A Thought; A Question

[Wheels]

As I was watching the smoke curling up from my pipe, a thought occurred to me. I read here that some tobaccos contain propylene glycol. That’s what they put in e-cigarettes that, when it gets hot, generates a white fog that looks like smoke but isn’t. I wonder if my pipe smoke is at least partially that fog rather than plain smoke? How could you tell?

Some will say “who cares.” And, they’re right. It probably doesn’t really matter but it still makes me wonder.

 

[ThomasS]

PG is a humectant - it controls humidity. Used in moderation, it can be quite helpful. Used as a "keep stuff moist on the 'smoke shop' shelf for as long as possible" is where it starts to suck. But cloudy smoke is not necessarily a sign: you can make thick billowy smoke without it. Get some plain C&D Black Cavendish: no flavor, no PG, but you will swear that you just set off a smoke bomb.

 

[craig61a]

Ah ugh ah…

 

[Chasing Embers]

At most I only produce an occasional wisp. Onlookers often assume my pipe isn't even lit so who knows?

 

[bullet08]

Seriously doubt enough is used to cause visible vapor in pipe tobacco. But I could be wrong.

 

[Bbailey324]

You could blow the smoke on a chilled surface and see what condenses. Any droplets are likely water or PG. Or something else.

 

[InWithBothFeet]

Off topic, If my pipe isn't making smoke, it is most definitely out. I can't maintain a wispy but still lit pipe. Wispy means almost out... get the lighter ready.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I'm happy that manufacturers add Propylene Glycol in their pouch tobaccies, I find it is consumer friendly approach , one can always air out tobacca prior to smoke, procedure which eventually dissipate PG

 

[Wheels]

I'm happy that manufacturers add Propylene Glycol in their pouch tobaccies, I find it is consumer friendly approach , one can always air out tobacca prior to smoke, procedure which eventually dissipate PG

Propylene Glycol has a low volatility and doesn't really evaporate at room temperatures. It's hygroscopic and attracts water which is why it keeps tobacco moist. If you heat it enough, it will vaporize. That may be why drying tobacco in a microwave seems to work so well.

 

[kcghost]

I doubt it is any kind of problem so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jbfrady]

Wouldn't be the same. Vaping, ironically, isn't turning the liquid to vapor but into an aerosol.

 

[BingBong]

Wouldn't be the same. Vaping, ironically, isn't turning the liquid to vapor but into an aerosol.

Drinking too much whisky turns me into an aerosol.