Liquid nicotine, often referred to as e-liquid or vape juice, is the solution heated and vaporized in electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. This substance is a highly concentrated form of nicotine, typically extracted from tobacco plants or synthesized in a laboratory. It delivers nicotine to the user without the combustion products found in traditional cigarettes. The fluid allows for a smoke-like vapor to be inhaled. Understanding its composition and handling procedures is important due to its nature as a concentrated chemical solution.
The Essential Components of Liquid Nicotine
The liquid is primarily composed of two base diluents: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These act as carriers for the nicotine and flavorings. PG is a clear, odorless liquid that carries flavor effectively and provides a noticeable “throat hit.” VG is a thicker, slightly sweeter liquid that is mainly responsible for producing dense clouds of visible vapor.
The ratio of PG to VG is varied by manufacturers to customize the user’s experience, balancing flavor intensity, throat sensation, and vapor production. Flavorings are the final common component, which are generally food-grade additives. While these flavorings are safe for ingestion, their long-term safety profile when heated and inhaled remains an area of scientific investigation.
Understanding Nicotine Concentration and Potency
The strength of liquid nicotine is quantified using milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL), which indicates the mass of nicotine present in one milliliter. Common concentrations range from nicotine-free (0 mg/mL) up to 50 mg/mL, with 3 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL considered low strength. This measurement is important because a small volume of a high-concentration liquid contains a substantial amount of the substance.
Nicotine exists in two primary forms: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine is the traditional, more alkaline form that produces a harsher throat hit at higher concentrations, typically limiting use to around 18 mg/mL. Nicotine salts are a newer form created by adding an organic acid, which lowers the pH and allows for a much smoother inhalation experience, even at very high strengths (20 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL). Salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly, providing faster satisfaction of a nicotine craving.
Acute Toxicity and Safety Hazards
Liquid nicotine is acutely toxic via multiple routes of exposure, including oral ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation, especially in its concentrated form. The concentrated nature of the liquid means that even small volumes can be immediately dangerous, particularly to children and pets. While the lethal dose for an adult is debated, a single teaspoon of a high-concentration liquid could still be lethal to a small child.
Accidental poisoning is a concern because the nicotine is rapidly absorbed through the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of acute toxicity can appear within minutes and include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, symptoms progress to seizures or a fatal drop in blood pressure. Due to this risk, concentrated liquids should be stored in childproof containers, kept locked away, and placed out of the sight and reach of children and animals.
When handling high-concentration liquid nicotine, users should wear protective gear, such as nitrile or latex gloves, to prevent skin absorption. Any spills must be cleaned immediately using an absorbent material, and contaminated waste should be disposed of according to local regulations. In the event of accidental exposure, immediately wash the affected area and contact a poison control center for emergency medical guidance.