Might limiting liquid nicotine concentration result in more toxic electronic cigarette aerosols?

2020 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2019-055523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soha Talih ◽  
Rola Salman ◽  
Rachel El-Hage ◽  
Ebrahim Karam ◽  
Nareg Karaoghlanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbonyl Compound ◽  
Power Level ◽  
Unintended Consequence ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
Concentration Result ◽  
Measured Liquid ◽  
Nicotine Yield

Some jurisdictions have instituted limits on electronic cigarette (ECIG) liquid nicotine concentration, in an effort to control ECIG nicotine yield, and others are considering following suit. Because ECIG nicotine yield is proportional to the product of liquid nicotine concentration (milligram per millilitre) and device power (watts) regulations that limit liquid nicotine concentration may drive users to adopt higher wattage devices to obtain a desired nicotine yield. In this study we investigated, under various hypothetical regulatory limits on ECIG liquid nicotine concentration, a scenario in which a user of a common ECIG device (SMOK TF-N2) seeks to obtain in 15 puffs the nicotine emissions equivalent to one combustible cigarette (ie, 1.8 mg). We measured total aerosol and carbonyl compound (CC) yields in 15 puffs as a function of power (15–80 W) while all else was held constant. The estimated nicotine concentration needed to achieve combustible cigarette-like nicotine yield at each power level was then computed based on the measured liquid consumption. We found that for a constant nicotine yield of 1.8 mg, reducing the liquid nicotine concentration resulted in greater amount of liquid aerosolised (p<0.01) and greater CC emissions (p<0.05). Thus, if users seek a given nicotine yield, regulatory limits on nicotine concentration may have the unintended consequence of increasing exposure to aerosol and respiratory toxicants. This outcome demonstrates that attempting to control ECIG nicotine yield by regulating one factor at a time may have unintended health effects and highlights the need to consider multiple factors and outcomes simultaneously when designing regulations.

scholarly journals What factors reliably predict electronic cigarette nicotine delivery?

2019 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2019-055193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa D Blank ◽  
Jennifer Pearson ◽  
Caroline O Cobb ◽  
Nicholas J Felicione ◽  
Marzena M Hiler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Power Level ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Nicotine Delivery ◽  
Plasma Nicotine ◽  
Product Regulation ◽  
Before And After

BackgroundThe ability of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) to deliver nicotine effectively may be dependent on features of the device, the liquid and the user. Some of these features have been examined in previous work (eg, liquid nicotine concentration and puff topography), while others have not (eg, nicotine dependence and demographic characteristics). The purpose of this secondary analysis is to examine such features as predictors of e-cigarette nicotine delivery using a relatively large sample.MethodsFour studies were combined in which e-cigarette-experienced users (n=63; 89% men; 75% white) and e-cigarette-naïve cigarette smokers (n=67; 66% men; 54% white) took 10 puffs from an eGo-style e-cigarette (~7.3 watts) filled with liquid that had a nicotine concentration of 18, 25 or 36 mg/mL. Thus, held constant across all studies were device features of battery/cartomiser style and power level and the topography parameters of puff number and interpuff interval. Blood was sampled before and after use, and puff topography was measured. Three general linear models were conducted to predict plasma nicotine concentrations (pre–post increase) for: (1) e-cigarette users only, (2) smokers only and (3) both groups combined. Predictor variables included puff duration, puff volume, liquid nicotine concentration, presession plasma nicotine concentration, nicotine dependence score (smokers only), gender and race.ResultsIn all models tested, longer puff durations and higher liquid nicotine concentrations were associated significantly with increased nicotine delivery (ps<0.05). For e-cigarette users only, higher presession nicotine concentration was associated significantly with increased nicotine delivery (p<0.05).ConclusionsPuff duration and liquid nicotine concentration may be among the more important factors to consider as regulators attempt to balance e-cigarette safety with efficacy. These findings should be interpreted in the context of devices with relatively low power output, a variable not studied here but likely also directly relevant to product regulation.

