Diacetyl, Flavorings, and the Hidden Risk in Vapes
Many flavored vape products contain diacetyl, even when not labeled. This compound helps create creamy and buttery tastes like caramel, vanilla, and custard. While diacetyl is considered safe when ingested through food, inhaling it is a different story. Once inside the lungs, it can cause irreversible damage. A landmark study by Harvard researchers found diacetyl in more than 75 percent of flavored e-cigarette products tested. These were popular products, often used by young people. The levels of diacetyl varied, but in some cases, they rivaled or exceeded the levels found in the popcorn factories that made the disease infamous.
