By Tracy Cabrera
The Department of Health (DoH) has issued a warning to the public to avoid the use of vape gadget and other electronic tobacco products as these potentially contain formaldehyde that is used in embalming procedures.
In an official advisory, health officials disclosed that extensive studies on the use of vaping gadgets has shown dangerous levels of the deadly chemical.
Health agencies have classified formaldehyde as a known cancer-causing substance (carcinogen) with long-term exposure.
“Formaldehyde can form in vapes when the device’s heating coil overheats and breaks down the e-liquid’s base solvents, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin,” the experts revealed.
They explained that this happens when the coil inside the gadget gets too hot because the vape chemicals does not just vaporize the liquid but chemically alters the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin into formaldehyde and related compounds called hemiacetals.
“High voltage settings or low liquid levels cause a burnt or ‘dry puff’ taste. In these extreme overheating conditions, formaldehyde emissions can spike significantly,” they pointed.
They added though that in normal usage levels and under everyday, lower-power vaping conditions, emissions are generally lower than in traditional cigarette smoke, but scientific debate continues over hidden or bound formaldehyde agents that deliver toxins deeper into the lungs.
It was also revealed that symptoms of inhaling formaldehyde can be easily noticed as it causes irritation in the throat, nose and eyes.
“Aside from formaldehyde, vapes can also release other toxic agents like acrolein, heavy metals (lead, nickel), and flavoring-related compounds (like diacetyl),” the DoH said.
