Do E-cigarettes Contain Nicotine, and What Are the Health Risks?

  Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and what are the health risks of long-term use of nicotine-containing e-liquids? Many newcomers to vaping may have this question. Let's start by discussing the components of e-cigarette e-liquids. Nicotine is typically one of the four key elements in e-liquids, along with PG, VG, and additives. However, there are many mixed reports about how it should be used and how dangerous it really is. Here is a one-stop guide to what you need to know about the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarette vapor.

  Nicotine is an alkaloid extracted from the tobacco plant. It can be synthesized, but this is an expensive process, so it is not commonly done. It is even found in common foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. Nicotine acts as both a relaxant and a stimulant, with reported effects including mood elevation, alertness, and sedation. It is generally considered to be physically and psychologically addictive, which is why many people use varying levels of nicotine when they start smoking. Commercial e-liquids can be purchased without nicotine, but they usually come with a range of advantages. The most common concentrations are: 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, 24mg, and even 36mg, which indicate the nicotine content per milliliter of e-liquid. Some companies express this as a percentage for each solution, such as 1.2% instead of 12mg/ml. The amount is the same, just displayed differently.   What nicotine strength should I start with?   This is a common question, and unfortunately, there is no clear answer as it varies from person to person. However, we can provide some basic pointers.   Flavor—For some, the taste of liquid nicotine can be unpleasant, and the higher the concentration, the more it can affect the flavor of your e-liquid. If you find the taste too strong, stick to low to medium strength e-liquids.   Throat hit—High nicotine can cause throat irritation, which many quitters seek. However, e-liquids with high PG content can also provide a satisfying throat hit, but be aware that low nicotine levels in PG may not satisfy many former or current smokers' needs. Optimizing the preferred ratio of PG/VG and nicotine will ultimately be a personal journey.   Nicotine addiction—If you are a heavy smoker, you may be inclined to buy high nicotine. However, vaping feels quite different from smoking, and this may not be necessary.   Usage level—For example, if you use nicotine infrequently throughout the day, high nicotine may work for you. If you vape continuously like smoking, suddenly consuming high nicotine can cause dizziness and nausea. Many prefer to vape in a more casual manner, taking longer puffs more frequently. This method is better suited for lower nicotine levels, and indeed many experienced users use low or even zero nicotine e-liquids.   In summary, we recommend beginners lean towards low nicotine e-liquids, even if they consider themselves heavy smokers. If you are determined to try high nicotine, we suggest getting a bottle of low-strength e-liquid for comparison. Also, it is best to choose reputable e-liquid manufacturers, such as those with FDA certification, like the parent company of Firearm e-cigarettes, Borton Flavor Co., which is a solid choice.     Should I adjust my nicotine intake?   As mentioned above, many vapers eventually lower their nicotine levels. Improved flavors are one reason, and it can also help you find your "sweet spot" more easily. If you want more nicotine, you can simply vape more until you feel satisfied, but if you consume too much nicotine in a short time, you may feel uncomfortable. If you want to reduce your nicotine consumption, take it slow—start from a medium level and then try to lower it to low over a month or two, continuing until you reach a level that feels comfortable. Ultimately, you may find that you don't need nicotine at all and can switch to zero-strength e-liquids. Of course, if you feel that e-liquids do not satisfy your nicotine cravings, you can switch to a higher strength, but be aware of the potential downsides and adjust your overall consumption accordingly.   The dangers of nicotine   Nicotine is often considered a deadly poison. This is somewhat true, but there is evidence that the risks are exaggerated, especially regarding nicotine in e-liquids. For over a century, textbooks and scientific publications have listed a lethal dose for adults as 30-60mg. However, the origin of this claim is controversial, and a 2013 study revised this lethal limit to 500-1000mg (though this is not advisable for trained professionals or scientists). These amounts far exceed the nicotine content of an average bottle of e-liquid.   However, vaping too much nicotine can have adverse effects.   Dizziness and nausea are common symptoms of mild nicotine overdose. But, similar to consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, the answer is to stop your intake and reduce the strength next time. However, the onset of these nicotine effects can be so pronounced that it is difficult to avoid minor discomfort during the vaping process.   Considering the increasing number of vapers worldwide, especially compared to the fatal overdoses associated with medications like acetaminophen, tragic cases related to nicotine handling are quite rare, but they emphasize the importance of keeping your vaping devices away from children and pets. Be cautious with your e-liquids, but if you accidentally spill a drop on your skin or have some droplets in your mouth, don't worry. The nicotine levels in commercial e-liquids should not poison you or harm your skin—if you're concerned, just wash it off or spit it out.   For those who DIY, the dangers of nicotine are a more pressing issue, which we will discuss in future articles.   What is the significance of smoking a cigarette?   This is a common question and an easy one to answer. A study using an automated smoking machine showed that vaping delivers less nicotine than smoking, but this may not be accurate. The various vaping techniques and individual inhalation methods mean there is no consensus on the degree of nicotine absorption under a single resistance. More research is needed to measure this accurately. Until then, the only advice is to experiment with different variations to find what works for you, and once you feel satisfied, stop vaping. The comforting fact is that whatever you consume is far less than the 4000 chemicals commonly found in tobacco smoke.   Over time, PG, VG, and nicotine will degrade, with nicotine degrading faster. Flavors will also fade, but to a lesser extent. Over time, nicotine will turn a yellow-brown color and develop a pungent, stale odor. However, many vapers' e-liquids have aged for a long time, as the nicotine content in e-liquids does not reach levels that would cause catastrophic changes. When in doubt, throw it away. But if it tastes good, go ahead and buy it.   Side effects—While vaping means fewer harmful chemicals found in tobacco, this does not mean nicotine itself is completely harmless. There is a general consensus (though increasingly debated) that nicotine is addictive; it is classified as having moderate to low physical dependence and moderate to high psychological dependence. It has been shown to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate (during consumption), and is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Conversely, it can enhance performance, particularly in attention, memory, and motor skills. If you look closely, the pros and cons are closely related to the effects of caffeine.   Impact time—Nicotine in cigarette smoke reaches the brain within 10 seconds and the central nervous system within five minutes. However, evidence shows that the particle size in cigarette smoke is much smaller than that found in e-liquids. This means that the time it takes to absorb nicotine from vapor may be longer than from smoking, possibly taking up to 30 seconds to reach the brain. It is often believed that smoking leads to a quicker nicotine hit, while vaping has a milder, slower effect. Again, more research is needed to get a true picture.   Time in the system—Like smoking, this depends on many factors such as metabolism and the duration of smoking or vaping (and the strength of nicotine consumed), but trace amounts of nicotine (through its metabolite, cotinine) are usually detectable 48 to 72 hours after your last intake. If you want to check yourself, you can purchase a nicotine test cheaply.