E-cig users might want to avoid flavored vaping liquids, according to research published by the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Findings by a team of Western New York scientists find that chemicals in “cotton candy,” “cinnamon” and “vanilla” flavored e-liquids are acetoin, diacetyl and other flavorings that are known to irritate the respiratory tract and impair lung function if inhaled.
E-liquids are usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings. Senior Author Irfan Rahman, a UR Professor of Environmental Medicine, says these findings suggest those flavorings cause inflammation and worse. He says they may also affect epithelial cells in the airways which are the first line defense against lung infections and toxins.
The study says they’re similar to artificial butter flavor used in microwave popcorn, which is known to have caused lung disease among workers who were regularly exposed at food production plants.
