Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Regan Glover on 10/03/2011 10:30:03

Title: Are electronic cigarettes safe?
Post by: Regan Glover on 10/03/2011 10:30:03

Regan Glover asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris
 
I have recently decided to purchase a TWISP electronic cigarette. 

I have been looking on the net for articles etc. relating to any possible pitfalls in the TWISP or its liquid that you have to use.  I am desperate to quit smoking and this does seem like a great possible alternate as opposed to cold turkey. 

All articles found are generally from TWISP itself, so no real point in listening to the manufacturer as they wont tell you what's bad about it. 

So, basically, is nicotine (which is in the liquid) bad for you on its own, and vegetable glycerol/glycerine and de-ionised water are the ingredients stated on the bottle, nothing else?

Kind Regards,
 
Regan Glover

What do you think?

Title: Are electronic cigarettes safe?
Post by: Don_1 on 10/03/2011 17:16:09

I suggest you take a look at this from the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/video_and_audio/7658334.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/video_and_audio/7658334.stm)

Title: Are electronic cigarettes safe?
Post by: Bored chemist on 10/03/2011 18:47:40

Nicotine is more toxic (weight for weight) than hydrogen cyanide.
Glycerine is practically non toxic, but if you heat it you can get acrolein.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrolein
Not nice stuff to breathe.
They might be less bad for you than ordinary cigs, but there's no way I would describe the product as safe.