When it comes to e-smoke, there are generally two concerns. Namely, is it healthy? And, what is the best recipe? To analyze these primary interests in e-smoke, the following will be considered: chemical composition, known side effects, the scent of e-smoke, and deciding among popular recipes.
What Is e-smoke?
In general, e-smoke is a byproduct of smoking the following chemicals through an e-smoking device, most commonly a vaporizer or vape-pen: Nicotine, Propylene Glycol (PG), and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), with possible additives also including water, flavorings, or ethyl alcohol to impact taste and thickness.
Known Side-Effects of e-Smoke
Adverse side effects of e-smoke are most commonly due to either overdose or allergic reaction.
The chemical composition or ratio of each chemical added in e-liquid will impact the potency and likelihood of experiencing an adverse side effect. For example, higher concentrations of additives, such as nicotine, could result in undesirable side effects.
Side effects of e-smoke with a high concentration of nicotine may include the overdose signs of: headache, nausea, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, decreased blood circulation, and death. The higher the concentration of nicotine, the higher the likelihood of experience adverse side effects. For this reason, it is strongly advised to handle nicotine products with care, and to not exceed the toxic level of 24mg of nicotine per milliliter in vape liquids.
The second common ingredient in e-liquid to cause adverse side effects is Propylene Glycol (PG). The main cause for issue with this otherwise safe to handle liquid is allergic reaction. Users tend to have increased sensitivity to this product in e-smoke and may experience symptoms ranging from more mild irritation, itching of the throat and tongue, to rashes, or more extreme anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction in which swelling closes off the airway. Extreme allergic reactions may result in death.
It is recommended that individuals experiencing any adverse side effects discontinue use immediately and seek proper medical assistance and intervention as needed.
To avoid these undesirable effects, many e-smoke users simply pay close attention to the amount of nicotine used, if any, and switch to excluding PG in their e-smoke recipes at the first signs of sensitivity.
Secondhand e-smoke
Both e-smokers and non-smokers alike might appreciate the change in the scent of the byproduct of smoking. With traditional cigarettes or cigars, the scent of smoking is often considered unpleasant, harsh, and irritating, especially to non-smokers. This undesirable scent of traditional smoke seeps into nearby surroundings, including hair, clothing, and the items in a room near the smoking activity, such as the walls and furniture.
However, with the changes in chemical compounds and the potential additions of flavoring additives, e-smoke can omit a perfume-like, and often sweet scent, which is typically considered more pleasant and desirable in comparison to traditional smoke. Due to the variances of flavor additives, e-smoke can smell fruity, or like cotton-candy to those walking by, and often the scent lingers for shorter durations in comparison to traditional smoke.
E-smoke is often perceived as less threatening than the byproduct smoke from traditional tobacco products, and it has less associated side-effects or known-risks for second-hand smoke inhalers, leading many to conclude that e-smoke is a safer alternative.
Additionally, the change in scent can often mask the fact that an individual smokes, and can, thus, help to alleviate some of the negative social stigma associated with being a smoker.
Popular Recipes
One of the appreciated traits of e-smoke for many users is the freedom to customize their individual smoking experiences. Traditional cigarettes from the factory give smokers no say in the chemicals and amounts of ingredients in the products. With the invention of e-smoking devices, individuals no longer need to rely on the one-recipe-fits-all style of tobacco companies; users are able to customize ingredients, choosing everything from flavor, to the amount of e-liquid and desired nicotine levels, if nicotine is used at all.
A popular recipe ratio is 70% PG, 30% VG, with 2-3 drops of a chosen flavor additive.
Deciding Among Popular recipes:
One of the first things an e-smoke user must decide for his/her recipe is whether or not s/he will custom design e-smoke recipes using existing flavors or kits, or if a recipe will be invented from scratch.
Due to the reasonable pricing and ease, many users opt for using e-liquids readily available through trusted American brands. Many modern e-smoke companies have made the process of customizing the smoking experience even simpler. Top e-smoke companies such as Apollo e-cigs have DIY kits for e-liquids, which make sampling new flavors or recreating favorite e-smoke recipes even simpler.
Getting Thicker, More Intense e-Smoke:
For those individuals looking to enhance the thickness of their e-smoke and intensify their flavors, many companies offer a special e-liquid to create bolder, more intense e-smoke. For example, Vaporfi’s Artisan Collection of e-liquid has been used to the satisfaction of many e-smoke connoisseurs to create intense flavor-packed puffs of e-smoke.
However, when seeking thicker, more intense e-smoke to create that “throat hit” experience, it is important to check device compatibility to avoid damaging the device.
e-smoke Savings:
Once an individual finds a recipe that works, s/he may wish to take advantage of discounts offered by companies such as V2 Cigs for buying in bulk.
Other flavor savings may come in the form of sales and special store discounts.
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose the e-smoke recipe that best suites an individual’s tastes. However, many users find this trial-and-error aspect of e-smoke both enjoyable and empowering.
No matter the recipe for e-smoke, choosing high quality ingredients is recommended to not only ensure the best flavors, but to also maximize any potential health benefits of switching from traditional smoke to e-smoke.
Overall, e-smoke is considered by many individuals to be a healthier and less intrusive option for users. While many individuals feel empowered by their control over the e-smoking experience, others remain caution and prevent e-smoke from being blown in certain areas. Common courtesy and adherence to prohibited zones of smoking may help to increase the acceptance of e-smoke.