E-cigarette Liquids Research Articles

Quantification of 16 Metals in Fluids and Aerosols from Ultrasonic Pod-Style Cigarettes and Comparison to Electronic Cigarettes.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids and aerosols contain metals, which can be detrimental to human health. Recently marketed ultrasonic cigarettes (u-cigarettes) claim to be less harmful than e-cigarettes that use heating coils. We quantified chemical elements/metals in multiple flavors of SURGE u-cigarettes, JUUL e-cigarettes, and "Other Brands" of pod-style e-cigarettes. Elements/metals were identified in atomizers of SURGE using a scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Quantitation of elements/metals in fluids and aerosols from SURGE, JUUL and Other Brands was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. U-cigarettes contained a sonicator, unlike e-cigarettes which had heated coils. Sixteen elements were identified in at least one fluid or aerosol sample. Generally, u-cigarette fluids and aerosols had more elements/metals at higher concentrations than aerosols from 4th generation e-cigarettes. Element concentrations generally increased in fluids after vaping. All products, including SURGE, had silicon in their fluids and aerosols. Nickel, which was present in low concentrations in all fluids except KWIT Stick (up to 66,050 μg/mL), transferred to the aerosols with low efficiency. SURGE, but not e-cigarettes, also had copper and zinc in their fluids, but little transferred to their aerosols. SURGE fluids and aerosols, unlike e-cigarettes, had relatively high concentrations of arsenic and selenium. Arsenic and selenium, which are on the FDA's Harmful and Potentially Harmful List, likely came from poor quality solvents used to produce the e-liquids in SURGE pods and possibly from the sonicator, which heats during use. SURGE u-cigarettes produce aerosols with metals equivalent to heated coil-style e-cigarettes and had high levels of arsenic and selenium, which are a health concern. Regulations limiting arsenic and selenium in these products are needed, and routine surveillance to identify rogue products, such as Kwit Stick, that have abnormally high levels of nickel or other metals could protect human health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15648.

Stability of Flavoring Chemicals in e-Cigarette Liquids: A Naturalistic Product Aging Study over 24 months

Stability of Flavoring Chemicals in e-Cigarette Liquids: A Naturalistic Product Aging Study over 24 months

Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge of the Negative effects of Nicotine Addiction among Nursing Students – A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: The tobacco plant and some e-cigarette liquids naturally contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Tobacco usage is the second most lethal drug worldwide, with an estimated 5 million deaths from it, and it poses a serious health risk. Objectives: To evaluate the student’s knowledge of the negative effects of nicotine addiction among nursing students and find the association between the pre-test knowledge score of the negative effects of nicotine addiction and the selected demographic variables of Nursing students. Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a one-group pretest and post-test design. Simple random sampling (lottery method) was used to select 50 nursing college students. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the students' knowledge of the negative effects of nicotine addiction. Results: Study results showed that the pretest poor knowledge score was 30% (n=15) which was reduced to zero in the post-test. The average knowledge score in the pretest was 64% (n=32) which was reduced to 4% (n=2) in the post-test. Most participants scored good knowledge scores in the post-test from 6% (n=3) to 96% (n=48). The average mean knowledge score in the pretest was 13.02±4.70 increasing to 30.40±3.23 in the post-test. The calculated ‘t’ value (t = 58.34) shows a significant difference at p < 0.05 from pre- to post which showed that planned teaching program effectively improved the knowledge score on the negative effects of nicotine addiction among nursing students. Conclusion: Planned teaching program have a considerable impact on students' knowledge level, as demonstrated by the statistical data provided by the study findings.

Exposure to third hand e-cigarette vapour impairs cognitive function in young mice.

Exposure to third hand e-cigarette vapour impairs cognitive function in young mice.

Pathophysiological Responses of Oral Keratinocytes After Exposure to Flavored E-Cigarette Liquids.

Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) have grown in popularity, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Flavored ECIG-liquids (E-liquids) are aerosolized by these ECIGs and inhaled into the respiratory system. Several studies have shown detrimental effects of E-liquids in airway tissues, revealing that flavoring agents may be the most irritating component. However, research on the effects of E-liquids on biological processes of the oral cavity, which is the first site of aerosol contact, is limited. Hence, this study focuses on the effects of E-liquid flavors on oral epithelial cells using the OKF6/TERT-2 cell line model. E-liquid was prepared with and without flavors (tobacco, menthol, cinnamon, and strawberry). OKF6/TERT-2 oral epithelial cells, cultured at 37 °C and 5% CO2, were exposed to 1% E-liquid ± flavors for 24 h. Outcomes determined include cell morphology, media pH, wound healing capability, oxidative stress, expression of mucin and tight junction genes, glycoprotein release, and levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8). Exposure to 1% flavored E-liquids negatively affect cellular confluency, adherence, and morphology. E-liquids ± flavors, particularly cinnamon, increase oxidative stress and production of IL-8, curtail wound healing recovery, and decrease glycoprotein release. Gene expression of muc5b is downregulated after exposure to E-liquids. In contrast, E-liquids upregulate occludin and claudin-1. This study suggests that ECIG use is not without risk. Flavored E-liquids, particularly cinnamon, result in pathophysiological responses of OKF6/TERT-2 cells. The dysregulation of inflammatory responses and cellular biology induced by E-liquids may contribute to various oral pathologies.

Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in e-cigarette refill liquids: A comprehensive analytical assessment.

Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in e-cigarette refill liquids: A comprehensive analytical assessment.

ESCAPE Study: Cannabidiol Use in Patients Treated for Substance Use Disorders, Prevalence of Use, and Characteristics of Users

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two primary phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. Its diverse pharmacological properties suggest potential benefits for a wide range of medical conditions. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CBD use among patients being treated for substance use disorder. Additionally, we aimed to characterize the pattern of CBD use and describe the profiles of users. Methods: Patients admitted to two substance use disorder departments between May 6, 2020, and July 23, 2021, were included in the study. Sociodemographic, medical and substance use data, including CBD use, were collected. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed to identify substance uses most frequently correlated with CBD use. Multivariate analyses were also conducted to identify factors associated with CBD use. Results: The prevalence of CBD use in the past 12 months among the 183 patients was 38.2%. However, at the time of the study, 63% had stopped using CBD, primarily due to its perceived ineffectiveness and cost. CBD was commonly consumed via inhalation, either by smoking the plant or using e-cigarette liquids. The MCA revealed that while there is no typical profile of CBD users, they were more likely to use sedative substances rather than stimulants. CBD users were younger and more likely to have psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusion: The prevalence of CBD use was notably high. Given the significant risk of drug interactions with CBD and its wide variability in composition, it is crucial for clinicians to routinely inquire about CBD use. The potential for self-therapeutic or recreational use in these patients appears to be underestimated.

Comparative study of bisphenols in e-cigarette liquids: Evaluating fabric phase sorptive extraction, ultrasound-assisted membrane extraction, and solid phase extraction techniques

Comparative study of bisphenols in e-cigarette liquids: Evaluating fabric phase sorptive extraction, ultrasound-assisted membrane extraction, and solid phase extraction techniques

Health Warnings on Instagram Advertisements for Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes and Engagement

