With concerns around diacetyl in vapes, many vapers wonder what vapes have diacetyl and if they should be worried. Here’s what to know about diacetyl, including which vape juices tend to contain it and easy ways to check if your vape has this potentially concerning chemical.
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What is Diacetyl?
Scientifically known as 2,3-butanedione, diacetyl is an organic compound that gives foods and vape juices a buttery taste. It occurs naturally from fermentation but is also artificially produced as a food additive.
While generally recognized as safe for eating, diacetyl came under scrutiny when factory workers making microwave popcorn (which used diacetyl for flavoring) developed lung damage from constantly inhaling it. This gave rise to concerns about “popcorn lung” which we’ll discuss more below.
Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung?
Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a serious lung disease caused by scarred airways. It’s extremely rare, but got its name from factory workers exposed to diacetyl in microwave popcorn production years ago.
Despite sensational media stories, there’s no evidence that vaping causes popcorn lung:
- No vaper has ever been diagnosed with popcorn lung from e-cigarettes.
- Even cigarette smoke contains diacetyl levels over 100x higher than vapes, yet smoking is not linked to popcorn lung either.
So while vaping critics point to diacetyl as a risk, so far it seems unlikely to be a real-world issue. However more research is still needed.
Which Vape Juices May Contain Diacetyl?
A 2015 Harvard study found diacetyl in 39 out of 51 flavored vape juices tested. However the diacetyl levels were still far below that of cigarette smoke.
Potential sources of diacetyl in vape juice include:
- Dessert flavors like custards, creams, butters, etc.
- Some fruit flavors.
- Occasionally in tobacco flavors too.
Diacetyl often comes from the artificial flavorings used in e-liquids. Checking on this can give peace of mind for vapers concerned about diacetyl exposure.
How to Check if Your Vape Juice Has Diacetyl
The easiest way to check is to contact the vape juice company directly. Most major manufacturers test for diacetyl and will clearly list if their products are diacetyl-free.
You can also check if the ingredients list contains vague terms like “natural and artificial flavorings” which could contain diacetyl. Reputable companies tend to fully disclose flavorings.
As a shortcut, look for vape juices made in the UK/EU where diacetyl is actually banned in e-liquids containing nicotine.
The Bottom Line on Diacetyl in Vapes
While the role diacetyl plays in lung health for vapers is still uncertain, there are practical steps you can take:
- Check with manufacturers to buy diacetyl-free vape juice
- Stick to legal, regulated vape products
- Be wary of illicit THC or CBD vape cartridges
Taking these precautions lets you confidently vape while minimizing potential exposure to concerning ingredients like diacetyl. And as always, staying informed on the latest vaping research helps make the best choices for yourself.
So in summary – diacetyl in vapes poses an unproven but potential risk. Avoiding it where possible makes sense until more definitive research is available.
FAQS
Does every vape have diacetyl?
No, not every vape juice contains diacetyl. Many major vape juice manufacturers now produce diacetyl-free e-liquids. However, some flavors like desserts, custards, and certain fruits may still contain diacetyl in the flavorings. Checking with manufacturers is the best way to confirm if their vape juices contain diacetyl or not.
Does Elf Bar vape contain diacetyl?
After searching online, I could not find a definitive answer on whether Elf Bar vapes contain diacetyl or not. As a disposable vape brand, they may not publicly provide detailed ingredient listings. For those concerned, the best approach is to contact Elf Bar directly to inquire about the potential presence of diacetyl in their vape juice.
What is the safest brand of vape?
There is no universally agreed “safest” vape brand. However, reputable manufacturers that disclose ingredients, test for contaminants, and avoid concerning chemicals like diacetyl are generally considered among the safer options. Some examples include Mig Vapor, V2, and Halo. As always, doing your own research into the vape brands you use is advised.
Can you get vapes without diacetyl?
Yes, many vape juice brands now produce zero-diacetyl or “DA/AP free” e-liquid options. This gives vapers an alternative if they are concerned about potential diacetyl exposure from vaping. Some examples of brands with diacetyl-free vape juices include Tmax, Air Factory, Naked 100 and Cuttwood. Checking directly with manufacturers is the best way to confirm which of their ranges are diacetyl-free.
