A Safety Guide for E-Cigarettes

E-cigarette usage has risen sharply in recent years. In fact, it has surpassed that of more traditional products such as cigars and cigarettes, especially among young people. Comparatively speaking, e-cigarettes are less harmful, contain lower toxins and can help those adults addicted to traditional cigarettes to reduce or quit smoking.

Despite these benefits, e-cigarettes require some safety precautions. If dropped on a duvet, carpets, or armchair they will not automatically start a fire, but care must still be taken with regard to lithium ion batteries. There are also additional risks which will be discussed below. So, what are you supposed to do to keep safe and prevent the risk of harm?

1. Battery safety

Use the right batteries.
The market is full of various types of batteries; however be suspect of company claims when purchasing. When buying your batteries' mod, you should acquaint yourself with the battery specifications. It should be noted that some batteries are good for sub-ohming; others are good for low-wattage vaping, while others do not support vaping.

Use right chargers
Only use charging devices approved by the manufacturer. Using chargers not approved by the manufacturer can damage batteries and lead to safety hazards.

The battery should not be charged unattended
Do not leave batteries unattended while charging. It is best to not charge while sleeping or away from them for any extended period. While accidents involving e-cigarette batteries are rare, the potential exists for accident or fire if batteries malfunction.

Buy from a reputable seller
Buying new vape equipment, batteries and chargers is recommended. The equipment should be from reputable stores or wholesalers. Counterfeit or second-hand equipment is very dangerous when it comes to vaping. If there is uncertainty as to why the seller is selling the equipment, it may be faulty. Avoid purchasing products that are discounted un-reasonably or offered at less than reputable establishments.

As of January 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration finalized restrictions on the sale of flavored varieties of e-cigarettes to deter usage by minors. Broad measures have also been adopted to restrict access by minors in marketing channels. Those regulations may be viewed here.

Summer cautiousness
Exercise caution using e-cigarettes in hot summer months. Excessive heat can lead to damage of a battery’s resin.  Avoid use in temperatures above 75°C. Also, avoid storing near boilers, radiators or flammable materials and products.

2. Beginner's safety

Beginner e-cigarette users face a learning curve. Though designed for ease of use, it does take some getting used to to know when equipment is running low on fluid and how to replace it. If the cartomizer gets hot, the device should be allowed to cool for a few minutes. In addition, an empty cartomizer can be identified by a drop in a flavor or vapor production. To minimize this, many models employ a plastic tip to cover the mouthpiece to minimize the evaporation of e-liquid.

3. Cartomizer's safety remedies

Aside from the fact that the cartomizer gets hotter if used for an extended period, there are also risks associated with cartomizer-liquid. Nicotine itself is a poisonous substance. As nicotine is the primary component in e-liquids, it tends to have a toxifying effect. Most people come in contact with e-liquids via a leak at the tip of the cigar, and the experience is dangerous and unpleasant.

Incidental exposure to nicotine is no small concern, and measures should be taken to avoid it. You don't have to inhale as strenuously on an e-cigarette as you do a conventional cigarette. Take slower and longer puffs, and if you are using manual batteries, inhale as you release the button. This helps minimize condensation. It is best if you keep your e-cigarette tip upright to avoid exposure to the liquid. In the event e-liquid gets in your mouth, spit it out. Avoid using hands to wipe as nicotine is easily absorbed by skin cells. Use a paper or cloth to wipe your mouth.

4. E-liquid safety mechanism

Care must be exercised with e-liquid safety. Consumption of e-liquids by children or pets can be fatal. Measures should be taken to avoid these risks, such as storing out of reach in a cool, dry, and dark place. A wall-mounted cabinet can be a good place for storage. Child proof caps are a good additional measure. In addition, one should take care when refilling tanks, cartomizers, and other atomizers to avoid exposure to skin.

5. Driving and vaping safety

Vaping while driving is fine, but one needs to avoid any additional activities. Vaping is safer for driving than smoking but do not attend to mechanical issues while vaping. If you do vape while driving, ensure the battery is fully charged, there is enough e-liquid and everything is connected.  Any related activity requiring the use of two should be done while the vehicle is stationary.