scholarly journals Effects of User Puff Topography, Device Voltage, and Liquid Nicotine Concentration on Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Yield: Measurements and Model Predictions

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soha Talih ◽  
Zainab Balhas ◽  
Thomas Eissenberg ◽  
Rola Salman ◽  
Nareg Karaoghlanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Model Predictions ◽  
Nicotine Yield

scholarly journals Effect of free-base and protonated nicotine on nicotine yield from electronic cigarettes with varying power and liquid vehicle

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soha Talih ◽  
Rola Salman ◽  
Rachel El-Hage ◽  
Nareg Karaoghlanian ◽  
Ahmad El-Hellani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Power Level ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Free Base ◽  
Salt Form ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Liquid Solutions ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Nicotine Yield

Abstract Nicotine in electronic cigarette (ECIG) liquids can exist in a free-base or protonated (or “salt”) form. Protonated nicotine is less aversive upon inhalation than free-base nicotine, and many ECIG manufacturers have begun marketing protonated nicotine products, often with high nicotine concentrations. Regulations intended to control ECIG nicotine delivery limit nicotine concentration but do not consider nicotine form. In this study, we systematically examined the effect of nicotine form on nicotine yield for varying powers and liquid vehicles. A Kanger Subox Mini-C tank ECIG (0.5 Ω) was used to generate aerosols at varying powers (5–45 W) from liquid solutions that contained either free-base or protonated nicotine at 15 mg/g concentration, with a liquid vehicle consisting of either propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), resulting in four different solutions (free-base/PG, free-base/VG, protonated/PG, and protonated/VG). Nicotine yield was quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nicotine yields were not influenced by nicotine form under any condition investigated. At each power level, PG-based liquids resulted in approximately double the nicotine yield of VG-based liquids. Nicotine concentrations in the aerosols matched those of the parent liquids for both the PG and VG conditions. Increasing power led to greater nicotine yield across all conditions. The amount of nicotine emitted by an ECIG is independent of whether the nicotine is free-base or protonated, however the liquid vehicle has a strong effect on yield. Regulations intended to limit nicotine emissions must consider not only nicotine concentration, but also liquid vehicle and device power.

scholarly journals Electronic cigarette use intensity measurement challenges and regulatory implications

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2021-056483
Author(s):  
Eric Soule ◽  
Maansi Bansal-Travers ◽  
Rachel Grana ◽  
Scott McIntosh ◽  
Simani Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Intensity Measures ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Answering Questions

Assessing tobacco use intensity allows researchers to examine tobacco use in greater detail than assessing ever or current use only. Tobacco use intensity measures have been developed that are specific to tobacco products, such as asking smokers to report number of cigarettes smoked per day. However, consensus on electronic cigarette use intensity measures that can be used for survey research has yet to be established due to electronic cigarette product and user behavior heterogeneity. While some survey measures that attempt to assess electronic cigarette use intensity exist, such as examining number of ‘times’ using an electronic cigarette per day, number of puffs taken from an electronic cigarette per day, volume of electronic cigarette liquid consumed per day, or nicotine concentration of electronic cigarette liquid, most measures have limitations. Challenges in electronic cigarette measurement often stem from variations across electronic cigarette device and liquid characteristics as well as the difficulty that many electronic cigarette users have regarding answering questions about their electronic cigarette device, liquid, or behavior. The inability for researchers to measure electronic cigarette use intensity accurately has important implications such as failing to detect unintended consequences of regulatory policies. Development of electronic cigarette use intensity measures, though not without its challenges, can improve understanding of electronic cigarette use behaviors and associated health outcomes and inform development of regulatory policies.

scholarly journals Effects of Electronic Cigarette Liquid Nicotine Concentration on Plasma Nicotine and Puff Topography in Tobacco Cigarette Smokers: A Preliminary Report

