Glycerin: harmful to the body when inhaled, smoked

Glycerin is a substance used in various industries. The component is added to cosmetic products, medicines and confectionery products. It is used in the production of e-juice for vaping, etc.

It is a trihydric alcohol with a viscous, liquid structure. The product is extracted primarily through the chemical processing of fats.

This ingredient is very common in various fields. At the same time, the question involuntarily arises: is such a product safe and what is the harm of glycerin with regular use?

In order to answer it, it is worth considering the strengths and weaknesses of the liquid, as well as its effect on the human body.

What is an electronic cigarette

Today, smoking electronic cigarettes is a mass hobby that affects both men and women. In any public place you can see a person with a newfangled device in his hands. Quite often you can hear that smoking an electronic cigarette is not as harmful as a regular cigarette, and with its help you can reduce the damage to the lungs. Is this really true and is glycerin in electronic cigarettes harmful?


Electronic smoking devices were invented 10 years ago in Hong Kong. Within a few years, the invention gained fantastic popularity in all corners of the world. Essentially, an electronic cigarette is a smoking device into which a cartridge with so-called refill liquid is inserted. It operates on the principle of evaporation: during the smoking process, a smoking liquid with a special chemical composition evaporates, which contains a flavoring agent to create a characteristic odor that the smoker needs to inhale. The composition of the smoking liquid for the cartridge is as follows:

  • Propylene glycol is a food additive that acts as a solvent. Being part of the smoking liquid, it helps nicotine penetrate as deeply as possible into the human body.
  • Nicotine is present in electronic cigarettes in the same way as in regular cigarettes. But e-cigarettes contain purified nicotine, the toxicity of which is noticeably lower.
  • Vegetable glycerin is the main part of the smoking liquid, since it is this substance that is directly “responsible” for the consistency of the smoking composition, giving it a pleasant taste and smell.
  • Purified water.
  • Flavors.

Nicotine has the most harmful effects. Of course, electronic devices use carefully purified nicotine, the effect of which is less aggressive. But still, the harm from nicotine is very noticeable - it can cause the development of cancer, various diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.


That is why, despite the multi-level purification system, even purified nicotine can cause serious harm to the smoker’s body. The only advantage of this substance is that nicotine purified using this system does not cause nicotine addiction.

Prolene glycol is a thick substance that does not have a distinct odor or color. It is used in some food products and is intended to preserve food for a longer period of time. If we talk about propylene glycol in electronic cigarettes, this substance sometimes has an irritating effect on the mucous surface of the respiratory tract, which can lead to the development of serious allergic reactions.

Status of vaping in the world

One way or another, as of today, vaping is considered a legal activity even in public places in many countries, while smoking regular cigarettes is strictly prohibited there. The fact is that legislators in many states do not classify electronic cigarettes as tobacco products, so “vaping” is formally allowed even in places such as hospitals, beaches, universities, all types of transport, bars and cafes.

So, think about the children who are exposed to the products emitted by cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and this is unintentional. As Dr. Lee Cantrell, director of California Poison Control in San Diego, said, the question is not whether the child will be seriously poisoned or killed. The question is when?

Nicotine: a time bomb

Like a regular cigarette, an electronic cigarette contains a highly addictive substance, nicotine. This organic molecule, which today is mainly recognized and feared for its presence in tobacco, is a natural plant insecticide found mainly in tobacco and some other plants. When you inhale a traditional cigarette, nicotine is transported in the body on tar droplets that cross biological membranes. In an e-cigarette, nicotine is not transported via tar, but is rather inhaled through a physical process.

Since their invention, electronic cigarettes, due to their permission to be used in public places, regularly cause controversy and conflict in society. Their fans claim that the “electronic” habit is much safer both for the smokers themselves and for the people around them. The invention is a real breakthrough in technology and can save many addicted lives. Opponents of the innovation categorically disagree with this. They do not see a significant difference between electronic and paper cigarettes, insisting that they should also be prohibited in crowded places. So who is right? Are there reasons to ban vaping?

Inhalation absorption is the fastest way for a nicotine addict to meet her needs as it travels twice as fast as the brain, like an IV. Once its path has traveled to the brain, nicotine employs the same function of acetylcholine, a natural neurotransmitter. Nicotine and this enzyme will play the same role to adhere to the nicotine receptor. This receptor tends to allow dopamine, the hormone that produces feelings of pleasure, to pass through. By opening the door to these hormones, nicotine allows the brain to generate greater feelings of pleasure.

