Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or a curious newcomer, it’s crucial to talk about how to vape e-liquids safely. With so much choice and variety in both devices and e-liquids, a great vaping experience isn’t just about keeping up with the trend; it’s about vaping responsibly.
Understanding vaping and e-liquids
First things first, let’s break down what vaping is. At its core, vaping turns a specially formulated liquid into a delicious liquid vapour that you can inhale. This is achieved with electronic cigarettes or vape devices, which are ingeniously designed gadgets that heat the e-liquid without the need for combustion.
Let’s unpack this a bit more.
The vaping process
Whether you vape disposable vapes, or you use a refillable vape pod, your vape device is essentially a small heater. It consists of a few key components: a battery, an atomiser, a heating coil, and a tank or reservoir to hold the e-liquid.
When you activate the device (either by pressing a button or simply taking a draw, depending on the model), the battery powers the atomiser, which in turn heats the coil. This heat is not random or uncontrolled; it’s carefully calibrated to be just enough to vaporise the e-liquid without burning it.
The vaping magic happens in the coil. As the coil heats up, the e-liquid absorbed by the wicking material (usually made of cotton) that’s in close contact with the coil turns into vapour. This vaping liquid vapour is what you inhale, delivering both the vape flavour and nicotine (if you need it) in a form that mimics the act of smoking cigarettes, but without the combustion of tobacco leaves.
What’s in an e-liquid
E-liquids, also known as vape juice, are typically made up of the following ingredients:
- Nicotine: This is optional and varies in concentration across different e-liquids. It’s the same stimulant found in traditional cigarettes, and in vape juices, it’s used to satisfy nicotine cravings. Nicotine is highly addictive.
- Flavourings: The variety of flavours available in e-liquids is vast, from classic tobacco and menthol to fruits, sweets, and even more exotic blends like Kiwi Passionfruit Guava.
- Propylene Glycol (PG): PG is a thin, odourless liquid that serves as a base for the e-liquid. It’s responsible for the “throat hit” that mimics the sensation of smoking tobacco. PG also carries flavours more effectively than its counterpart, VG.
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG): VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid that produces a visible vapour cloud. High VG e-liquids create denser vape clouds and are smoother on the throat, making them popular among cloud chasers and those sensitive to PG.
The ratio of PG to VG can significantly affect your vaping experience. High PG e-liquids provide a stronger throat hit and clearer flavour, while high VG e-liquids produce larger vapour clouds and are gentler on the inhale.
Why vaping is a game-changer
The absence of combustion in vaping is a critical distinction from smoking traditional cigarettes. Combustion, the process of burning tobacco, releases thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic.
Vaping, by heating e-liquid to create vapour, avoids producing these harmful substances, making it a safer alternative to smoking.
How to vape safely
To ensure you have a satisfying and risk-free vape experience, here are 7 tips for how to vape e-liquids safely.
Tip 1: Choose the right equipment
The market is flooded with vape kit options, but not all are created equal. High-quality vape kits, vape pens, and other vape devices not only give you a better experience but also come with safety features to keep you out of trouble. Avoid the temptation to modify your device, unless it’s designed to be modified, and refrain from using a charger that wasn’t designed for it. These shortcuts can lead to battery issues or worse, start a fire.
Vaping with a device set to inappropriate temperatures or vaping e cig liquid not suited for your device can also lead to unsafe vaping practices. For instance, filling your vape tank with high-VG vapour juices in a device designed for high-PG liquids can cause wicking issues and dry hits, potentially releasing harmful chemicals.
Also, don’t be tempted to try and bypass built-in safety features on your vape device to achieve specific performances, such as higher clouds or more intense flavours. This includes using mechanical mods without proper knowledge or disabling safety cutoffs. Such practices can lead to accidents, including battery failures and device malfunctions.
Tip 2: Purchase e-liquids from reputable sources
One of the biggest risks when vaping, comes from using non-certified or counterfeit e-liquids. Be especially wary of products containing THC or from the black market, as these can contain harmful substances like vitamin E acetate, lead and nickel.
If your e liquid hasn’t been produced in the UK, there’s no guarantee it’s undergone rigorous testing and therefore Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) compliant. For example, the disposable brand SKE Crystal, manufactured by Shenzhen SKE technology based in Shenzhen, China, had several lines of their disposable vapes pulled from retail shelves over concerns the devices contained more than the regulatory maximum amount of nicotine liquid.
This can’t be stressed enough. The world of e-liquids is vast, and not every seller has your best interests at heart. To vape safely, vaping e liquids and buying vape juice bottles from trusted sellers, like Vape Juice, means you’re guaranteed to only vape the safest vape juice.
Buy e liquids from Vape Juice.
Tip 3: Proper storage of e-liquids
E-liquids that have been exposed to excessive heat, sunlight, or air can degrade, leading to a change in the chemical composition. Vaping these degraded e-liquids can be harmful. For example, nicotine can oxidise when exposed to air, potentially creating harsher and more irritating vapour.
Think of e-liquids like a fine wine; they need the right storage conditions. Keep e-liquid bottles in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight to maintain their quality. And, of course, keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Safety first!
Tip 4: Understand nicotine strengths and consumption
Nicotine strength in e-liquids varies, and finding the right one for you is key to a satisfying vaping experience. Too much nicotine can be overwhelming, while too little might leave you craving more. Pay attention to your body and find a balance that works for you.
If you’re tempted to mix your own e-liquids or add substances to pre-made e-liquids to alter the flavour or nicotine strength, make sure you know what you’re doing.
This practice is risky because it can lead to unsafe chemical reactions. For instance, adding additional nicotine to an e-liquid without proper knowledge and precision can result in dangerously high nicotine levels, posing a risk of Nicotine Poisoning.
If in doubt, use the lowest amount of nicotine and increase it in your vapour juice as needed.
Tip 5: Maintain your device and replace coils regularly
A vape device that isn’t regularly cleaned or maintained can become a safety hazard. For example, an atomiser coil that’s overdue for a change can overheat, not only ruining the flavour of your e-liquid but also potentially releasing harmful substances. Similarly, a battery that’s not cared for properly can fail or, in extreme cases, explode.
A well-maintained device is a happy device. Regular cleaning and replacing coils when they wear out will keep your vaping experience smooth and enjoyable. Plus, it’ll save you money in the long run by extending the life of your device.
Tip 6: Stay hydrated
Vaping has a diuretic effect on the body, which can lead to dehydration. When you vape, the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) in e-liquids attract moisture, which can result in a dry mouth and scratchy throat.
Staying hydrated will not only counteract the dry mouth commonly associated with vaping but also ensure your body remains well-hydrated, supporting your overall health and well-being.
Tip 7: Know the ingredients in your e-liquid
As touched on above, knowledge is power.
Understanding what’s in your e-liquid can help you make safer choices. For instance, diacetyl, a flavouring compound once commonly used for its buttery taste, has been linked to serious lung conditions when inhaled.
So, when it comes to e-liquids, simplicity is key for a safe vaping experience. To reiterate, the only necessary components in any e-liquid are Vegetable Glycerine (VG), Propylene Glycol (PG), flavourings, and, if you prefer, nicotine, which can be adjusted to suit your preference or omitted entirely for a nicotine-free experience.
For the best juicy vape liquid hits, only vape e-liquids that contain these ingredients, from reputable manufacturers. Manufacturers who are transparent about their ingredients typically adhere to strict quality control standards, ensuring their products are safe for consumption.
Vaping e-liquids safely is all about making informed choices
Vaping e-liquids safely is all about making informed choices. From selecting the right equipment to understanding what goes into your e-liquids, a little knowledge goes a long way. Remember, the goal is to enjoy vaping without compromising on safety.
For more information about vaping safely, check out our vape knowledge guide. In the meantime, if you’re ready to explore the vast and exciting world of vaping, browse our curated selection of safe and high-quality vaping products: Eliquids, Disposable Vapes, Hardware & Starter Kits.
