Cocoa Extract is used quite commonly in e-liquids. However,
review of scientiic data identiied that long term exposure to
even very low levels of cocoa protein can produce asthma-like
symptoms. A concentration of cocoa extract that is not
expected to cause allergenic symptoms in a person vaping the
e-liquid has been identiied based on maximum use levels.
However, the tolerable levels identiied for the cocoa extract are
not sufficiently high to allow it to perform as an effective
avouring in e-liquid.
Just 25 parts per million of protein can lead to exposure levels 250-fold
higher than what we think would be safe. Therefore protein-containing
extract is not recommended as an e-liquid avour 4 .
Diacetyl is used as a buttery food avouring, but is known to
cause a decline in respiratory function when inhaled (aka
popcorn lung). Acetoin is a compound used in e-liquids as an
alternative becuase it is structurally very similar to diacetyl.
Studies have found that acetoin is converted over time to
diacetyl in e-liquids containing nicotine, and that the
presence of water speeds up this conversion 5 .
Studies have shown that acetoin is a precursor to
diacetyl in e-liquids containing nicotine 5 . Manufactures
and
avouring suppliers should take action to
eliminate the use of diacetyl and related compounds
such as acetoin as avour ingredients in e-liquids.
Sandra’s recommendations:
�
�
�
��
VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE ISSUE 12 29