Firing a vaping device when the e-liquid reservoir is depleted, commonly referred to as “vaping an empty pod,” carries significant risks to both the user’s health and the device itself. When the pod runs dry, the heating coil activates without the cooling effect of the liquid, causing internal components to overheat rapidly. This action immediately signals a problem through a harsh, unpleasant sensation, which is a physical warning of the damage taking place. Users should stop using the device immediately upon this experience.
What Defines a Dry Hit
The unpleasant experience of vaping an empty pod is known as a “dry hit,” which occurs when the coil’s wicking material is not sufficiently saturated with e-liquid. The wicking material, often cotton, draws the liquid from the reservoir to the heating element. When the e-liquid level drops too low, the wick dries out and the coil begins to heat the dry cotton directly.
This firing reaches temperatures far beyond what is necessary for vaporization. Instead of creating aerosol, the heat burns the dry wick material and any residual e-liquid. This process produces an immediate, harsh taste described as burnt or acrid, signaling the combustion of the wick. The resulting vapor is irritating to the throat and lungs.
Toxic Compounds Generated from Overheating
The most concerning consequence of a dry hit is the generation of highly concentrated toxic compounds that are inhaled. Normal vaping vaporizes the e-liquid’s main components, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Dry hits expose these remaining components to extreme heat, causing them to thermally decompose. This decomposition produces carbonyl compounds, which are significantly more harmful than the original vapor.
Two hazardous compounds generated are formaldehyde and acrolein, with studies showing levels spike dramatically during dry-hit conditions. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and acrolein is a severe respiratory irritant that can cause irreversible lung damage. The extreme heat can also cause the metal alloys of the heating coil to break down and vaporize. Inhaling these vaporized heavy metals introduces systemic toxicity risks, as these particles can deposit in the lungs and accumulate in the body.
Hardware Consequences
Beyond the health risks, firing an empty pod causes immediate and irreversible damage to the vaping hardware. The intense, unmitigated heat instantly scorches the wicking material, rendering the coil head permanently unusable. This burnt wick will continue to produce a foul taste and harsh vapor even if the pod is refilled.
Repeated dry firing places undue stress on the device’s main components. The coil is not designed to operate without the cooling effect of the e-liquid and can be physically warped or damaged. The increased resistance and high-temperature conditions may also strain the device’s battery and internal circuitry. This stress reduces the overall lifespan of the device and, in rare cases, could lead to thermal runaway or other malfunctions.
Preventive Measures
The most effective way to prevent the dry hit phenomenon is to maintain vigilance over the e-liquid level. Users should visually check the liquid level before each use, refilling the pod as soon as the liquid drops to a low point or exposes the wicking ports. Proactive refilling ensures the wicking material remains fully saturated, preventing the coil from heating dry cotton.
Priming New Coils
When installing a new coil or pod, it is important to “prime” the wick by allowing the e-liquid to saturate the material completely for several minutes before the first use.
Avoiding Chain Vaping
Avoiding rapid, successive puffs, known as chain vaping, is also helpful. This practice gives the wick sufficient time to re-saturate between activations.
Recognizing Warning Signs
If a faint burnt taste is detected, this is an early warning sign that the wick is beginning to dry out or degrade, and the pod should be refilled or replaced immediately.