What E-Liquids Contain Diacetyl?
If you are a vaper, you might have heard of diacetyl, a chemical often used to flavor e-liquids. Diacetyl gives a buttery taste and mouthfeel to e-liquids, especially those with creamy, custard, or dessert flavors.
However, diacetyl is also linked to a severe lung disease called popcorn lung, which can cause irreversible damage to your respiratory system. In this article, we will explain diacetyl, why it is used in e-liquids, the health risks of inhaling diacetyl, and how to avoid diacetyl in e-liquids.
- Diacetyl is a flavoring agent that gives a buttery taste and mouthfeel to e-liquids, especially those with creamy, custard, or dessert flavors.
- Diacetyl is linked to popcorn lung, a severe lung disease that causes scarring and inflammation of the airways, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
- A Harvard study found diacetyl in 75% of the e-liquids tested, raising concerns about the safety of vaping.
- To avoid diacetyl in e-liquids, consider purchasing e-liquids from reputable brands that test their products for diacetyl and other harmful substances.
- Alternatively, opt for diacetyl-free e-liquids or those with natural or unflavored options. Before purchasing, review the ingredients list and flavor profile of the e-liquids to ensure they are suitable for your needs.
What is diacetyl, and why is it used in e-liquids?
Diacetyl is a chemical compound that belongs to a group of substances called diketones. Diacetyl is naturally found in some foods and beverages, such as butter, cheese, yogurt, beer, and wine. Diacetyl is also synthesized as a flavoring agent and added to various products, such as microwave popcorn, margarine, coffee, and candy.
Diacetyl is used in e-liquids because it gives the vapor a buttery taste and mouthfeel. Diacetyl is especially popular in e-liquids with creamy, custard, or dessert flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, or cheesecake. Some vapers enjoy these flavors because they mimic the sensation of smoking tobacco, which also contains diacetyl.
However, diacetyl is not the only diketone that is used in e-liquids. Other related substances, such as acetoin and acetyl propionyl, have similar effects and risks as diacetyl. These substances are sometimes used as alternatives or substitutes for diacetyl or in combination with diacetyl to enhance the flavor and aroma of e-liquids.
What are the health risks of inhaling diacetyl?
The health risks of inhaling diacetyl became apparent in the 1990s when several workers at a popcorn factory developed a rare and severe lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung.
Popcorn lung is caused by scarring and inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Popcorn lung can be irreversible and may require a lung transplant in severe cases.
The cause of popcorn lung was traced to diacetyl exposure in the artificial butter flavoring used in the production of popcorn. The workers inhaled high concentrations of diacetyl in the air, which over time damaged their lungs.
As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidelines and regulations to limit diacetyl exposure in the workplace. However, the same guidelines and regulations do not apply to e-liquids and vaping.
In 2015, a Harvard study found diacetyl in 75% of the e-liquids tested at levels that exceeded the safety limits set by OSHA. The study also found acetoin and acetyl propionyl in 47% and 42% of the e-liquids tested.
The study concluded that the inhalation of these flavoring chemicals may pose a risk to the respiratory health of vapers, especially those who use vapes frequently and over a long period.
The levels of diacetyl in e-liquid vapor are still lower than those in tobacco smoke, which contains about 100 times more diacetyl than e-liquid vapor. However, this does not mean that vaping is safe or harmless.
The long-term effects of inhaling diacetyl and other diketones from e-liquids are still unknown, and there is no safe exposure to these chemicals. Moreover, e-liquids may contain other harmful substances, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, metals, and carcinogens, that can also affect your health.
How to avoid diacetyl in e-liquids?
The best way to avoid diacetyl in e-liquids is to stop vaping altogether or to switch to other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gums, or lozenges. However, if you are not ready or willing to quit vaping, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to diacetyl and other diketones in e-liquids.
- 1) When purchasing e-liquids, it's essential to buy from reputable brands that rigorously test their products for diacetyl and other harmful substances. Look for companies that provide lab reports or certificates of analysis, as these documents reveal the levels of diacetyl and other chemicals present in their e-liquids, ensuring they meet safety standards set by the industry or regulatory authorities.
You can typically find these reports on the brands' websites or request them directly from their customer service teams. It's wise to steer clear of e-liquids from unknown or unregulated sources, like online vendors, street markets, or friends, since these may contain potentially unsafe ingredients.
- 2) Next, choose e-liquids that are either diacetyl-free or come in natural or unflavored varieties. Some brands claim their products are diacetyl-free or use natural flavorings, such as fruit extracts, instead of artificial ones. However, it’s crucial to verify these claims by checking the lab reports or certificates of analysis, as some companies may be less than truthful in their labeling.
Alternatively, you can opt for unflavored e-liquids, which consist solely of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. While unflavored options might lack the excitement of flavored ones, they are generally safer and healthier.
- 3) Finally, before making a purchase, always review the ingredient list and flavor profile of the e-liquids. Avoid those containing diketones, acetoin, or acetyl propionyl, as these substances are connected to diacetyl and carry similar risks.
Often used as alternatives or in conjunction with diacetyl to enhance flavor and aroma, these chemicals do not provide any safety benefits and may contribute to serious health issues, like popcorn lung or other respiratory problems.
You should look for these substances in the ingredients list or the flavor description and steer clear of them. Here are some examples of e-liquid flavors that may contain diacetyl or other diketones and some alternatives that may not:
- Flavors that may contain diacetyl or other diketones: Vanilla, Mint, Caramel, Butterscotch, Cheese Cake, Custard, Cream Fruit
- Options that may not contain diacetyl or other diketones: Mint, Menthol, Tobacco, Coffee, Chocolate, Fruit
While these lists aren’t exhaustive, it’s always a good idea to check lab reports or certificates of analysis to verify whether diacetyl or other diketones are present in e-liquids. Keep in mind that some e-liquids might contain trace amounts of diacetyl or other diketones that could go undetected by tests or unmentioned by the brands.
Therefore, it’s important to approach vaping with caution and moderation. If you start noticing any symptoms related to popcorn lung or other respiratory issues, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
Posted by Gypsy Vapes
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