There are more than 2,000 substances used in flavoring manufacturing. The FDA regulates flavorings to ensure they are safe when eaten. Many flavorings have been in longstanding use and are classified by the FDA as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) to eat. Thus far, the FDA does not require testing for other routes of exposure, such as inhalation. Though with new regulations, this will change in time.
Some flavoring manufacturers are using alternative substances for diacetyl in formulating flavorings. These compounds are acetoin and acetyl propionyl. Like diacetyl, these are 'GRAS' substances that are approved for use in food. Their chemical structures are very similar to diacetyl and have been found to be equally as harmful for inhalation.
Thanks for gathering the resources. Good info for all vapers to know so we can make educated choices of what we put into our bodies.
BUT....at the risk of sounding a bit cynical....
Most of us that use vapor products are doing so instead of using tobacco products. I have to say that I see some level of hypocrisy from former tobacco users/current vapor users regarding the dangers of D,A,AP,BA.
Whereas I don't think you would find much BA in tobacco, the use of the other flavorings is prevalent in the mfg of tobacco products and typically in MUCH higher concentrations than what we are exposed to in the food flavorings used for e-liquids. Mostly as there is no combustion taking place with vapor products.
So, my point is. Former tobacco users didn't have a problem with the contents of their tobacco while using it, but now they are suddenly concerned about what is in their e-juice? Millions of reported tobacco use related deaths and it didn't seem to bother the smokers. Now one guy in a popcorn factory inhales raw diacetyl on a daily basis and needs a lung transplant, and everybody is screaming like they just discovered the air they breathe is a carcinogen.
Granted I am all for an industry leaving out a possible health risk if it can be left out. Thus far, some of the flavor mfg's are doing just that. But even BA has associated health risks as it keeps diacetyl in suspension for prolonged periods which means that if a e-juice mfg has a flavor with diacetyl in it along with BA then the present diacetyl stays active longer. Not good. So even the mfg's that would appear to operate under full disclosure probably aren't really, and are only doing what they think is required to meet some ethical standard so they don't end up with egg on their faces.
The truth of the matter is, unless you take your favorite store bought e-juice to an independent lab and have it tested, there is absolutely NO guarantee that what you are vaping is D,A,AP,BA free.
Did anybody watch the interview with Pip from Suicide Bunny? The entire time she spoke she was looking to her left.... Am I the only one here that knows what that is a possible indicator of? Body language doesn't lie. Methinks Pip does.
It is in this area, and this area alone where there needs to be (insert your national regulatory commission's name here) regulations governing what can and can't be used in e-liquids that are sold for consumption. The DIY e-liquid peeps can do what they want. But to outright ban flavors because they show risk when used in an unintended manner is ridiculous. That is like banning fire so people can't smoke.
Or because one guy bought a cast iron skillet and beat his own head in with it....LETS BAN CAST IRON SKILLETS!
Put that on your dripper and vape it.
"Life is hard, being stupid makes it harder."
John Wayne