Glycerin - description of the substance

The effect of glycerol on the human body has not been fully studied to date. As part of the smoking liquid, glycerin evaporates, and the resulting vapor is inhaled by the person . Are glycerin vapors harmful and do they harm the human body?

Glycerin is a substance that has a thick consistency, colorless and odorless. At temperatures above 17 degrees Celsius, glycerin becomes liquid. For many decades, glycerin has been widely used in a variety of industrial areas: in the manufacture of cosmetic products and hygiene products - various creams, lotions, masks, shampoos, soaps. This substance is also used in the production of confectionery products, alcoholic beverages, and pharmacological preparations.

Some women believe that smoking electronic cigarettes has absolutely no effect on the female body. This is far from true.


In most cases, food glycerin is well tolerated by the body, but in some cases this substance can cause the following side effects:

  • Various allergic reactions.
  • Pathologies of the excretory system.
  • Deterioration of the sense of smell and loss of sensitivity of taste buds.
  • Upper respiratory tract irritation.
  • Various disorders of the vegetative-vascular system.

To understand what will happen if you smoke glycerin electronically, numerous studies were conducted, during which it was revealed that in most cases, smoking glycerin does not have any negative effects on the human body.

But still, this substance cannot be considered completely safe and harmless. The harm of glycerin to the lungs cannot be denied. Inhalation of glycerin vapor causes the substance to settle in the lungs, creating a dense film on the surface, making it difficult for air exchange and hydration. Therefore, the effect of glycerol on the lungs can be negative.

Harm of glycerin to the body when inhaled and smoked

Smoking electronic cigarettes is a newfangled trend that has appeared quite recently, but has already gained wide popularity among many men and women. Today, many nicotine fans have replaced conventional cigarettes with electronic cigarettes, which contain glycerin .

And this is not surprising, because such devices make it easy to smoke in public places and also save money. Is there any harm to the body when inhaling glycerin or are e-cigarettes completely safe?

Properties of glycerin

Glycerin poisoning is possible from excessive smoking of e-cigarettes . An overdose of glycerin is expressed in the form of nausea, heaviness in the chest, and deterioration of breathing.

Read more: How long should batteries be charged?

The benefits and harms of glycerin for various internal organs:

  1. Respiratory system – with active smoking of electronic cigarettes, rapid hydration of the upper respiratory tract occurs. This means that moisture is lost and the fabrics simply dry out. The result of such drying can be a sore throat and increased dryness of the nasopharynx. In addition, the harm from vaping glycerin can result in skin dehydration. If you constantly smoke glycerin, such an unpleasant phenomenon as a sore throat and swelling of the nasopharynx occurs.
  2. Why is glycerin dangerous for the cardiovascular system? Some experts believe that smoking electronic cigarettes leads to various problems with blood vessels and circulatory disorders. An overdose is fraught with a sharp spasm of blood vessels, which can cause sudden jumps in blood pressure and disruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle.
  3. How does glycerin affect large amounts of water and high temperatures? Overheating of glycerin leads to the production of a special substance called acrolein, which is a powerful carcinogen and irritates the mucous surface of the nasopharynx.
  4. It is enough to smoke one e-cigarette to cause an imbalance in the water balance in the body , which can result in impaired kidney function.
  5. Men and women who are prone to allergic reactions should be most careful when using electronic cigarettes. In such cases, exposure to glycerin vapor can lead to skin rashes, swelling, and even anaphylactic shock.

In medical practice, one can find evidence that systematic smoking of electronic cigarettes with glycerin has a direct effect on blood sugar levels, and also provokes the development of hyperglycemic coma. For this reason, smoking e-cigarettes is strictly not recommended for people with diabetes.

Glycerin smoking can lead to such serious problems as attacks of allergic asthma, diseases of the genitourinary system, the appearance of vegetative-vascular dystonia, loss of sensitivity of taste buds, and noticeable irritation of the mucous surface of the nasopharynx.


This is not a complete list of side effects that the substance present in electronic cigarettes has.
Glycerin is a substance that has a negative effect on the condition of the kidneys and skin. The greatest danger lies in excessive overheating of glycerin - as a result of this process, the production of a carcinogenic substance called acrolein occurs, which has a negative effect on the condition of the respiratory system.

You should not think that the quality of an electronic cigarette directly depends on the manufacturer of the device. All electronic smoking devices contain the same list of components, consisting of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, various flavors, and purified water. Regardless of the manufacturer, the composition of the electronic cigarette remains unchanged.

