The Hidden Dangers of Vaping: What’s Really in Your E-Liquid?

Vaping has long been promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but growing scrutiny has revealed the potential risks lurking in e-liquids. The main ingredients in most vape liquids—propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG)—are generally considered safe for consumption. However, under certain conditions, these substances can transform into a chemical cocktail with serious health implications.

A typical 10ml bottle of e-liquid often contains a 50/50 mix of PG and VG, alongside nicotine and flavourings. Nicotine salts, a popular choice for those seeking to quit smoking, are available in strengths ranging from 20mg/ml to zero. While these components may appear harmless, problems arise when the liquid overheats.

Excessive heat causes e-liquids to produce volatile carbonyls, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein—chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory issues. Overheating also triggers reactions with the metal components of the vaping device’s atomiser, releasing metallic particles such as zinc, chromium, aluminium, and nickel into the vapour. When inhaled, these metals pose significant health risks.

Even more concerning is the lack of regulation in certain areas of the vaping industry. Many uncertified e-liquids, particularly those imported from countries like China, are excessively sweet, addictive, and poorly documented in terms of their ingredients. Studies indicate that these uncertified products, especially those associated with the black market, generate higher levels of harmful chemicals and metals when overheated.

In response, innovators have developed new technologies to make vaping safer. One such solution is ProFlow, designed to remove the production of harmful by-products during vaping. ProFlow aims to address the dual threats of volatile carbonyls and metal emissions, ensuring a safer experience for users.

The Debate Over Flavours and Disposable Bans

The government is also considering new restrictions on vaping products, including a potential ban on disposable vapes and e-liquids marketed to children. Flavours such as bubblegum and other ultra-sweet varieties have been criticised for their appeal to younger users. Although these bans remain under discussion, they have sparked a wider debate about the role of flavours in helping smokers quit.

Proponents argue that flavours have been instrumental in encouraging smokers to switch to vaping. The statistics are striking: Public Health England reports that in 2019, 74,600 deaths in the UK were attributed to smoking, compared with 67,205 COVID-related deaths in 2021. Studies suggest that e-cigarettes increase the success rate of smoking cessation to 59.7%, compared with just 34.7% for unassisted quitting. By this measure, as many as 44,536 lives could have been saved in 2019 if smokers had transitioned to vaping.

However, critics warn that flavour bans could have unintended consequences, pointing to Australia as a cautionary tale. There, e-liquids are available only by prescription, a policy that has driven a thriving black market. This undermines efforts to regulate product safety and could expose users to even greater risks.

Striking the Balance

The challenge for regulators is clear: how to balance the public health benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool with the need to protect consumers—particularly young people—from its risks. Flavours, though controversial, have played a crucial role in helping smokers quit. But unregulated products, overheating devices, and the potential for harmful chemical emissions highlight the pressing need for stricter oversight.

As policymakers and public health experts continue to grapple with these issues, one thing is certain: the debate around vaping is far from over.