Vapes contain a number of chemicals, metals and ultrafine particles that are poisonous when they are heated to form an aerosol and then inhaled. For example carcinogens have been found in the metals that appear in the e-liquids and aerosols, primarily from chromium and nickel and, to a lesser extent, from cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Because of their chemical makeup, certain popular flavors – such as cinnamon, vanilla, butter, and mint – are especially harmful. Research shows that when chemical flavorings for vanilla, cherry, citrus and cinnamon mingle with solvents such as polypropylene glycol and glycerol, they create new compounds called acetals, which are linked to irritation and inflammation of delicate lung tissue. So even if a bottle or pod of e-juice is labeled with its ingredients, a person vaping may not know exactly what they are inhaling. Although some of the flavoring chemicals have been deemed safe when eating or drinking, once they are heated to produce an aerosol, they form additional harmful compounds that can cause lung damage. There also is evidence that some metals and other components of vape can seep into the e-liquid and enter the lungs during the heating and inhalation process, causing lung damage ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, cancer.
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