Vegetable glycerin (VG) or propylene glycol (PG) performs as the liquid component of e-cigarettes. The e-liquid vapor becomes the smoky substance inhaled by the user, aka the vaper. Most reported side effects of VG and PG inhalation involve discomfort rather than physical harm.

The most common discomfort of PG is a dry throat. PG coats the throat and draws moisture from throat tissue. The dryness often develops into a sore throat. Sucking on a hard candy may alleviate this symptom. Increased water consumption also proves helpful.

Aching and cramping muscles are another side effect of PG. PG breaks down into lactic acid, which is the same toxin released during massage. Increased water consumption flushes lactic acid from the body and relieves aches and cramps.

Night sweats and diarrhea may occur in those using PG.

Research conducted on the discomforts and side effects of e-juice show that almost all occurrences are short lived. Without a switch to VG, most problems disappeared on their own in one or two weeks. This indicates the problems were likely due to a period of adjustment.

Users suffering from side effects of PG found they have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to the product. In almost all cases, a switch to VG eliminated the side effects to users of PG as an e-liquid.

E-liquids mistakenly receive blame for some effects. Instead, these effects result from nicotine withdrawal or overdose. Acne, headaches and shakiness indicate nicotine withdrawal. Dizziness, a racing pulse and slurred words indicate nicotine overdose. Switching to a cartridge with the proper dose of nicotine should remedy these issues.

Some side effects are positive. These are the same benefits noticed when a person stops smoking. The morning smoker’s cough dissipates. Sinuses clear and the ability to notice subtle scent returns. Breathing becomes deeper and clearer. The lingering smell of stale smoke no longer clings to hair and clothing. In general, the body becomes healthier.

The side effects of e-juice are positive and negative. The negative effects are not nearly as severe as the negative effects of smoking tobacco cigarettes. Between e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes, the less harmful choice is clear. Provided the e-liquid manufacturer and its facilities are reputable, there is little risk in e-cigarettes. These items certainly offer much less risk than inhaling tobacco cigarettes.

Many smokers across the world are switching to electronic cigarettes to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco use. Most e-cigs use a rechargeable battery, and the nicotine is delivered through a cartridge or cartomizer. The cartridges can be refilled with e-liquid, and the cartomizers contain pre-filled e-liquid with varying amounts of nicotine. Because nicotine can be harmful, it is important to follow some safety guidelines regarding the usage and handling of e-liquid.

Storage Temperatures

Users should store e-liquid at or below room temperature for best results. E-liquid should not be stored in places that could reach high temperatures. Many e-cigarette users store their e-liquid or unused cartomizers in the refrigerator to keep the solution fresh.

Usage Guidelines

When filling electronic cigarettes with e-liquid, it is important to only fill cartridges that are approved for this use. Users should not try to add liquid directly to the battery or any other component that is not meant to hold e-liquid. Adding the right amount of e-liquid may take some getting used to. Experts recommend adding only a few drops at a time to better estimate how much liquid the cartridge can hold. It is important to avoid overfilling the cartridge as this could lead to the liquid leaking out or clogging the device. Many e-liquid bottles come with easy-to-use droppers that help the user control the amount of liquid dispensed. Those who do not wish to deal with the refilling of cartridges may find the use of pre-filled cartomizers preferable. With these components, the user puffs on the e-cigarette until it is dry and simply replaces the cartomizer with a new one.

Warnings

E-liquid should be kept away from children at all times. Nicotine is a dangerous chemical and can be fatal if swallowed. E-cigarette users should keep their e-liquid and unused cartomizers in locked cabinets or drawers out of reach of children. Discarded cartridges and cartomizers should also be kept away from children as they may be inclined to chew on them or put them in their mouths. If children accidentally ingest the nicotine solution, paramedics should be called immediately.

When handling e-liquid, it is possible for the solution to spill, and the nicotine can seep into the skin. If the e-liquid comes into contact with the skin, users should wash it off immediately with soap and water. Safe handling of e-liquid requires proper storage away from children and a solid knowledge of nicotine’s harmful effects.

In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes contain another principle ingredient. The ingredient will be either propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG). The classification “generally recognized as safe” applies to both. Research to date indicates either e-liquid presents less risk than smoking tobacco cigarettes.

Long-Term Effects

Inhalation of PG and VG in this manner is new. As a new method, the long-term repercussions of e-juice inhalation are unknown. The use of both in food, pharmaceutical and hygiene products is long-standing. Negative impact of the liquid in these other forms of consumption and use is negligible.

It deserves mention that asthma inhalers containing PG show no significant long-term harm. The amount of PG inhaled with asthma treatment is vastly different from the amount inhaled with e-cigarettes. The difference disallows using studies of PG in asthma inhalers as a basis for e-cigarette use, but those studies do show potentially low risk.

The known long-term effects of tobacco cigarettes are numerous. Heart disease, stroke and COPD can result from cigarette smoking. There are possible links to macular degeneration and cataracts. Considering the carcinogenic properties of up to 60 tobacco ingredients, the high cancer risk associated with cigarette smoking is not surprising.

Side Effects

The effects of PG relate to discomfort rather than health. A few PG users report dry throats leading to sore throats. It may also cause muscle aches and cramping. There have been rare reports of diarrhea. A switch to VG relieved almost every user’s discomfort. There is minimal reporting of side effects from VG usage.

The side effects of tobacco cigarettes are numerous. Shortness of breath, increased pulse and reduced immunity to illness are a short list of hazards to health. Some side effects are purely superficial. These include wrinkles, stained teeth and fingers, and clinging odor. The remaining hazards are too many to continue listing.

Choosing an e-juice is a matter of personal preference. VG offers a sweeter taste. PG offers more of a hit to the throat. Choosing either one over smoking tobacco cigarettes appears to have less risk. There is a lack of conclusive, long-term studies of the liquid component of e-cigarettes. Despite the lack, research suggests e-liquid at its most harmful will not come near the level of harm caused by smoking tobacco cigarettes.