Buzz
Even if a flavoring is safe to consume, that doesn't automatically make it safe for inhalation. Yet, flavored vapes have become increasingly popular, largely due to a regulatory loophole.
As Wired reports, when the FDA was established in the early 20th century, it initially regulated food and drugs, followed by cosmetics. Tobacco companies successfully lobbied to avoid being classified as a drug, which left the FDA powerless in regulating their contents or labeling.
Laws evolved over time, but it wasn't until 2009 that the FDA gained the authority to regulate new tobacco products (pre-existing ones, like cigarettes, were grandfathered in). It took years for the agency to recognize the need for action on 'e-cigarettes,' as many government entities still refer to vaping devices. A new rule mandates approval for new e-liquids and devices, though it won't take effect until at least 2020, and could be delayed even further.
Until recently, the manufacturers of e-liquids and other vaping products haven't been required to prove the safety of their ingredients before putting them on the market. While it might seem reasonable to assume that flavorings are safe, it turns out many aren't. Diacetyl, which is safe when used as a butter flavoring in popcorn, can cause a respiratory disease now known as 'popcorn lung' when inhaled. Similarly, the vitamin E acetate linked to recent vaping illnesses is safe to ingest, but it appears to be fatal when inhaled. (Most commercial flavored vapes do not contain vitamin E acetate, but it's commonly found in black market THC vapes.)
A new study has revealed that a mint flavoring, pulegone, is found in high concentrations in some e-liquids. Unfortunately, it is known to be carcinogenic and has been banned by the FDA as a food additive. It's among the carcinogens present in cigarettes and other tobacco products, but at lower levels than what’s found in the e-liquids. In short, just because something is safe to consume doesn’t mean it’s safe to inhale. However, most vape ingredients are untested, making it almost impossible to know whether what you're inhaling is harmful to your lungs or not.
