Diacetyl is a chemical compound, also known as 2,3-butanedione, found in various products, including some vaping liquids. This volatile substance typically appears as a yellow or green liquid. Its association with vaping products has led to discussions about its potential health implications.
What is Diacetyl
Diacetyl is an organic compound characterized by its buttery flavor. It occurs naturally as a byproduct of fermentation processes, being found in a variety of foods and beverages such as cultured butter, cheese, yogurt, beer, coffee, honey, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Beyond its natural occurrence, diacetyl is widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent. It is commonly added to products like margarine, microwave popcorn, candies, and baked goods to impart a distinct buttery taste. While generally recognized as safe for ingestion, concerns arise when the compound is inhaled, particularly in significant concentrations.
Why Diacetyl is Used in Vape Products
Diacetyl is incorporated into e-liquids for its flavoring properties, creating buttery, creamy, or sweet notes. Manufacturers use it to replicate dessert-like flavors such as custard, vanilla cream, or butterscotch in various vape products.
The inclusion of diacetyl in e-liquids can sometimes be unintentional, arising as a byproduct during the mixing process or carried over from flavor concentrates. Historically, its use became prevalent as the vaping industry sought to offer diverse and appealing flavors to consumers. While diacetyl provides a desirable taste, its presence in inhaled products has prompted ongoing debate about safety.
Health Concerns Related to Diacetyl
The primary health concern linked to inhaled diacetyl is bronchiolitis obliterans, often called “Popcorn Lung”. This severe and irreversible lung disease involves the scarring and narrowing of the bronchioles, which are the smallest airways in the lungs. The condition gained its nickname after an outbreak among workers in microwave popcorn factories who inhaled high concentrations of diacetyl.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans are similar to those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can include a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduced activity tolerance, and fatigue. These symptoms can appear within 2-8 weeks of exposure, progressing over time to cause significant breathing difficulties. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and slow progression, though continued exposure can worsen scarring and potentially lead to respiratory failure. Studies have found diacetyl in many e-cigarette flavors, with some research indicating its presence in a significant percentage of tested flavored vapes. Other flavoring chemicals like acetyl propionyl and acetoin, sometimes used as substitutes for diacetyl, have also raised concerns for potential lung damage upon inhalation.
Navigating Diacetyl in Vape Products
Consumers seeking to avoid diacetyl in vape products face a varied regulatory landscape. In regions like the European Union and the UK, diacetyl is banned as an ingredient in e-liquids, meaning products are legally required to be diacetyl-free. However, in other areas, such as the United States, diacetyl is not specifically banned, allowing its continued use by some manufacturers.
To make informed choices, consumers can look for products explicitly advertised as “diacetyl-free”. It is also beneficial to seek out brands that provide third-party testing results, which can offer transparency regarding the ingredients in their e-liquids. Despite regulations in some regions, unapproved or illicit products may still enter the market, making careful product selection important.