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 720-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexa A. Lopez ◽  
Marzena M. Hiler ◽  
Eric K. Soule ◽  
Carolina P. Ramôa ◽  
Nareg V. Karaoghlanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Cigarette Smokers ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Tobacco Cigarette ◽  
Plasma Nicotine

scholarly journals An Electronic Aerosol Delivery System for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117822182090414
Author(s):  
Andréa L Hobkirk ◽  
Zachary Bitzer ◽  
Reema Goel ◽  
Christopher T Sica ◽  
Craig Livelsberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Free Radical ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Free Radical Production ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Radical Production ◽  
Addictive Potential ◽  
Nicotine Yield

Background: Public health concerns over the addictive potential of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have heightened in recent years. Brain function during e-cig use could provide an objective measure of the addictive potential of new vaping products to facilitate research; however, there are limited methods for delivering e-cig aerosols during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The current study describes the development and feasibility testing of a prototype to deliver up to four different e-cig aerosols during fMRI. Methods: Standardized methods were used to test the devices’ air flow variability, nicotine yield, and free radical production. MRI scans were run with and without the device present to assess its safety and effects on MRI data quality. Five daily smokers were recruited to assess plasma nicotine absorption from e-liquids containing nicotine concentrations of 8, 11, 16, 24, and 36 mg/ml. Feedback was collected from participants through a semi-structured interview and computerized questionnaire to assess comfort and subjective experiences of inhaling aerosol from the device. Results: Nicotine yield captured from the aerosol produced by the device was highly correlated with the nicotine concentration of the e-liquids used (R2 = 0.965). Nicotine yield was reduced by a mean of 48% and free radical production by 17% after traveling through the device. The e-liquid containing the highest nicotine concentration tested (36 mg/ml) resulted in the highest plasma nicotine boost (6.6 ng/ml). Overall, participants reported that the device was comfortable to use and inhaling the e-cig aerosols was tolerable. The device was determined to be safe for use during fMRI and had insignificant effects on scan quality. Conclusions: With the current project, we were able to design a working prototype that safely and effectively delivers e-cig aerosols during fMRI. The device has the potential to be used to assess brain activation during e-cig use and to compare brain reactivity to varying flavors, nicotine concentrations, and other e-cig characteristics.

scholarly journals Effects of electronic cigarette on platelet and vascular function after one month of use

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Ikonomidis ◽  
K Katogiannis ◽  
G Kostelli ◽  
K Kourea ◽  
E Kyriakou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Platelet Function ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Nicotine Concentration

Abstract Background and aims Smoking is a major factor that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking cessation delays progress of coronary artery disease. Electronic cigarette is proposed as a bridge to smoking cessation. We examined its effects on platelet function after 1 month of use compared to tobacco smoking. Patients and methods 40 current smokers (mean age 48 years±5) without cardiovascular disease were randomized to smoke either a conventional cigarette (conv-cig) or an electronic cigarette (e-cig) (electronic cigarette fluid with nicotine concentration of 12 mg/dL) for one month. All subjects smoked an electronic cigarette with nicotine concentration 12 mg/dL for one month. Measurements were performed at baseline and after one month of smoking the conventional or electronic cigarette. We measured a) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial micro vessels (range 5–25 micrometers), a marker inversely related with glycocalyx thickness, b) pulse wave velocity (PWV), central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (AIx), c) platelet function by two different methods, namely the novel Platelet Function Analyzer PFA-100 and the traditional Light Transmission Aggregometry (LTA) d) the exhaled CO level (parts per million-ppm) as a smoking status marker; and e) the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as an oxidative stress burden index. Results After 1 month of electronic smoking, we did not observe any significant change in platelet function and arterial stiffness (p&gt;0.05 for all markers) with the exception of a reduction of MDA (1.22±0.1 vs 1.09±0.1 μmol/L, p=0.03) and exhaled CO; 14.9±0.7 vs 5.9±0.7 ppm, p&lt;0.001. Conversely, after continuation of conventional cigarette smoking for a month, platelet function was further impaired as assessed by PFA [125,5±31,1 vs 152,35±51,4 U, p=0.047) and by LTA (epinephrine as stimulator) [59,8%±16,1 vs 35,6%±19.1, p&lt;0.001] and markers of arterial stiffness were deteriorated, as assessed by PWV (9,5±2,8 vs 10,3±2,9, p=0,028) and by Aixc (8,36±35,9 vs 30,4±21,6, p=0,004). Conclusions Electronic Cigarette smoking has a neutral effect on platelet function and arterial stiffness markers compared to conventional tobacco smoking which further deteriorates platelet and vascular function during one moth of use. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Impacts of Nicotine and Flavoring on the Sensory Perception of E-Cigarette Aerosol

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 806-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexa J Pullicin ◽  
Hyoshin Kim ◽  
Marielle C Brinkman ◽  
Stephanie S Buehler ◽  
Pamela I Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Perception ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Sensory Attributes ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Magnitude Scale ◽  
General Version ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Nicotine Level ◽  
Hedonic Scale

Abstract Introduction To examine the interaction between an added flavoring (cherry) and nicotine on the perception of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol and how this impacts the appeal of flavored liquids for e-cigarette (e-liquids). Methods A total of 19 subjects (13 male, 6 female) vaped six commercially available e-liquids with varying contents of nicotine (0, 6, 12 mg/mL) and cherry flavor (4.7% or 9.3% vol/vol). For each e-liquid, subjects first rated overall liking/disliking of the aerosol using the Labeled Hedonic Scale, followed by perceived intensities of sweetness, bitterness, harshness (irritation), and cherry flavor of the aerosol using the general version of Labeled Magnitude Scale. Results The main findings were that (1) added nicotine increased perceived irritation and bitterness, and decreased the perceived sweetness of the e-cigarette aerosol; (2) cherry flavoring added a characteristic “cherry flavor” and an increase in the flavoring concentration from 4.7% to 9.3% tended to increase perceived intensities of sweetness, harshness, and bitterness; and (3) hedonic ratings of the e-cigarette aerosol decreased as nicotine level increased, but were not affected by flavor level. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the appeal of the e-cigarette aerosol decreases as nicotine concentration increases. Conversely, perceived sweetness improved liking. An increase in the concentration of cherry flavoring did not appear to impact any of the measured attributes to a significant degree. Implications This work demonstrates that the perception of specific sensory attributes of e-cigarettes and their overall appeal are affected by the e-liquid constituents. Most significantly, the results suggest that nicotine decreases the sensory appeal of e-cigarettes by contributing to the perceived irritation and bitterness of the aerosol. These data have implications for the role that nicotine plays in the sensory perception and appeal of e-cigarettes aerosol and further how these sensory factors can be modulated by sweet flavoring.

scholarly journals The Measurement of Intrapuff Nicotine Yield

1992 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
EL Crooks ◽  
D Lynm
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Total Radioactivity ◽  
Mainstream Smoke ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Cigarette Filter ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Smoke Flow ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Nicotine Yield

AbstractTime-resolved measurements of intrapuff nicotine yield in mainstream smoke have been performed with a specially designed intrapuff smoking apparatus (IPSA). The IPSA-filter traversing mechanism collects mainstream particles on a rectangular filter pad which moves at a constant velocity perpendicular to the direction of smoke flow at the mouthend of the cigarette. Filter pads were assayed by two analytical techniques. Standard gas chromatographic (GC) methodology was used to quantify nicotine mass in five equal time segments per puff. A second method, using a Berthold TLC-Linear Analyser, measured total radioactivity across the pad for samples from [2'-14C]-nicotine labelled cigarettes. Intrapuff nicotine concentrations were determined from measured puff flow-rate profiles and the collected masses of nicotine on the filters. GC nicotine concentration measurements correlated well with total activity from the scanner measurements. Studies carried out with filtered full-flavour cigarettes revealed that nicotine concentrations in the smoke vary significantly during a puff. This work provides a new technique for studying time-resolved yields of mainstream smoke components. It may potentially be used to elucidate mechanisms controlling the yield of nicotine and other mainstream smoke components.

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