Cosmetics industry

Glycerin began to be used in cosmetology in the 20th century. There are 2 types of substance.

Types of glycerin:

  • Food grade – extracted from vegetable oils, which are relatively safe.
  • Technical – produced from petroleum derivatives.

Is Glycerin dangerous? Food grade glycerin is safe. The technical type of substance causes great harm to the human body. In cosmetology, glycerin is used to produce creams, lotions and others. Masks and creams help rejuvenate the skin and increase turgor. The substance has no negative effects. When using creams with glycerin, the harm from it can only be the occurrence of allergies.

Glycerin is often added to soap . If there is a high concentration of the substance in the soap, moisture loss from the skin is possible. This is dangerous due to the appearance of peeling and dehydration of the skin.

External products with glycerin should not be used for a long time. This is dangerous due to the appearance of irritation on the skin. In order to avoid an allergic reaction, preparations with glycerin should first be applied to the skin of the wrist. You need to wait a day for a reaction. If allergies do not appear, the cream or mass can be applied to the skin of the face. You should not use glycerin preparations if you have inflammatory skin diseases. This is dangerous due to the appearance of complications, swelling.

Difference from pharmaceutical glycerin


Many fans of electronic cigarettes decide to refill the cartridge themselves, using regular glycerin, which is sold in any pharmacy. It should be noted that such attempts will not be successful, since the pharmacological network sells a drug called glycerol, consisting of glycerin and purified water . This solution has a liquid consistency, and the proportions of the active components are glycine 25-30%, distilled water 30-35%.

It is for this reason that any attempts to independently refill an electronic cigarette with your own hands, using a pharmaceutical preparation, are doomed to failure; it is best to use only specially designed smoking preparations.

Is glycerin contained in e-cigarettes harmful? Doctors cannot answer this question unambiguously, since the benefits or harms of glycerin have never been scientifically proven. What are the side effects of smoking e-cigarettes too often? In case of too frequent, uncontrolled smoking of electronic cigarettes, itching, burning, sore throat, and increased dry mouth may occur . It should be noted that in most cases the substance included in the smoking mixture is well tolerated by the human body.

Smoking electronic cigarettes is a bad habit that can affect e-smoking lovers in the most unexpected ways. To summarize all of the above, we can say that glycerin most often has absolutely no effect on the human body. But in some cases, smoking cigarettes with glycerin can cause various allergic reactions - rash, itching, redness.

Most foods consumed by humans contain a wide variety of flavoring and aromatic additives. Electronic cigarettes are no exception - their aromatic base contains not only purified nicotine, but also glycerin.

Researchers say that vaping glycerin can replace a smoker’s favorite cigarettes, and at the same time almost cleanse the lungs, which is why the number of people interested in the question of the dangers and benefits of this substance is only increasing.

What's inside?

The composition of e-cigarette oil includes glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings.

A very interesting component is glycerin - a dense trihydric alcohol with a viscous texture and a sweetish taste. It is this that is used in such “inhalers” to compress the steam in the generator.

Typically, glycerin is known to women and men as an ingredient in soaps and care cosmetics that can soften and moisturize the skin.

And therefore, their worry about its presence in the smoking mixture is fully justified.

So how safe is smoking such cigarettes, and how can inhaling glycerin fumes affect your health and well-being?

Vegetable glycerin: why is it needed in electronics?

Vegetable glycerin is actively used in both the cosmetic and food industries. Moreover, it is used for a wide variety of purposes and areas of life. If we talk about its potential harm in cigarettes, it really is. However, without it, obtaining “theatrical smoke” is simply impossible.

Moreover, if you smoked regular cigarettes, be sure that you also smoked this very glycerin. It is added not only to e-liquids, but also to regular tobacco products. This is necessary to soften the “taste” of conventional paper cigarettes, as well as to protect them from drying out.

Is there any real potential harm from glycerin in e-cigarettes?

Glycerin inhaled using an e-cigarette can harm you in the following ways:

  1. Impair the functioning of the kidneys (the most common “horror story”, which actually occurs, but with completely uncontrolled consumption of the product);
  2. Provoke allergic reactions (since conventional tobacco products contain it in minute quantities, switching to electronic ones, where its concentration is higher, can contribute to the development of allergies);
  3. Irritate the upper respiratory tract (sometimes glycerin can become a catalyst for swelling of the mucous membranes, from which nasal, nasopharyngeal, and even pulmonary obstructions arise, that is, chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis);
  4. Create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria (it has been proven that smokers are generally at risk for developing respiratory diseases, but if you smoke electronic cigarettes, the likelihood of constantly recurring pathologies of your ENT organs increases even more, and precisely because of glycerin) ;
  5. Disturb the activity of the cardiovascular system (glycerin can constrict blood vessels, like nicotine; and since they are contained in combination in e-cigarette liquid, circulatory problems when smoking it are more than possible).

