Dabbing is a method of consuming highly concentrated cannabis extracts, such as waxes or oils, which often contain up to 90% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This process involves flash-vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a superheated surface, called a nail or banger, and then inhaling the resulting vapor through a dab rig. The appeal of this method lies in its efficiency and the speed with which it delivers a potent dose of cannabinoids. However, the unique physics and chemistry inherent to dabbing introduce multiple, potentially serious risks to the respiratory system. These risks stem primarily from the extreme temperatures involved and the chemical composition of both the concentrate and the heating equipment.
Extreme Heat and Thermal Damage
Dabbing surfaces are frequently heated well above 700°F (370°C), sometimes exceeding 750°F (400°C), to instantly vaporize the concentrate. This intense thermal exposure can cause direct physical injury to the delicate lining of the lungs and airways, known as the respiratory epithelium. Inhaling superheated vapor can immediately trigger protective responses, such as an intense cough, wheezing, and discomfort in the chest. Over time, repeated thermal insults lead to chronic inflammation and cellular damage within the lung tissue. Medical imaging of regular dab users has documented structural changes, including diffuse centrilobular nodules and ground glass opacities, which are signs of organizing pneumonia and acute alveolar damage.
Residual Solvents and Chemical Irritation
Most potent concentrates, such as butane hash oil (BHO), are produced using hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane to strip the cannabinoids from the plant material. Even after the purification process, known as purging, trace amounts of these solvents can remain in the final product. When concentrates are vaporized at dabbing temperatures, residual solvents are flash-vaporized and inhaled in a concentrated form. Exposure to unpurged butane has been linked to severe lung injuries in case reports, sometimes presenting as acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Consuming concentrates with even trace amounts of these chemicals can cause chemical pneumonitis, a severe inflammation of the lungs caused by chemical irritants.
Hardware Contaminants and Toxic Byproducts
The hardware used for dabbing introduces risks through material degradation and thermal decomposition. The extremely high temperatures necessary for flash vaporization can cause heating elements and surfaces—such as titanium, quartz, or ceramic nails—to break down. This degradation releases fine particulate matter and heavy metals, including nickel, lead, chromium, and copper, directly into the inhaled vapor stream. Heavy metal leaching is exacerbated by high temperatures and the acidic nature of the cannabis oil, which can corrode metallic components. Inhaling these metal particles contributes to pulmonary inflammation and the systemic accumulation of toxic elements.
Toxic Byproducts
Furthermore, the intense heat breaks down the natural components of the concentrate, particularly the fragrant compounds known as terpenes. Terpenes, which provide the flavor and aroma of cannabis, decompose into highly toxic compounds when heated above their stability point. Key degradation products identified in dabbing vapor include methacrolein and benzene. Methacrolein is a potent pulmonary irritant that can cause acute lung injury and pulmonary edema. Benzene, a known carcinogen, is formed as a byproduct of terpene breakdown, especially when dabbing occurs above 757°F (403°C).
Recognizing Signs of Serious Lung Distress
Because of the potential for severe thermal and chemical injury, recognizing the signs of serious respiratory distress is important. Acute lung injury or chemical pneumonitis resulting from dabbing often presents with symptoms that are more severe or persistent than a simple cough. A person may develop persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea), which makes simple daily activities difficult. Other warning signs include chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing, a non-resolving cough that may produce discolored mucus, and wheezing. Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) can indicate a significant inflammatory reaction or infection within the lungs. In severe cases, a person may show signs of hypoxia, where their oxygen saturation levels drop significantly, requiring immediate medical intervention. If any of these serious symptoms develop, especially persistent breathing difficulty or chest pain, it is advisable to stop dabbing immediately and seek emergency medical care.