Is it true that e-cigs contain antifreeze?

Well, the right answer to that is yes and no.

The FDA and folk against e-cigs like to shout out that e-cigs are dangerous because they have antifreeze in them.

The FDA did a study, (that has been discredited but is still trotted out) where they stated that they found a substance called Diethylene Glycol in some electronic cigarette cartridges. This is a toxic ingredient found in regular industrial antifreeze – the type you would put into your car. What they failed to mention was the levels were almost untraceable and certainly not within the ‘toxic’ realm. However, it shouldn’t have been found at all.

Any reputable e-liquid vendor will have strict testing and quality controls in place for their e-liquid and will not be selling you anything dangerous.

But why the yes and no answer? Because one of the main ingredients in e-liquid is Propylene Glycol (PG), and this is considered an anti freeze becauseit has a lower freezing point than water.

So, yes e-liquid does contain a chemical – PG – that has a lower freezing point than water. But, unlike industrial antifreeze, PG is safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

You will find that PG is present in many of your daily hygiene items, like toothpaste and mouthwash.

To be as safe as you can be, when buying e-liquid, always buy from manufacturers that use pharmaceutical grade PG.   In the UK this will be BP grade  – meaning British Pharmacopea, in the USA it is USP grade – meaning United States Pharmacy. This is a quality mark, and is there for consumer confidence.

There are very few ingredients needed for e-liquid, usually it is the nicotine base, the PG or VG and then the flavour concentrates. There is no need for anything else.

Share your thoughts on this topic with us – leave a comment in the box below!