| Spreading The Truth - Propylene Glycol In Electronic Cigarettes |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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With the aim of discrediting the electronic cigarette industry, big tobacco hs made claims about propylene glycol that are not supported by scientific research. Although a 1942 study in mice at the University of Chicago's Billings Hospital seemed to indicate inhalation of PG might lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, follow up studies did not support that conclusion. Long term effects were the focus of the expanded study on monkeys and other animals. No ill effects were observed from propylene glycol.
With the aim of discrediting the electronic cigarette industry, big tobacco hs made claims about propylene glycol that are not supported by scientific research. Although a 1942 study in mice at the University of Chicago's Billings Hospital seemed to indicate inhalation of PG might lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, follow up studies did not support that conclusion. Long term effects were the focus of the expanded study on monkeys and other animals. No ill effects were observed from propylene glycol. The FDA and tobacco companies were quick to cry "danger' and point to an ingredient that has been judged safe to use for many years. There is primary truth that is totally ignored in the warnings. We know smoking almost anything is safer than smoking tobacco. PG in electronic cigarettes dilutes the nicotine in solution so it can be provided as a vapor to the user. Propylene glycol is a commonly used food additive included in the many products we eat today. It is also the substance used in fog machines and there is no warning issued to avoid breathing that fog. It is interesting that the many cautions about propylene glycol found online are not found on scientific or medical sites or referenced as articles in scientific journals. The dire warnings are on conspiracy blogs, natural healing sites and on the sites of anti-smoking groups. Several entries claim that propylene glycol is antifreeze. No. Not true. That would be ethylene glycol. There is a vast array of information available on the internet. It's important to remember that not all information is factual or backed by experience, research or knowledge. Baby wipes contain propylene glycol and it's odd the FDA would allow a dangerous substance to be used in products for infants, isn't it? Very little PG is ingested in the vapor inhaled by an e-smoker. There are some producers who sell e-liquid with a base of glycerol but PG is the most common ingredient in e-cig solutions. Consumers are more conscious of food additives and harmful ingredients in the foods they eat than every before. Looking at the ingredients on products you buy is a smart thing to do. We know to look carefully at labels when buying products low in sugar. Ingredients such as sucrose and fructose and various types of "syrup" may be listed and each of those ingredients is sugar. To find an example of the folly of believing warnings issued without full facts of proof can be seen in recent history. The FDA banned saccharin thirty years go. The artificial sweetener made with saccharin was called Sweet and Low and widely used in food and beverages. Many homes stocked Sweet and Low to use in coffee and on cereals. The ban caused a great deal of financial hardship for many businesses, led to public panic and was a total farce. The mice who contracted cancer from saccharin were given a daily dosage that when converted to human quantities would require a person to drink the equivalent of 400 cans of diet soda each day for months. Saccharin is freely available in stores today. The delivery of vapor for e-cig users relies on the use of propylene glycol. The tobacco companies continue to spread false information about PG even though there is no scientific data to prove their claims DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Mary Kay Rivers has become an expert in the field of e-cigarettes. Her articles about electronic cigarettes and COPD or about the best e-cig are very popular. |