Acroleïne – What is it in Vaping and Why it Matters

Definition

Acroleïne (also spelled acrolein) is a toxic, colourless liquid with a piercing, acrid odour that can form in vaping liquids when glycerine (VG) or propylene glycol (PG) are overheated. It is not intentionally added to e-liquids; rather, it is an unwanted thermal degradation by-product that appears when an atomizer or coil runs too hot or is dry. For Australian vapers, minimising acroleïne is a key safety goal: keeping temperatures low and wicks saturated ensures cleaner vapour and reduces throat and lung irritation.

Technical Details

Acroleïne (CH₂=CH–CHO) forms when VG or PG exceed roughly 280 °C inside the coil chamber. Modern Akkuträger (battery mods) with Temperature Control (TC) or Airflow Control)”>AFC (Airflow Control) systems can limit coil temperatures by adjusting wattage and cooling airflow. Lab studies show acroleïne levels spike above 5 µg per puff on dry hits, while well-saturated cotton and open airflow keep levels below 0.3 µg—well under the TGA-recommended daily exposure limit. Sub-ohm builds with low-resistance coils (0.15–0.3 Ω) and high VG liquids are more prone to acroleïne if chain-vaped without adequate wicking; mouth-to-lung (MTL) setups with higher resistance (0.6–1.2 Ω) typically run cooler and safer.

Usage & Tips

  • Prime coils thoroughly before first use to prevent dry hits.
  • Use Airflow Control to keep coil temperatures below 250 °C; wider AFC channels draw cooler air across the coil.
  • Avoid chain-vaping your Vape (ADV)”>All Day Vape (ADV); allow 10–15 seconds between puffs for wick resaturation.
  • If you taste a harsh, metallic “Hit“>dry hit,” stop immediately, re-drip or refill, and lower wattage by 5–10 W.
  • Replace cotton or coil when flavour becomes peppery or burnt—this is often the first sign of acroleïne formation.

History & Context

Acroleïne was first identified in e-cigarette aerosols in 2014 European studies. Since then, TGA and Australian e-liquid manufacturers have adopted stricter heating guidelines, encouraging low-temperature coils and TC-enabled devices to keep Australian vapers safe.

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