6. Carrying safety

Please do not put e-cigarette batteries in bags or pockets. Unprotected e-cigarette batteries can short-circuit when they contact objects such as coins and keys or other metallic objects. This can cause battery venting and a potential explosion. Battery cases are recommended to prevent this. Cases come in multiple designs, sizes, and materials.

7. Health conditions safety remedies

Certain health conditions are associated with nicotine sensitivity.  A common symptom is throat irritation. This is caused by the propylene glycol (PG) used to make e-liquids. Throat irritation is categorized as a PG allergy.

Nicotine can irritate health conditions such as asthma, hyperthyroidism, skin irritations, insulin-dependent diabetes, and heart disease. It can also interact with drugs such as antidepressants and steroids. If you have one of these conditions, consult your doctor before attempting any vaping. Expecting mothers should stop smoking and abstain from using e-cigarettes. The nicotine in e-cigarettes is dangerous for both the mother and fetus.

8. Prudent nicotine consumption

You may have heard about people using an overdose of nicotine, especially those in the bracket of 40 to 75 mg. There is no absolute standard for levels of nicotine to be regarded as toxic. It is difficult to determine “overdose” levels. But since nicotine is a well-known toxic substance, caution must be taken. High concentration of nicotine in the blood can contribute to respiratory complications or in some cases even death. Those vulnerable should stop vaping.

Vapers should be aware of potential nicotine related symptoms. Excessive salivation, dizziness, abdominal pains, vomiting, nausea, trouble breathing, and rapid heartbeat can all be effects of nicotine. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, it's a clear signal that your body has been overexposed to nicotine and you should take a break from your vaping routine.

9. Expiration of e-liquids

Expiration dates and shelf-life are often debatable for many newer products.  Manufacturers can sometimes put forward inaccurate expiration dates. There is no officially recognized expiration date for e-liquids.  However, an idea may be inferred from the commonly accepted shelf-life of PG, nicotine and VG—which is approximately two years. If e-liquids have not been consumed within this time, sediments may develop. If these sediments do not readily dilute with the rest of the liquid by shaking, it is time to replace. 

10. Do it yourself (DIY) mixing criteria

Making your own e-liquid can be economically beneficial.  However, you should not attempt this without researching and implementing proper mixing methods. One must be aware of the e-cigarette safety concerns related to handling high-content nicotine. Undiluted concentrations of nicotine can be fatal. It is advisable for beginners to buy concentrations less than 60 mg. Isopropyl alcohol should be readily available to use on any spills. Use latex, goggles and nitrile gloves and multiple containers for any mixing activities.

You should know how to establish the content percentage of nicotine through calculation.  What will help you in this situation is the e-liquid strength calculator. Nicotine percentage is determined by the total amount of nicotine (mg) divided by the liquid in the volume (ml).

11. Tank's safety measures

One of the best features of vaping is multiple flavors of e-liquids. Nonetheless, this benefit can cause some problems when it comes to clearomizers and some tanks. It must be noted that polycarbonate plastics cannot stand up to strong bases and acids.

Use of PETG, Pyrex, metal, or glass tanks is the best way to avoid the risk of the liquid cracking the bottle. In addition, before you buy the bottle, you should check the ingredients or component’s list for compounds that react with the bottle.

12. Quality of nicotine

Nicotine is nicotine, whether you are smoking or vaping. The quality of nicotine is a key determinant in enjoying your vaping experience in your vaping. High-quality nicotine means you are taking in a purer concentration, and you can use a smaller amount to blend in your liquid. Poorer quality nicotine means taking a substance mixed with other components that endanger your health. Also, using low-quality product means you have to use larger amounts of nicotine which also puts your health at risk.

Bottom Line
There is evidence that e-cigarettes can be a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes.  Nonetheless, care must be taken with respect to usage.  High concentrations of nicotine are dangerous and care must be taken with respect to its intake into the body. You should take care to be responsible with all aspects of e-cigarette usage. E-cigarette safety is paramount to all individuals. Ensure you are using high quality nicotine at the correct percentage blend and ensure all equipment and supplies are from reputable suppliers. Keep e-cigarettes, chargers, batteries and e-liquids in a safe, temperature-controlled place and follow all established safety protocols. Enjoy your vaping safely!