Glycerin can also negatively affect the sense of smell and acuity of taste. Although those who switched from regular tobacco to electronic tobacco unanimously claim the opposite.

The presence of vegetable glycerin in electronic cigarettes is a constant factor, because it is on its basis that the corresponding liquids are made.

The substance is also present in ordinary cigarettes, however, as already mentioned, in minute dosages.

But the answer to the question “is glycerin in an e-cigarette harmful” cannot be unambiguous - it cannot be said that it poses potential dangers and harm to health. We must not forget about other ingredients in the composition, which also do not have the best effect on the body. Therefore, glycerin here is not so much harmful in itself as it can enhance the harm of other components.

What glycerin is used in electronic cigarettes?

Those who do the so-called “self-mixing” are often interested in what kind of glycerin is needed for electronic cigarettes.

Glycerol, or 1-2-3-propanetriol, is a trihydric alcohol that is odorless and colorless, but can be recognized by its pleasant, dense and viscous texture, as well as a sweetish taste. Surprisingly, just a few years ago it was impossible to purchase it in the public domain.

Now glycerin is sold in standard bottles in any pharmacy, and anyone can buy it. But is this particular pharmaceutical alcohol, which costs mere pennies, suitable for “self-mixing” cigarettes?

In general, this is possible. But we must not forget about a very important thing - when evaporating, anhydrous glycerin synthesizes a potentially dangerous and harmful substance to humans, called acrolein. This lachrymal, highly volatile mixture has a pungent odor, and, settling in the structures of the respiratory tract, can cause a wide variety of diseases. Acrolein can severely irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory organs, being a substance of the first class of danger. This is a very important argument that distilled water must be added to the “self-mixing”.

How much glycerin should be added to the “self-mix” for an electronic cigarette?

Those who love dense and dense smoke should add quite a lot of glycerin to the “self-mixing”, since it is this element that is responsible for such evaporation. Ideally, it should contain at least 80% of the finished liquid for cartridges. But do not forget that in addition to it, you will have to add propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings (optional) to the mixture. By the way, if you decide to prepare the liquid yourself, you should use natural, natural flavors rather than synthetic ones.

Distilled water is an extremely important component of “self-mixing”, especially one that contains anhydrous glycerin. And here, in no case should you use ordinary boiled water or tap water.

Distilled water is a liquid that is completely purified from salts, minerals and heavy metal ions.

To obtain it at home, you need a special filter. If you have access to a moonshine still (distiller), use it to distill the liquid.

To do this, you just need to drive a certain amount of clean water through the device.

First attempts at making “self-kneading”

If you are new to making your own e-liquids, you should stick to tutorials when making your first product. We recommend that you do not deviate from the prescribed proportions and refrain from experiments at first.

But then, when you know the recipe for preparing the optimal “base” for the smoking mixture, you will be able to fully enjoy your creative impulses and unleash your imagination. It is possible that when you develop a profitable and original product, you will even be able to sell it.

Carefully choose not only glycerin, but also the other components of the “self-mixing”. Buy products only from certified sellers and licensed points of sale. Remember that one surrogate ingredient in the mixture can greatly harm your health and cause completely unexpected reactions. Be attentive to your health, since you have decided to protect it from the influence of “traditional” smoking.

Start the first preparation with a ten milliliter portion. This will be a kind of guarantee that you can throw it away without looking if you don’t like it.

Do not store “self-mix” in plastic containers, as this may give the smoke a characteristic taste and smell. We recommend that you be careful with propylene glycol - it is an excellent nicotine dissolver, so the mixture will be too strong if you add this substance in excess.

And remember - any smoking is harmful. Try to completely give up this habit as quickly as possible.

These are nuances that create no less harm to the health of the smoker and the people around him. For example, the harm from glycerin in electronic cigarettes has not been fully studied.

Glycerin composition

Glycerin (labeled E422) is a food additive. In appearance, it is a colorless and rather thick liquid with a sweetish taste. Despite the fact that the presence of additives labeled “E” usually raises suspicions about the quality, you don’t have to worry about this – the element is officially approved in absolutely all countries, and it has been used in the food industry for quite a long time.

