propylene glycol please explain to a newbie

[kansashat]

Not to threadjack here, but is glycerine a substance that is similar to PG in properties?

I saw an old bottle of glycerine in an antique store the other day & began to wonder about it's qualities as a humectant.

This is a question to satisy curiosity BTW & is not meant to start a debate as to the best way to humidify your cigars.

[kansashat]

Originally Posted by kansashat

Not to threadjack here, but is glycerine a substance that is similar to PG in properties?

I saw an old bottle of glycerine in an antique store the other day & began to wonder about it's qualities as a humectant.

This is a question to satisy curiosity BTW & is not meant to start a debate as to the best way to humidify your cigars.

I googled. The answer is yes.

[SeanGAR]

Originally Posted by RGD

Since propylene glycol is used in food products and cosmetics - people ingest it on a daily basis - it's mostly just the thought of it really.

Ron

Correct. I'm a Food Scientist, I know all about propylene glycol.

The issue is the difference between what happens when you consume it orally versus what happens when it is volatilized and/or oxidized in a cigar. You cannot use oral consumption safety data to show that a completely different consumption route is safe.

Here is the MSDS safety sheet for PG.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p6928.htm

Note that they say no adverse health affects by inhalation. They're talking about the chemical itself, not the compounds formed after pyrolysis. Very low levels ... probably safe. But I see no need to take any chances at all since it can be easily avoided by using beads. As well, are there flavor changes due to low levels of PG dissolving in the cigar? I dont think this has been examined.

I also happen to think that some of the approved food additives are unsafe .. so maybe I'm a wack.

[luckybandit]

thanks
bandit

[JohnnyFlake]

If you insist on using PG, use distilled water, however, PG will clog up you oasis in time, your cigars and then your brain!!!

Use the BEADS, my friend. There is nothing better!!!


JohnnyFlake

[Fireman_UK]

Looks like I'm gonna have to hunt down some beads. It seems I've been living in the dark ages with my oasis, which I top up with distilled water once a month (and anologue hygrometer, I'm ashamed to say!)

[kenstogie]

FWIW, I love the beads they really work.