Bharat SainiLast Updated on April 22, 2014 by Bharat Saini
So what is e juice all about? What does it contain? Is it safe to use? Does e juice have any side effects? Is it as good as traditional tobacco cigarettes? These are just some of the many questions that pass through a smokers mind when thickening about switching to electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). Below are facts that can help answer these questions.
The Basic Ingredients of E-Liquid
Before getting into a myriad of facts about e juice, first it is important to understand what the liquid comprise. E juice or e-liquid or smoke-juice are all terms used to refer to the liquid used in conjunction with an electronic cigarette. E juice is made up liquid nicotine and other base compounds. The bases are used to neutralize the liquid nicotine that would otherwise be harmful when used in its pure concentration. The commonly used compounds in e juice include Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), and Aqueous Glycerine (AG). All the three liquid bases are safe and are even used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. The main prominent e juice base is PG as it provides a ‘throat hit’ sensation similar to that experienced with traditional cigarettes. VG on the other hand is responsible for the vapor produced when using the e-cig.
Flavors
E-cigs aim at mimicking as much as possible all the sensations and tastes given off by traditional cigarettes. As a result, e-cigs come in hundreds of different flavors similar to those of normal cigarettes. E cigarette choices range from cigar, vanilla, and coffee, to more exotic flavors such as mango, menthol, and strawberry. Aside from having a similar taste with traditional cigarettes, tobacco flavor also give users a great throat hit, therefore making it one of the most preferred flavors.
Nicotine
E juice contains liquid nicotine, which comes in a variety of concentrations. The potency of nicotine in an e liquid solution is commonly referred to as the ‘nicotine strength’. Generally, the higher it is, the stronger the throat hit. However, that is not a reason to use e liquids with a nicotine concentration that is higher than the previously used cigarettes. All transitioning smokers are advised to stick to the nicotine level their body is used to.
The Manufacture Of E Juice
The ways in which the two leading producers of e liquid, China and the United States, have been manufacturing the solution has faced a lot of criticism. Anti electronic cigarette groups claim that the e juice is unsafe owing to the lack of regulations that surround the manufacturing process. However, they still have not brought forward enough evidence to prove their claims. In the U.S., e liquid manufactures must adhere to consumer standards stipulated by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. On the other hand Chinese manufactures must obtain nontoxic testing permits to regulate the amount of pure nicotine put into e liquids. Chinese manufactures also have hi-tech manufacturing plants which have advanced quality control standards.
According to several conducted studies, e-cigs are the healthier alternative and can be used to even get rid of nicotine cravings. What’s more, they have no negative effects on passive smokers unlike in the case of traditional cigarettes.
This article was written by Amanda McKenzie, a researcher on nicotine replacement products. If you are looking for good quality e juice in a variety of flavors, Amanda recommends you try ECIG 123.
