The nicotine-free vape liquid can sometimes contain nicotine or other impurities that are not listed by the manufacturer. This concern was raised by Marine Gambaryan, who leads the Center for Tobacco Consumption Prevention and Control at the National Medical Research Center for Treatment and Preventive Medicine under the Russian Ministry of Health, in an interview with socialbites.ca. He stressed that the exact composition of many e-liquids is not always disclosed, and there is a real risk that buyers are exposed to potentially dangerous ingredients without realizing it. In some cases, what is labeled as nicotine-free liquid may still contain nicotine, a possibility that is not adequately addressed by current safety standards or regulatory oversight. The absence of comprehensive technical regulation means there is little formal control over the contents of these liquids, which can mislead consumers who assume products labeled nicotine-free are completely free of nicotine and related substances. This lack of clarity creates a gap in consumer protection and public health monitoring that should concern users and policymakers alike.
Even when the liquids themselves appear harmless, their use in everyday settings can lead to nicotine poisoning or exposure to other harmful substances. Gambaryan noted that the danger is magnified by everyday handling and use. For instance, if an evaporator component is faulty or leaking, liquid can drip into the mouth, bringing with it concentrated nicotine that directly contacts mucous membranes. Such exposure increases the likelihood of rapid poisoning and acute health effects, particularly among young people and inexperienced vapers who may underestimate the risk. This underscores the importance of device integrity, proper maintenance, and the need for clearer labeling that reflects potential hazards rather than relying on marketing terms alone. The broader public health takeaway is that even seemingly harmless nicotine-free claims require scrutiny and stricter quality controls to prevent accidental exposure and health complications.
Health professionals emphasize that ongoing monitoring and independent testing are essential to identify what is actually present in e-liquids sold to consumers. The issue extends beyond individual manufacturers to the entire supply chain, from ingredient suppliers to batch testing and retail distribution. In the meantime, educators and clinicians stress that teens and their families should be aware of the signs of nicotine exposure and vaping-related illness, and seek timely medical advice if any symptoms arise. The overall message is clear: without rigorous regulation and transparent labeling, nicotine-free labels may provide a false sense of security, leaving consumers at risk of unexpected nicotine exposure and other chemical hazards. This situation is a public health priority that warrants attention from health authorities, industry stakeholders, and the public to reduce preventable health harms associated with vaping products.
Read more about what contributes to teen deaths linked to e-cigarettes and who is most vulnerable to EVALI, often referred to as smoking sickness, in coverage from socialbites.ca and related investigations. Attribution: Socialbites.ca