Vape Lab: The Toxic Truth Behind the Flavours

There’s no doubt that vapes have gained popularity over the past few years. They were originally introduced to us as an alternative to smoking cigarettes — only to take over so viciously that it’s not uncommon to see the shells of old, misshapen deep purple or fluorescent pink disposable vapes tossed into the bins in smoking areas instead of cigarette butts.

But the bright colours and fruity flavours are disguising an ugly truth that isn’t talked about enough — what exactly are you inhaling when you take a hit of your vape? As more research is done in the area, looking into the chemicals and possible reactions that occur when those chemicals are heated, it’s becoming more and more clear that vaping is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

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Dr. Celine Kelso, a respected researcher from the University of Wollongong, brought to light some concerning truths about the nicotine levels in vape liquids. When speaking on the chemical, physiological and psychological effects of e-cigarettes, she explained that despite what labels might suggest, nicotine lurks in a lot of the disposable vapes people are purchasing — even those that claim otherwise. This means that a lot of people aren’t aware of the amount of nicotine they’re actually consuming.

“Although disposable vapes do not have a listed nicotine concentration, our study of over 100 donated samples has found that all e-liquid solutions within these disposable vapes contained, on average, four to five per cent nicotine. We are yet to analyse a disposable device that did not contain any nicotine.”

Nicotine is an addictive substance, also present in tobacco, that can rewire your brain and make you more susceptible to substance addiction.

It's not just nicotine that’s the problem either — the aerosol (the ‘smoke’ that vapes make) can irritate airways, which can lead to coughing, a sore throat and even trigger and aggravate asthma symptoms.

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When you vape, you could be exposing yourself to over 200 chemicals from three main sources — the ingredients in the e-liquid, chemical reactions that occur when the liquid is heated and contaminants that leach into the liquid from the device itself — meaning you’re creating and ingesting a toxic cocktail with every pull.

While the long-term effects of vaping remain uncertain, we already have evidence of the harm it can cause to vital organs like the lungs and brain.

In extreme cases, vaping has been linked to severe lung injury and even death. Cases of vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported, with chemicals like vitamin E acetate causing significant damage to the lungs. And these particular health risks aren’t exclusive to just nicotine vapes.

Let's take a closer look at what's actually lurking inside those vape liquids. Among the roster of ingredients, you'll find names like propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and acetoin. The same chemicals are commonly used in products like antifreeze and paint thinner and should definitely ring some alarm bells if you think about the fact that you’re ingesting them.

Plus, the flavouring agents that give your vape its signature taste haven't undergone rigorous testing for inhalation toxicity. So, while they might make your vape experience more enjoyable, the long-term effects of inhaling these flavourings remain uncertain and could cause you even more harm.

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When you fire up your vape, the heating process can trigger some unexpected transformations. That includes the production of formaldehyde, which is proven to cause cancer. And, as if that isn’t enough, don’t forget about the potential contaminants in your vape device itself. Heavy metals, like lead and arsenic, could find their way into the vapour you’re inhaling, courtesy of your vape's components.

While vaping may have been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking originally, the reality is far more complex. With so many chemicals lurking in vapes — and the ones created when you’re using them, you’re exposing yourself to so many risks — known and unknown. While research continues to unravel the long-term effects of vaping, one thing is obvious — inhalation of toxic chemicals can cause real harm. So, before you take another puff from that vape, consider the toxic truth behind the flavours.

If you find yourself struggling with vaping or nicotine addiction, know that help is available. When you’re in need of extra support, reach out to friends and family — or Quitline on 13 7848. Remember to be kind to yourself, understand that it’s a process and yours will be unique to you.