 18 to buy and possess vaping paraphernalia while others limit it to people who are 21 or older.
4. Airport Usage
Interestingly, airports operate slightly outside of the vape laws and regulations of the state they’re in. If it’s illegal in the state, then it’s illegal in that state’s airport.
5. Signage
Finally, as a vape enthusiast, you have to pay attention to more than just the areas vape laws. Many places of business may ban vaping on the premises, even in cities where it is otherwise perfectly legal.
Be Smart and Enjoy Where You Can
Remember, vaping legally isn’t always a given. Pay attention to local vape laws and regulations and play by the rules. Sneaking a vape in isn’t worth a hefty fine or worse!
What happened to vape pens?
In fact, during the more significant explosions users lost teeth or part of their jaw during the explosion. Meanwhile, others received chemical burns and lacerations.
Why are vape pen explosions so hard to calculate?
The prevalence of vape pen explosions is hard to calculate because the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products didn't begin documenting explosions and fires until 2012.
What is a vape pen?
Initially created as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, vape pens are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
How many cases of e-cigarettes in 2020?
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there has been an outbreak of EVALI (or e-cigarette or vaping product associated lung injury) with nearly 3,000 cases reported as of February 2020. 1 .
Is vaping a cigarette more addictive than smoking?
Many people believe that using a vape pen is less addictive than smoking a traditional cigarette. But that is simply not true. Both vape pens and cigarettes contain nicotine, which has shown to be just as addictive as heroin and cocaine. 10 What's more, many people who vape get more nicotine than they would if they smoked a cigarette.
Is vaping a good alternative to cigarettes?
Most people assume that vape pens are a safe alternative to cigarettes. In fact, young people often believe that vape pens only produce water vapor when the devices actually create aerosols containing harmful chemicals and ultra-fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs.
Can vape pens help you quit smoking?
Although vape pens and e-cigarettes were initially marketed as a smoking cessation tool and a safer alternative to smoking, research is beginning to show that they are not effective at helping smokers quit. 4 What's more, the FDA has not approved vape pens as an effective smoking cessation tool like they have with other aids like nicotine patches.