"Vaping": The BfR advises against self-mixing e-liquids
"Vapers" should avoid mixing e-liquids for their electronic (e-) cigarettes themselves. This applies especially when consumers do not possess sufficient knowledge and experience. DIY mixing, for example, involves the risk of mineral and vegetable oils being used. Liquids should never contain fatty oils, which may lead to serious respiratory disorders if inhaled. E-cigarettes and mixtures (e-liquids) of uncertain origin and composition should also be avoided. This is pointed out by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) following the frequent occurrences of severe lung disorders amongst "vapers" in the USA.
"According to current understanding, e-cigarette consumers in Germany do not face any increased risks, provided they continue to use products that comply with European and German regulations," says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. "However, 'vapers' should pay attention to symptoms such as breathing difficulties or chest pain, especially after product change."
E-cigarettes heat up a liquid (usually containing nicotine) until it has vaporised, so that it can be inhaled. According to current knowledge, e-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional tobacco products when used as intended. However, insufficiently studied ingredients and impurities as well as new liquid and vaporisation products, may increase health risks. In addition, high-power "sub ohm" models allow large quantities of vapour straight into the lungs. The effects of this are yet to be fully studied. Nicotine-free liquids may also be problematic. They do not come under the tobacco regulation and therefore do not need to comply with provisions for products that contain nicotine, such as prohibitions on the use of ingredients that may pose a risk to health as well as applicable reporting requirements. DIY e-liquids are often the cause of calls and enquiries to toxicology information centres.
In the USA, a series of severe lung disorders with associated shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain were reported within a very short period. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain have been reported, also cases of deaths have occurred. According to a study by the "New England Journal of Medicine", the affected vapers were 19 years old on average. In the majority of cases, they used cannabis products (Tetrahydrocannabinol) that did not originate from normal retail sources. Which substance or factors led to the lung disease is still unclear.
Last updated 15 November 2019:
In addition, a fatality related to consumption of a cannabinoid-containing liquid in an e-cigarette in Belgium was reported in the press on 14 November 2019. The BfR currently has no further details on this matter.
In the view of the BfR, the fact that the problems occurred within a short period of time and mainly affect young people suggests that the problem is rather limited. A detailed investigation of the causes of what happened in the USA is necessary in order to be able to make further recommendations.
About the BfR
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.
This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.