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But here we are talking about food additives, what then can be said about glycerin in electronic cigarettes and do its vapors settle in the lungs? From a chemical point of view, the substance is a trihydric alcohol that easily mixes with water and dissolves many compounds. It is derived from animal fats, so it is not entirely clear what effects it may have on humans.

Glycerin in the food industry

Harm to the body from Glycerin when consumed. Glycerin is often added to foods. It has its own code in the classification of food additives and flavor enhancers - E422. It is used as a stabilizer, product thickening agent, and sweetener. Glycerol is often found in cakes, cakes, dairy products, jams and preserves. Glycerol can be added to cookies, chocolate, pies, pies, and baked goods.

Is Glycerin harmful? With regular consumption of products containing glycerin, over time the patient's blood flow in organs and tissues worsens. In addition, the substance is dangerous for the deterioration of kidney function. When purchasing confectionery products, as well as alcoholic beverages, be sure to read the composition of the product. If the product contains glycerin (E422), then it is better to avoid using it. If you can’t give up dangerous foods, you can reduce the amount of food you consume.

If you consume large amounts of products containing glycerin, dehydration may occur . This is especially dangerous for patients taking diuretics. Glycerin removes fluid from the body. At the same time, the blood begins to thicken and flows worse through the vessels.

What properties does glycerin have?

The use of glycerin in the food industry is necessary to give the product thickness, but this is far from the only property of this element. The main feature of the substance is hygroscopicity, that is, the ability to absorb water, which is necessary in particular in the production of soap. Glycerin can absorb water up to 40% of its own weight.

Other properties of the substance include:

  • non-toxic, which allows you to use glycerin in the household to remove various types of dirt from glass or plastic surfaces or remove minor scratches from computer monitors and mobile phone screens;
  • plasticity, which, combined with hygroscopicity, makes it possible to produce high-quality soap, but is also used for criminal purposes - the substance is used to dilute vodka so that it does not freeze in the cold;
  • disinfecting properties that allow its use in many cosmetic products.

Read more about glycerin and its vaping

The simplest polyhydric alcohol, which in its structure is glycerin, is used in a variety of types of modern industry. For standard refilling of electronic cigarettes, vegetable glycerin is used, which softens the taste characteristics and gives them a sweetish tint.

However, numerous studies have revealed the negative effects of glycerin on the body of a person who smokes electronic cigarettes. The main types of danger to the health of smokers and others include:

Drainage

Glycerin promotes active hydration, therefore, with constant smoking, symptoms such as a sore throat, increased dryness of the nasopharynx and many others may be observed. For people suffering from kidney disease, this type of smoking can cause an exacerbation. The significant harm of glycerin in electronic cigarettes also lies in its ability to cause skin dehydration.

Effect on blood vessels

Doctors have proven the negative impact of nicotine contained in EC on the condition of blood vessels and circulatory processes in the body. An extremely important point is that it is now difficult to determine the maximum permissible dose for a person. In this case, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Acrolein release

Overheating of glycerin in the presence of a large amount of water causes the release of acrolein, which is a strong carcinogen and belongs to the first hazard class. The reactivity of this substance can severely irritate the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eyes.

Vapor toxicity

At a boiling point of up to 390 degrees, glycerin vapor becomes too heavy to breathe, although it has a slightly sweet aftertaste.

It is worth considering that even the most expensive, certified electronic cigarettes contain almost the same harmful substances in different concentrations. The most categorical voice against e-cigarettes is the FDA, an American organization that, in the course of research, discovered the presence of many different carcinogenic substances in various models.

In total, the US Food and Drug Administration examined 19 cartridges from well-known manufacturers. The Russian Ministry of Health, for example, recommends refraining from smoking e-cigarettes for now - until comprehensive studies are completed.

Application area

Glycerin first became widespread in the food industry. Confectionery products and a huge number of different creams for cakes still cannot do without this element. Its popularity in the food industry has been aided by the inability to add sugar to certain foods and drinks.

The substance is used in soap making, because due to its physical properties, glycerin is simply irreplaceable - in addition to its plasticity, it also has an antiseptic effect, which makes it possible to make antibacterial soap.

The effect of glycerin on the skin is extremely positive - the effect of its use is both softening and drying, which is why it is often used in the manufacture of hand, face and body creams.

