We recommend using an electronic ignition (piezoelectric) lighter (or the Ital Hempwick lighter) instead of a conventional 'flint' lighter because 'flint' lighters produce toxic 'flint' dust. This toxic dust is visible and appears as smoke when a flint lighter is ignited. This flint dust contains "misch metal", an alloy of rare earth metals (neodymium, samarium, cerium, lanthanum etc). Rare earth metals are known to be toxic, especially when in the form of inhaled microscopic particles. Hence, we think that inhalation of flint dust should be avoided. And the best way to avoid flint dust is to use an electronic ignition lighter. Please note that the issue of rare earth dust inhalation is not specific to the VaporGenie. Anyone using a flint lighter to light a cigarette or smoke a pipe is inhaling rare earth dust. Any smoker concerned about their health should use an electronic ignition lighter. Below is an abstract describing the toxic effect of rare earth metals on lung tissue. Not good. They are slightly less toxic than cadmium to lung tissue.
Flint dust accumulates on the VaporGenie ceramic filter, forming a visible orange/red discoloration. This discoloration does not affect the performance of the VaporGenie. It is merely an indication that a flint lighter has been used.
If you must use a flint lighter, we recommend waiting for the flint dust to disperse before inhaling.
We offer Lotus brand electronic ignition lighters, and the Ital Hempwick. These flame sources do not produce rare earth dust and are perfect for use with the VaporGenie. The Ital Hempwick must be ignited with a lighter.
ABSTRACT: Cytotoxicity of the rare earth metals cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium in vitro: comparisons with cadmium in a pulmonary macrophage primary culture system.
Palmer, R J : Butenhoff, J L : Stevens, J B
Environ-Res. 1987 Jun; 43(1): 142-56
The rare earth metals cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium each were evaluated in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay system using adult, male Sprague-Dawley rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Both the soluble chloride form of these metals and their insoluble metal oxides were studied. For comparison purposes, the cytotoxicities of cadmium chloride and cadmium oxide were also quantified in this test system. In general, regardless of the cytotoxicity parameter measured, i.e., cell viability, lysosomal enzyme leakage, or changes in cell surface morphology, cadmium was more toxic to these cells than were the rare earth metals. Of the rare earth metals studied, lanthanum chloride (lethal concentration LC50 = 52 microM), cerium chloride (LC50 = 29 microM), and neodymium oxide (LC50 = 101 microM) displayed significant cytotoxicity in this test system. Cadmium chloride exhibited an LC50 value of 28 microM, and cadmium oxide 15 microM. These findings suggest that rare earth metal fumes should be considered as cytotoxic to lung tissue and therefore potentially fibrogenic.
Want to read all the gory, geeky details of this study? Download the full paper HERE.
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Isn't it dangerous to inhale lighter exhaust? |
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Completely burning butane produces only CO2 and water, which are harmless. Lighter exhaust is invisible, which is an indication that it contains little soot. Butane lighters burn quite clean, provided that the flame is undisturbed (i.e. not flickering or touching the filter). A flickering flame, or a flame that is touching the sides of the intake will produce undesirable unburned hydrocarbons. Consequently, technique affects the cleanliness of the vapor. However, even sloppy use of the VaporGenie will not produce nearly as much toxic material as found in smoke. Lighter exhaust is a LOT cleaner than a regular pipe, and that is very apparent once you try the VaporGenie.
There will necessarily be some toxic material in the lighter exhaust, however. We believe that more toxins and weird chemicals are released from the plant matter being vaporized (compared to the lighter exhaust), especially if it is overheated. Even in electric vaporizers, there is some tar and toxic chemical production. It is impossible to completely eliminate exposure.
Always remember that you get the cleanest vapor when the flame is not disturbed, flickering or touching anything. You don't want the flame to flicker or touch the filter or sides of the pipe.
We have found that some people (perhaps 10-15%) appear to be especially sensitive to butane lighter exhaust. For these people, we strongly recommend the Ital Hempwick lighter, which we sell (see the lighters page). The Ital Hampwick is made of organic hemp twine saturated with beeswax. The exhaust from the Ital Hempwick has a pleasant beeswax flavor. |
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"Torch" lighters have a noisy blue jet flame, and burn butane. We are unsure whether to recommend torch lighters. On one hand, some VaporGenie users like using them and say they work well. Others dont like them at all. We generally dont like using torch lighters. In our experience torch lighters produce too much heat that can make temperature contol difficult, and increase the chance of burning. Also, the flame from a torch lighter is nearly invisible, and so is harder to position accurately, thereby increasing the chance of acidentally burning the wood of the VaporGenie. On the other hand, some VaporGenie users much prefer using a torch lighter. Perhaps there are some particular kinds of torch lighters that work well. We dont know. Please provide your feedback on this issue so we can provide better recommendations about torch lighters. |
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Keeping Electronic Ignition Lighters Trouble Free |
- Keep lighters clean from any type of dust (i.e., falling ashes when cigars and cigarettes are lighted, and dust from pockets when lighters are kept in your pockets). Use lighter leather covers to prevent dust from penetrating into the lighter. Over 90% of return lighters are serviced simply by blowing off excessive dirt and dust inside a lighter using compressed air (or blowing).
- If necessary, blow off any excessive dirt and dust from the sparker area using compressed air can. Compressed air can be easily purchased from any local hardware or office supply store.
- Electronic Piezo lighters have sensitive ignition mechanisms that require delicate handling of the ignition switch. Do not flick or press ignition switches like a fluid flint lighter at a fast pace. Operate the push-down ignition switch slowly and gently. The lighter ignition system has a split-second delayed reaction time. Fast ignition usually results in misfiring, whereas slow and gentle ignition method ensures perfect ignition every time.
- Simply keeping a lighter free of dirt and dust, and refilling on a regular basis will lengthen the longevity of the lighter.
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Lighter Refilling Instructions |
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Use only high quality butane fuel in your lighter. Make sure it says “filtered” or “refined” somewhere on the bottle. Smoke shops almost always have high quality butane available. Some good brands are Lotus, Calibri, King and Xikar. Do not use Ronson or Neon brand butane fuel. That stuff is crap. - Make sure no open flames are nearby.
- Adjust the flame height to low.
- Bleed fuel tank by pressing down on the lighter refill valve until hissing sound stops.
- Shake refill can to check if it contains gas.
- Hold both refill can and lighter upside down in each hand.
- Push refill nozzle firmly all the way into lighter refill valve and hold for 15-20 seconds.
- Wait until lighter reaches room temperature before igniting (roughly 5-10 minutes).
- Reset flame height adjuster to your desired setting.
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