A vicious rumor circulating on social media in 2015 claimed that e-cigarette vapor is filled with formaldehyde. The details of this study were published in an article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The author himself claimed that vaping is 15 times more toxic than smoking, which was a blatant lie.
Since PG was blamed for Formaldehyde, and most e-liquids contain PG, the vaping community immediately protested the NEJM study. Meanwhile, a group of 40 scientists wrote a strongly critical letter to NEJM, demanding that they explain and immediately take down the article.
The scientific community has confirmed that the author of the study accidentally or intentionally pushed the power of the experimental equipment up to 800 degrees Celsius, leading to the creation of such a high concentration of formaldehyde. The average power normally used is only at 200 - 250 degrees Celsius.
Everyday foods containing PG
PG is not a new substance created by the vaping community to mix with e-liquids. Since 1900, scientists have been experimenting with PG as an antibacterial agent. In 1940, Professor Theodore Puck discovered that vaporized PG could kill airborne bacteria such as pneumococci, streptococci, and staphylococci pathogens.
Scientists have long known that PG is harmless to humans, which is why the NEJM article is so controversial. Here are some common everyday items that contain PG.
Ice Cream: Summer is always the time for ice cream. Next time you go to the store and pick up an ice cream cone, take a look at the packaging. You may find PG listed among the ingredients.
Cake mix: PG is a sweetener added to cake products.
Flavored teas like Dunkin Donuts contain PG. Flavor extracts and colors used in baking contain PG. In fact, the U.S. FDA has classified PG as safe for humans. PG is only harmful when used in large amounts, and can cause skin rashes.
