Electrical features, liquid composition and toxicant emissions from ‘pod-mod’-like disposable electronic cigarettes

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056362
Author(s):  
Soha Talih ◽  
Rola Salman ◽  
Eric Soule ◽  
Rachel El-Hage ◽  
Ebrahim Karam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Liquid Composition ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Aerosol Composition ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Youth And Young Adults

IntroductionUse of flavoured pod-mod-like disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has grown rapidly, particularly among cost-sensitive youth and young adults. To date, little is known about their design characteristics and toxicant emissions. In this study, we analysed the electrical and chemical characteristics and nicotine and pulmonary toxicant emission profiles of five commonly available flavoured disposable e-cigarettes and compared these data with those of a JUUL, a cartridge-based e-cigarette device that pod-mod-like disposables emulate in size and shape.MethodsDevice construction, electrical power and liquid composition were determined. Machine-generated aerosol emissions including particulate matter, nicotine, carbonyl compounds and heavy metals were also measured. Liquid and aerosol composition were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionisation detection, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsWe found that unlike JUUL, disposable devices did not incorporate a microcontroller to regulate electrical power to the heating coil. Quality of construction varied widely. Disposable e-cigarette power ranged between 5 and 9 W and liquid nicotine concentration ranged between 53 and 85 mg/mL (~95% in the protonated form). In 15 puffs, total nicotine yield for the disposables ranged between 1.6 and 6.7 mg, total carbonyls ranged between 28 and 138 µg, and total metals ranged between 1084 and 5804 ng. JUUL emissions were near the floors of all of these ranges.ConclusionsDisposable e-cigarettes are designed with high nicotine concentration liquids and are capable of emitting much higher nicotine and carbonyl species relative to rechargeable look-alike e-cigarettes. These differences are likely due to the lower quality in construction, unreliable labelling and lack of temperature control regulation that limits the power during operation. From a public health perspective, regulating these devices is important to limit user exposure to carbonyls and nicotine, particularly because these devices are popular with youth and young adults.

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 Examining the relationship of vaping to smoking initiation among US youth and young adults: a reality check

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
David T Levy ◽  
Kenneth E Warner ◽  
K Michael Cummings ◽  
David Hammond ◽  
Charlene Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Youth Smoking ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Multiple Data Sets

BackgroundThe 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report found substantial evidence that electronic cigarette use (vaping) by youth is strongly associated with an increased risk of ever using cigarettes (smoking) and moderately associated with progressing to more established smoking. However, the Report also noted that recent increases in vaping have been associated with declining rates of youth smoking. This paper examines the temporal relationship between vaping and youth smoking using multiple data sets to explore the question of whether vaping promotes smoking initiation in the USA.MethodsUsing publicly available, nationally representative data on smoking and vaping among youth and young adults, we conducted a trend line analysis of deviations from long-term trends in smoking starting from when vaping became more prevalent.ResultsThere was a substantial increase in youth vaping prevalence beginning in about 2014. Time trend analyses showed that the decline in past 30-day smoking prevalence accelerated by two to four times after 2014. Indicators of more established smoking rates, including the proportion of daily smokers among past 30-day smokers, also decreased more rapidly as vaping became more prevalent.ConclusionsThe inverse relationship between vaping and smoking was robust across different data sets for both youth and young adults and for current and more established smoking. While trying electronic cigarettes may causally increase smoking among some youth, the aggregate effect at the population level appears to be negligible given the reduction in smoking initiation during the period of vaping’s ascendance.

Gas-Chromatographic—Mass-Spectrometric Determination of Urinary Acid Profiles of Normal Young Adults. II. The Effect of Ethanol

1973 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 963-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A Witten ◽  
Steven P Levine ◽  
Mary T Killian ◽  
Peter J R Boyle ◽  
Sanford P Markey
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mass Spectrometric ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Excretion Rates ◽  
Urinary Acid ◽  
Chromatographic Mass

Abstract Urinary acid metabolic profiles of 26 healthy young adults who were maintained on a palatable standard diet for three days have been studied by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Means and standard deviations of the excretion rates of individual, identified acids were determined after the ingestion of ethanol and compared to basal values previously reported. A significant net effect of ethanol was demonstrated for only six of the acids studied: α- and β-hydroxybutyric, adipic, β-methyladipic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acids.

scholarly journals Electronic cigarettes in Canada: Prevalence of use and perceptions among youth and young adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. e97-e102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine D. Czoli ◽  
David Hammond ◽  
Christine M. White
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Youth And Young Adults

Voltage and e-liquid composition affect nicotine deposition within the oral cavity and carbonyl formation

2020 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-055619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Zhou ◽  
Hammad Irshad ◽  
Wendy W Dye ◽  
Guodong Wu ◽  
Carmen S Tellez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Liquid Composition ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Cardiovascular Stress ◽  
Median Size ◽  
Cast Model ◽  
Carbonyl Formation ◽  
Particle Sizer

IntroductionThe diversity of e-liquids along with higher powered e-cigarette nicotine delivery devices are increasing. This study evaluated the effect of voltage and e-liquid composition on particle size, nicotine deposition in a human oral-trachea cast model and generation of carbonyls.MethodsNineteen e-liquids were evaluated for 30 common chemicals by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). E-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine (1.2%) were generated at 4 and 5 volts for assessment of particle size distribution using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), Fast Mobility Particle Size (FMPS) and an In-Tox cascade impactor and nicotine deposition by GC-MS. Carbonyl formation in aerosols was assessed by liquid chromatography tandem triple-quad mass spectrometry.ResultsTotal chemical burden ranged from 0.35 to 14.6 mg/mL with ethyl maltol present in all e-liquids. Increasing voltage was associated with an increase in median size of aerosol particles and the deposition of nicotine in the oral cast. Two e-liquids caused a 2.5-fold to 5-fold increase in nicotine deposition independent of particle size and voltage. Increasing voltage caused an increase in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein in the presence and absence of nicotine. Most striking, aerosols from several e-liquids significantly increased levels of acetaldehyde and acrolein compared with unflavoured.ConclusionsIncreasing voltage and composition of e-liquid can increase the exposure of the oral pharynx and bronchial airways to carbonyls that can react with DNA to generate adducts, induce oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The elevated nicotine and carbonyls readily enter the circulation where they can also cause cardiovascular stress. The growing popularity of higher voltage e-cigarette delivery devices will likely further elevate health risks from chronic exposure to these complex aerosols.

scholarly journals Characterization of Nicotine Salts in 23 Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 1239-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arit M Harvanko ◽  
Christopher M Havel ◽  
Peyton Jacob ◽  
Neal L Benowitz
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Abuse Liability ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Acid Acid

Abstract Introduction Many electronic cigarette manufacturers have begun offering liquids containing “nicotine salts,” which are formed when an acid is mixed in a solution with free-base nicotine. Type of salt could play a significant role in the abuse liability of electronic cigarette liquids. As a first step to understanding nicotine salts, this study sought to identify the types of acids present in 23 commercially available electronic cigarette liquids. Aims and Methods Twenty-three electronic cigarette liquids advertised as containing nicotine salts were purchased for analysis. These liquids were tested for the presence of 11 different organic acids that were deemed likely to be used in a nicotine salt formulation. Liquids were analyzed using a combination of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods, then compared to authentic acid standards for identification. Results Six of the 11 possible acids were identified in the liquids, from most to least common: lactic, benzoic, levulinic, salicyclic, malic, and tartaric acid. Acid(s) could not be identified in one of the liquids. Though most liquids contained only one type, three of the liquids contained multiple acids. Conclusions These data demonstrate that several types of salts/acids are currently being used in electronic cigarette liquids. The type and concentration of salt(s) used in these liquids may differentially alter sensations in the throat and upper airway, and overall pharmacology of the aerosols by altering liquid pH and from flavor and sensory characteristics of the acids themselves. Implications This study demonstrates that at least six different types of acids are being used to create the nicotine salts in electronic cigarette liquids, with the acids lactic, benzoic, and levulinic being the most frequently identified. Identification of these acids can serve as the foundation for future research to determine if type of nicotine salt alters pharmacological and toxicological effects of electronic cigarettes.

scholarly journals The Analysis of Aerosolized Methamphetamine From E-cigarettes Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 592-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose I Krakowiak ◽  
Justin L Poklis ◽  
Michelle R Peace
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Delivery System ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Optimal Drug

Abstract The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has expanded from a nicotine delivery system to a general drug delivery system. The internet is rife with websites, blogs and forums informing users how to modify e-cigs to deliver illicit drugs while maintaining optimal drug delivery of their device. The goal of this study was to qualitatively identify the presence of methamphetamine in the aerosol produced by an e-cig and to quantitatively assess the effect voltage on the concentration of aerosolized methamphetamine. A KangerTech AeroTank electronic cigarette containing a 30, 60 or 120 mg/mL of methamphetamine in 50:50 propylene glycol: vegetable glycerin formulation was used to produce the aerosol. To qualitatively identify aerosolized methamphetamine, the aerosol was generated at 4.3 V, trapped in a simple glass trapping system, extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and analyzed by high-resolution Direct Analysis in Real Time AccuTOF™ Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS). To assess the effect of voltage on the concentration of aerosolized methamphetamine, the aerosol was generated at 3.9, 4.3 and 4.7 V, trapped and quantified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). SPME-DART-MS and SPME-GC-MS demonstrated the aerosolization of methamphetamine. The concentration of aerosolized methamphetamine at 3.9, 4.3 and 4.7 V was not statistically different at 800 ± 600 ng/mL, 800 ± 600 ng/mL and 1,000 ± 800 ng/mL, respectively. The characterization of the vapors produced from e-liquids containing methamphetamine provides an understanding of the dose delivery dynamics of e-cigarettes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document