Recent research out of Harvard linked a common chemical flavoring found in e-cigarettes, called diacetyl, to severe lung disease. Diacetyl is found in around 75% of all e-cigarette flavored liquids.
The lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung,” was first observed over ten years ago in workers who inhaled artificial butter flavor particles in microwave popcorn manufacturing centers.
Currently there are around 7,000 different types of flavored e-liquids on the market, meeting the growing demand for e-cigarettes. E-liquids are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although there is a proposed rule to bring these types of liquids and devices under their regulation.
Thus far there hasn’t been much research conducted on e-cigarettes. The initial focus on nicotine eclipsed testing on other types of additives and chemicals in the products. As e-cigarettes haven’t been on the market very long, their long-term effects on an individual’s mouth, throat, lungs, and nose is unknown. If you’re wanting to switch from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes, it may be a good idea to consider other forms of smoking cessation until the full effects of e-cigarettes is known.