Synthetic nicotine is increasingly used in e-cigarette liquids along with flavors to appeal to youths. Regulatory loopholes have allowed tobacco manufacturers to use social media to target youths. To analyze the extent to which synthetic nicotine e-cigarette brands have implemented US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health warning requirements and to evaluate the association between health warnings and user engagement on Instagram. In this cross-sectional study, posts from 25 brands were analyzed across a 14-month period (August 2021 to October 2022). A content analysis was paired with Warning Label Multi-Layer Image Identification, a computer vision algorithm designed to detect the presence of health warnings and whether the detected health warning complied with FDA guidelines by (1) appearing on the upper portion of the advertisement and (2) occupying at least 20% of the advertisement's area. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2024. Synthetic nicotine e-cigarette advertisement on Instagram. The outcome variables were user engagement (number of likes and comments). Negative binomial regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between the presence and characteristics of health warnings and user engagement. Of a total of 2071 posts, only 263 (13%) complied with both FDA health warning requirements. Among 924 posts with health warnings, 732 (79%) displayed warnings in the upper image portion, and 270 (29%) had a warning covering at least 20% of the pixel area. Posts with warnings received fewer comments than posts without warnings (mean [SD], 1.8 [2.5] vs 5.4 [11.7] comments; adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.86; P < .001). For posts containing warnings, a larger percentage of the warning label's pixel area was associated with fewer comments (aIRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P = .003). Flavored posts with health warnings placed in the upper image portion received more likes than posts with warnings in the lower portion (mean [SD], 34.6 [35.2] vs 19.9 [19.2] likes; aIRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.07-2.06; P = .02). In this cross-sectional study of synthetic nicotine brand Instagram accounts, 87% of sampled posts did not adhere to FDA health warning requirements in tobacco promotions. Enforcement of FDA compliant health warnings on social media may reduce youth engagement with tobacco marketing.

Evaluating the Forensic Inferences of Oral Nicotine Ingestion: Autopsy Case Review, Animal Experimentation, and Legal Implications

Nicotine, a highly lipophilic alkaloid derived from Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica, can be lethal even in small doses when ingested in concentrated forms like e-cigarette liquids. This study examined a murder case in South Korea where a 52-year-old man was allegedly killed by oral administration of nicotine. Despite the absence of typical signs, such as chemical burns or vomiting, the case posed questions about the lethal concentration of nicotine and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in nicotine poisoning. Through literature review, autopsy analysis, and animal experiments, this study evaluated the forensic evidence presented in court. The results indicated that lethal nicotine levels could be lower than established previously, and death could occur without gastrointestinal injury or vomiting. Our findings supported the court's conviction decision, emphasizing the variability of symptoms in nicotine toxicity and the importance of scientific evidence in legal proceedings. The results of this study highlight the role of forensic medicine in clarifying scientific uncertainties in judicial contexts, particularly in cases involving toxic substances.

6-Methylnicotine: a new nicotine alternative identified in e-cigarette liquids sold in Australia.

6-Methylnicotine: a new nicotine alternative identified in e-cigarette liquids sold in Australia.

Electronic cigarettes - harmful substances contained in e-cigarette liquids and smoke

Electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette liquids are increasingly popular in society, especially among young people. However, despite the widespread belief that they are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, many scientific studies confirm that electronic cigarettes can be equally, if not more, harmful to health. There are many chemicals in electronic cigarette liquids, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, flavors and fragrances. Some of these substances are toxic and can cause a number of negative health effects, such as irritation of the respiratory tract, the onset of lung disease, neurological disorders and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, electronic cigarettes can be harmful to the environment due to the emission of toxic substances into the air and improper disposal of used batteries. Therefore, an informed approach to the use of electronic cigarettes and an understanding of the potential health risks associated with them is necessary. Further scientific research and education of the public about the harms of electronic cigarettes are key to preventing the negative consequences associated with their use.

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity assessment of electronic cigarette liquids.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often advertised as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. However, recent data suggest they may not be as safe as previously believed. This study aims to evaluate the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of e-cigarette liquids. We randomly selected eight varieties of e-cigarette liquids from the local market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We evaluated their genotoxicity using the Genotoxicity SOS-Chromo Test™ Kit. In this investigation, a rat liver S9 fraction was utilized to emulate liver metabolic function to measure any chemical substance's mutagenic potential. The SOS-Chromo Test was performed by recording the β-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase activity with and without the metabolic activation enzyme (S-9). All samples, except for the first two dilutions of sample 2, were nongenotoxic in the absence of the S9 activation enzyme, according to the genotoxicity analysis. However, when tested in the presence of the S9 enzyme, samples 2, 4, and 7 exhibited mutagenic activity at varying concentrations. Contrary to common belief, e-cigarettes are not safe. The present investigation confirms the presence of both toxicants and carcinogens in some e-cigarette liquids. This exposure could increase users' risk of various health complications.