Useful video

The dangers of electronic cigarettes will be discussed below:

Glycerin is used in various fields. It is popular in the chemical, food, cosmetics and other industries. Is there any harm from Glycerin? A substance does not always bring only benefits. The substance can be dangerous if it enters the respiratory tract when using odorous products, cigarettes (electronic). Glycerin can have a negative effect on the skin when used externally. The substance can cause harm to the human body if ingested.

New fashion - electronic cigarettes

Initially, this innovation was mainly intended for those who quit smoking regular cigarettes, but gradually “vaping” became a new fashionable trend. The composition of liquid for electronic cigarettes includes the following components:

  1. Nicotine, the main component of regular cigarettes, is also found in vaping liquid. The only difference is that electronic cigarettes use purified nicotine, without additional impurities;
  2. Propylene glycol;
  3. Actually glycerin. It is thanks to this substance that e-cigarette liquid is so viscous;
  4. Various aromatic additives and water.

By the way, liquid for electronic cigarettes, in which natural glycerin predominates (up to 80%) is called soft. First of all, this composition is intended for those who are allergic to propylene glycol.

The electronic cigarette is designed in such a way that when you press the heating button, the liquid evaporates, and due to the evaporation of glycerin, a cloud of thick vapor comes out.

But is it really safe to “hover”? And is it really true that a person inhaling all these impurities will not harm himself?

Why do people smoke glycerin?

The concept of smoking glycerin is inextricably linked with the use of electronic cigarettes, where this substance is a component of the working mixture. In addition, tobacco is often treated with glycerin in regular cigarettes to soften the perception, as well as in hookahs when preparing smoking mixtures.

The most common vapor formulation in e-cigarettes contains 3 main ingredients: purified nicotine, propylene glycol and glycerin. Each of the components plays its role:

  1. Propylene glycol, a widely used dietary supplement, serves as a solvent to help nicotine penetrate the body.
  2. Nicotine in purified form is free of a number of dangerous impurities and in electronic cigarettes can effectively simulate the smoking process.
  3. Glycerin is responsible for the taste of inhaled vapor and improves the consistency of the mixture. High-quality products use only food grade glycerin, which is added to many products during cooking.

Is inhaling glycerin vapor harmful or not?

There is currently no clear answer as to whether glycerin vapors are harmful. On the one hand, the substance does not harm the body at all when inhaled, on the other hand, dryness of the mucous membranes (and associated unpleasant sensations) when “vaping” is inevitable. Glycerin “loves” water, so even in the form of vapor it tries to take it away from the inhaler. Therefore, many e-cigarette smokers often experience a sore throat and constant dry mouth.

Overheated liquid in an e-cigarette can be dangerous. In this case, acrolein begins to be released - a carcinogen that can harm a person, and in fact this is the greatest harm from glycerin. However, if you use an e-cigarette correctly, there will be no negative side effects from glycerin.

But other substances can greatly damage the body’s systems:

  • nicotine, although purified, is still far from useful, and it is in the composition of e-cigarette liquid that it causes the greatest harm;
  • propylene glycol often causes allergies;
  • Various aromatic additives can intensify allergic reactions.

Consequences for the body

Glycerin is widely used in cosmetology, medicine, the food industry, and in the production of cigarettes. It is colorless and odorless, but sweet in taste, and has the ability to accumulate water, which makes it indispensable in the production of potions, face and body creams, and soap. A glycerin mask moisturizes the skin. They even drink it for constipation.

Glycerin solution is used in home cosmetology to moisturize the skin. The solution is also taken orally to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure. But in large quantities it can cause dehydration. The problem of its content in cartridges for electronic cigarettes lies in the insufficient knowledge of this issue.

On the one hand, the substance is practically harmless. On the other hand, this issue has practically not been studied. Indeed, in gaseous form it affects the human body in a completely different way. It is dangerous to abuse what is unknown. Statistics on this issue are not yet sufficiently formed, since e-cigarettes have not been used in the world for very long.

Consequences of glycerol content in electronic cigarettes:

  • Violations of the excretory system. In small quantities it can lead to constipation. In large doses, cause diarrhea. In this case, we are talking about poisoning.
  • Allergic reactions. The most common consequence of vaping. The body simply rejects such a composition. A cough and dry mouth appear. Coughing attacks are difficult to stop. A sore throat prevents me from saying a word. Possible swelling of the upper respiratory tract.
  • Irritation of the throat and larynx. Glycerin has an ambiguous effect on the mucous membranes, so a sore throat, redness and slight swelling are common reactions.
  • Bacterial diseases. The body is also easily susceptible to colds.
  • The functioning of the vegetative-vascular system is disrupted. Vasospasm can also occur against the background of an allergic reaction. The blood supply to the brain is disrupted.
  • Loss of smell and weakened sense of taste. Glycerin affects taste buds, so e-cigarette smokers may experience a decrease in the taste perception of food.

