Propylene Glycol (PG),
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG),
and Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Screening
PG, PEG, and MCT are commonly used filler oils in vape cartridges as they are cost-effective cutting agents. When ingested, these compounds cause no known harm to humans. However, when vaporized, these oils pose potential health risks. When heated, PEG has been known to produce high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde (cited by the National Institute of Health). Screening for these compounds in vape cartridges will ensure the safety of patients and consumers.
Why Should We Screen for PG, PEG and MCT?
Due to a lack of peer-reviewed research on the subject and with great concern over the inhalation of vaporized PG, PEG, and MCT, it’s prudent to screen for the presence of these potentially dangerous compounds so as not to endanger the lives of patients and consumers.
HOW DO WE TEST?
Both PG and PEG are volatile compounds, so we use GC/MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) to test for their presence. For MCT, we use LC/MS (high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry)