Generally speaking, the ingredients of electronic cigarettes are nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and flavor. Some manufacturers may add other ingredients in order to differentiate their products, which will not be discussed here.
1. Nicotine
Unless you deliberately choose an e-cigarette that does not contain nicotine, there will generally be nicotine in it. For smokers, nicotine-free e-cigarettes do not seem to have an important meaning except for being fresh.
Nicotine, commonly known as nicotine, is a potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid that is addictive.
Nicotine is actually widely found in nightshade plants such as eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, and tomatoes. A pound of eggplant contains 0.05 mg, and a pound of cauliflower contains 0.01 mg. The content of these plants is lower, far less than that of tobacco. A typical cigarette contains 10-15mg of nicotine, of which an average of 1mg of nicotine can be absorbed by smokers.
At present, the nicotine content of e-cigarette juice is generally marked as a percentage, such as 3% and 5%, which means the nicotine content in each milliliter of juice. For example, at 5%, 1 ml of e-liquid contains 50 mg of nicotine, 50 mg/ml. Similarly, 3% contains 30 mg in 1 ml.
Action: Brings throat hit and relieves addiction.
Safety: May cause rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, etc. Patients with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take nicotine. Excessive intake of normal people can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or tremors, similar to when people consume excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol, generally stop the intake immediately.
Before 2013, the lethal adult dose of nicotine was set at 30-60 mg. After 2013, the dose was adjusted to 500-1000mg. This number is far greater than the nicotine content in e-juice, but nicotine is still a toxic substance, so make sure to keep e-juice away from children and warn against using it.
At present, many small cigarettes are disposable sealed cartridges, and the possibility of children eating them by mistake is extremely small. Just in case, also take measures to prevent children from playing and eating accidentally.
2. Propylene Glycol (PG)
It is a by-product of petroleum, colorless, odorless, viscous, hygroscopic, slightly sweet, and has a fluidity similar to that of water. Commonly used in cosmetics, toothpaste and soap, it can be used as a wetting agent in combination with glycerin or sorbitol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes PG as "generally safe for humans" (here, only ingestion, injection, etc. are not included), and it is a common drug and food additive.
Function: Brings a throat hit feeling, can absorb fragrance, and is used as a carrier of fragrance.
Safety: It is safe for humans, but it may harm felines. Excessive exposure will cause felines to inhale and cause Heinz body anemia. It can cause allergies in a small number of people, resulting in rashes or similar adverse reactions. It has a hygroscopic effect, which can cause dry mouth and need to drink more water.
3. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable oil, coconut oil and palm oil are heated to high temperature and then distilled and purified to obtain food-grade vegetable glycerin. Colorless and odorless, very hygroscopic.
Function: Make the throat feel soft and produce a smoke effect.
Safety: People with allergies to this ingredient are rare, and due to the hygroscopic effect, it will cause dry mouth and need to drink plenty of water.