Is glycerin poisoning possible?

If we take into account the substance in the composition of e-cigarette liquid, then, as mentioned above, the greatest harm from glycerin (up to real poisoning) is possible only in case of overheating. If we consider the entire liquid as a whole, we can come to disappointing conclusions.

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As for nicotine, in a regular cigarette it is diluted with a lot of impurities, poisonous and not so much, but its content in the tobacco filling is not as high as in the liquid for an electronic cigarette. To get a lethal dose for a person weighing 50 kg, it is enough to “evaporate” only 2 ml of liquid with a strength of 24 mg/ml. The same dose of nicotine is contained in 50 regular cigarettes with a strength of 1 mg. It turns out that if you sip on an electronic cigarette non-stop, you can end up in intensive care.

Another danger is that the nicotine in an electronic cigarette is not really felt. Thanks to a variety of aromatic additives and the same glycerin, the vaping process seems completely safe: the substances kill the bitterness of nicotine.

To all beginner steamers and more. The whole truth about the dangers of e-liquid! (maybe some didn’t know).

Often, people who have little knowledge, but who have confidently assumed the status of “expert in the chemical industry,” mislead the novice e-cigarette smoker by talking about the terrible harm of the components of e-cigarette liquid. Let's take a closer look at the potential enemy.

The basis of liquids for electronic cigarettes consists of 4 components: propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine and flavorings.

Liquid base for e-cigarettes

It is a colorless viscous liquid with a slight characteristic odor, slightly sweet taste, and has hygroscopic properties. It is an excellent solvent for various classes of compounds. Almost all low molecular weight organic compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen are mixed with it. Contained in a large number of medicines and preparations, including those for intravenous injection.

Propylene glycol is absolutely non-toxic and is approved for use as a food additive E1520 in all countries of the world. Propylene glycol is likely to pose a danger to human health only in two cases:

in case of individual intolerance (which is very rare) when ingesting several liters at once.

It is the closest relative of propylene glycol, the same colorless, viscous liquid, sweet taste and odorless. Please note (!) - glycerin is found in natural fats and oils and is produced industrially by saponification of edible fats. Glycerin is the basis of perfumes and cosmetics, soaps and adhesives, medicines, medical ointments, liqueurs, confectionery products, and emulsifiers.

Glycerin can be dangerous for humans if overheated for a long time at temperatures above 2500C (the formation of a carcinogen is possible), but, you see, no one will do this with their e-cigarette liquid.

Flavorings in e-liquids

Compared to previous components of e-liquids, flavors are the leaders in the number of prejudices and accusations. According to popular opinion, flavorings are an ominous threat to human health, a terrible “chemical” that has blatantly replaced everyone’s favorite natural flavors.

The substances used to produce flavors are generally identical to the corresponding substances found in nature. Today, there are thousands of chemical compounds responsible for natural smells and tastes. These compounds are part of the organic world and we consume them daily as part of natural fruits, vegetables, meat: ketone, aldehyde, carboxylic acids, furan and many others with names that are scary to the ear.

Thus, a flavor is a set of organic compounds copied from nature. In this case, flavors can be isolated from biological objects (natural flavors), created artificially from substances and in proportions similar to the first (flavors identical to natural ones), synthesized into chemical compounds that have no analogues in nature, but repeat the effect of natural ones (artificial flavors ). It should be noted that artificial flavors make up only about 20% of the entire list of permitted fragrant substances and are very rarely and reluctantly used by manufacturers.

Specifically, in liquids for electronic cigarettes, natural and identical to natural flavors are mainly used. Naturally, like any other substance, a flavoring agent can in some cases cause an allergic reaction, disgust or nausea. However, the proportion of flavorings in e-cigarette liquid is so small that they do not pose a serious danger to human health.

It is safe to say that of the entire composition of e-cigarette liquid, only nicotine is reasonably dangerous to health. In the absence of individual intolerance to the remaining components of the liquid, inhaled vapor from electronic cigarettes cannot cause a deterioration in a person’s well-being. Although in our world everything is possible: you could knock out your eyes with a natural apple and literally eat a pound of salt, if you wanted!

