How harmful are low-quality e-liquids?
In recent years, e-cigarettes have quickly become popular around the world due to their "harm reduction" concept and rich flavors. However, lagging market supervision has led to the proliferation of inferior e-liquids, among which the problem of excessive harmful substances such as formaldehyde and heavy metals is particularly serious. In 2023, the US FDA's random inspection showed that 23% of the commercially available e-liquids had excessive formaldehyde, while the China Consumers Association report pointed out that the heavy metal content of some e-cigarettes exceeded the national standard by more than 5 times. This article will deeply analyze the health threats of inferior e-liquids and provide practical identification methods.
1. Three fatal hazards of inferior e-liquid
1. Formaldehyde: invisible lung killer
Production mechanism: high temperature cracking of glycerol produces formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (carcinogen)
Hazard data: When the concentration is > 0.75mg/m³ (common value of inferior e-liquid), it is equivalent to inhaling industrial waste gas, and long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by 40% (WHO data)
Symptom warning: burning throat and persistent dry cough after use should be discontinued immediately
2. Heavy metals: accumulation of neurotoxins
Main ingredients: lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, etc. (from inferior atomizer core)
Human impact: excessive lead damages the development of children's nervous system, and cadmium accumulation leads to an increased risk of renal failure
Typical case: In 2022, Shenzhen seized a certain brand of e-liquid with a lead content of 1.2mg/L (national standard limit 0.05mg/L)
3. Illegal additives: sweet trap
Diacetyl (the culprit of popcorn lung), vitamin E acetate (causing pulmonary lipid accumulation), saccharin sodium (high temperature produces benzene series)
2. Four steps to identify inferior e-liquid
1. Look at the packaging
Regular products: indicate the ingredient list, production license number, GMP certification
Inferior products: no text label, barcode cannot be traced
2. Observe the properties
High-quality e-liquid: transparent and free of suspended matter (such as pure syrup)
Problem e-liquid: stratified precipitation (heavy metal precipitation), abnormal viscosity (excessive thickener)
3. Smell the odor
Qualified products: pure aroma without pungent chemical smell
Inferior products: obvious alcohol smell (solvent residue), burnt smell (glycerin deterioration)
4. Check the certification
International certification: FDA PMTA, TPD (EU)
Domestic certification: CNAS test report, beware of "laboratory preparation" and other three-no products
3.Consumer Protection Guide
1. Purchase channel selection
Give priority to brands such as Sanlei, RELX, MODI, etc., and avoid low-priced products from WeChat merchants (the unqualified rate of random inspection exceeds 60%)
2. Safety recommendations for use
Let the newly opened e-liquid stand for 24 hours (to volatilize residual solvents), avoid using it at a power higher than the recommended power (high temperature increases the generation of harmful substances), and stop using it immediately if dizziness and nausea occur
I 4. Industry regulatory trends
In 2023, China has implemented the "E-cigarette Management Measures" to enforce ingredient disclosure, and the EU has banned flavored e-liquids from 2024 (to reduce the abuse of additives). It is recommended to pay attention to the regular sampling reports of the National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Inspection Center
Conclusion: Healthy atomization requires rational choice
E-cigarettes are not absolutely safe. Choose products that have passed international certifications such as ISO8317, and avoid buying e-liquids that are 50% lower than the market average price. It is recommended that consumers replace the atomizer every 3 months and clean it regularly to avoid heavy metal deposition. Your lung health deserves more caution.
(Source of data in this article: WHO "Global E-cigarette Regulatory Report", China CDC "E-cigarette Health Risk Assessment", Journal of Analytical Toxicology)
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