Glycerin is harmful to the body when inhaled - effects on lungs and health

In itself, this substance is not dangerous to humans. There is one “but”: glycerin breaks down during dehydration, which results in the formation of toxic acrolein. Referring to numerous vaping forums, we note that glycerin disintegrates only at 3500°C. If this is the case, then there is nothing to worry about at all.

Everything is fine, if not for A.S.’s dissertation. Belousov “Development of a highly efficient technology for obtaining acrolein from plant raw materials”, where there is no talk of any 3500°C.

The scientist, according to his research, found that glycerin decomposes already at 150-400°C in liquid form and in vapor form in the presence of catalysts.

Concept

Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish taste and a peculiar odor. It has hygroscopic properties. The boiling point of this substance is 200 degrees, and the freezing point is 60 degrees. It is considered a good solvent.

Propylene glycol is part of the lipid membranes of cells in the form of essential fatty acids involved in the transport of large molecules into cells.

Glycerin is a chemical compound of fat and water in which the water breaks the fat into small elements. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish taste and is odorless. Its boiling point is 290 degrees. Glycerin can be presented in the form of crystals that melt at a certain temperature.

The essence of an electronic cigarette

In fact, what smokes so attractively in the hands of smokers in the form of pipes, cigarillos and cigarettes is just a container with a cartridge inserted inside containing the so-called refill, a liquid for electronic smoking, which turns into elegant clouds of smoke.

The essence of the process for the smoker himself is somewhat similar to hookah smoking - the filling liquids contain different tastes, aromas, and so on. There are premium cartridges. Contains tobacco. However, you can rarely encounter them, due to their high cost; electronic devices with such filling are more likely a symbol of status, rather than everyday paraphernalia.

Liquid refills smoke all around, and the safety of precisely such refills has recently caused ongoing controversy.

Name

Propylene glycol is produced in Germany. It was manufactured and certified for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century. The term "propylene glycol" was formed by combining the words "propylene" (a hydrocarbon radical) and "glycol" (a dihydric alcohol). Possible names for this substance are as follows:

  • Propylene Glycol.
  • Propylene glycol.
  • Monopropylene glycol.
  • Dipropylene glycol.
  • Tripropylene glycol.
  • E-1520.

Glycerin is produced in Russia. This substance was first produced at the end of the 18th century. The term “glycerin” is translated from Latin as “sweet”. Possible names for this substance are as follows:

Compound

Propylene glycol consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. These elements are taken in different proportions. The chemical formula of the component is C3H8O2. This is a liquid that is a racemic mixture of several isomeric structures. One of them rotates the plane of polarization to the left, the other to the right. This is due to the asymmetric position of the carbon atom.

Glycerin contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Each carbon atom is bonded to a carbon atom and a hydroxyl group. The chemical formula of the substance is C3H5(OH)3. In addition, each carbon atom has an additional bond to a hydrogen atom. Glycerol has a valence of four. This suggests that it has a tendency to form four bonds.

Reviews

Nasiba Ergashevna Glycerin is very suitable for dry skin, there is an effect. I use this product, it really helps smooth out wrinkles better than Botox.

Natalya Glycerin is made from petroleum. If you don’t feel sorry for your skin, do it, but it’s better to do nothing at all than such chemicals. And the fact that it is in many creams means that the greedy manufacturer is saving money. And these homemade masks can be made not with glycerin, but with olive oil - there will be more benefits.

Latisa Salomatina Glycerin is a disposable blende that many manufacturers add to creams. Once upon a time, cosmetologists from Nivea told us about this.

The effect occurs due to the film formed on the skin, which prevents the skin from evaporating moisture. This makes the skin seem smoother and look better. Once you wash it off, the next day there will be no trace left of the entire procedure.

If you see glycerin in the cream, then there is no point in buying it.

Production

Propylene glycol is often produced from certain petroleum products by sublimation and purification methods, with further testing for compatibility with cells of animal origin.

The chemical and physical properties of propylene glycol make it possible to produce it from propylene oxide at a certain temperature and pressure. The products of production are three substances: tripropylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol. At the next stage, the process of separation of substances is carried out. Finished products are ready to eat. Their shelf life is 2 years.

Glycerin used to be made from soap. This process was very difficult. Soap was made from animal and vegetable fats. When fats interacted with alkali, a soap solution was obtained. When salt was added, soap was formed. What remained was a mixture of glycerin and impurities. At the next stage, the substance was isolated by hydrolysis, then filtered and purified.

Source: https://vinofil.ru/kurenie/glicerin-pri-nagrevanii.html

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