Biomarkers of metal exposure in adolescent e-cigarette users: correlations with vaping frequency and flavouring

BackgroundYouth vaping poses a significant public health concern as metals have been detected in e-cigarette aerosols and liquids. This study investigated factors associated with biomarkers of metal exposure.MethodsData were drawn...

An experimental investigation of PG/VG pyrolysis combined with molecular dynamics

An experimental investigation of PG/VG pyrolysis combined with molecular dynamics

An Observational Study of Regulatory Violations Related to Online Tobacco Product Marketing and Retailer Responses to US FDA Warning Letters.

Marketing of flavored tobacco products has drawn concern because they are used disproportionately by young people. Online retailers have marketed e-cigarette liquids and devices to minors despite knowing it is illegal. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial increases in online purchasing, however, there has been limited study of possible shifts in online tobacco product marketing associated with this change. We sought to identify types of tobacco regulatory violations in 2021-2022, marketing claims made by retailers, the extent to which retailers had processes in place to deter minors from browsing websites, and the types of flavors promoted. Our observational study was based on an initial sample of 100 tobacco retailers that had received FDA Warning Letters in 2020-2021. Using methods validated in previous research, we coded the letters for retailer information, violation type, and for retailers with an online presence, the types of products sold, and their marketing claims. Most retailers with violations were in the US South (48%), 65% had an online presence at the time of analysis, and 53% had a website that offered online product sales. The most common type of violation was the sale of new tobacco products without required marketing authorization (83%). For the retailers in the sample with active websites, 42% were still selling a product that the FDA had indicated was marketed unlawfully. Among these retailers with active websites, 32% did not have processes in place to deter access by minors. Advertised flavors focused on food (eg, mango, honey) and concepts (eg, "love", "classic"). Online retailers appeared less likely to remediate tobacco product violations identified by the FDA after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic than before it, and few websites had strong processes in place that would deter youth browsing.

Rapid Determination of Flavorings in e-Cigarette Liquid by Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Mass Spectrometry (MS) in the Quick Strip Mode

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) have become popular around the world. An important reason is the variety of available flavors. However, many countries have imposed restrictions on flavor substances in E-cigarettes due to their potential health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective way to identify flavorings in E-cigarette liquids. In this work, direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) in the quick strip (QS) mode was developed and applied to determine flavorings in the E-cigarettes. Vanillin, ethyl vanillin, maltol, and ethyl maltol were quantified. Meanwhile, the ionization efficiency of flavorings in the different solvents was compared in the QS mode, which revealed that the solvent boiling point was related to the analyte ionization efficiency. The effect of endogenous matrix (propylene glycol and glycerol) on flavoring ionization was also investigated. Calibration curves with satisfactory linearity (R 2 > 0.99) were established from 1 to 1000 μg L−1. Good sensitivity (limits of detection [LODs] < 0.3 μg L−1), recoveries (92.6% to 104.7%), and acceptable repeatability (relative standard deviations < 14.6%, n = 5) were obtained. The limits of quantification (LOQs; 10–50 μg g−1) for the E-cigarette liquid sample were much lower than the regulatory limits. The developed method provided a simple way for rapidly determining flavorings in E-cigarettes.

Online quantification of nicotine in e-cigarette aerosols by vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry.

The growing popularity of e-cigarettes and the associated risks of nicotine addiction present a new challenge to global public health security. Measuring the nicotine levels in e-cigarette aerosols is essential to assess the safety of e-cigarettes. In this study, a rapid in situ method was developed for online quantification of nicotine in e-cigarette aerosols by using a homemade vacuum ultraviolet photoionization aerosol mass spectrometer (VUV-AMS). E-cigarette liquids with different nicotine concentrations were prepared to generate aerosols containing different levels of nicotine, which were employed as the calibration sources for nicotine quantification by VUV-AMS. The results showed that the mass concentration of nicotine in e-cigarette aerosols has a good linear relationship with its signal intensity in the mass spectrum, and the limits of detection and quantitation of nicotine by VUV-AMS were found to be 2.0 and 6.2 μg per puff respectively. Then the online method was utilized to measure five commercial e-cigarettes, and their nicotine yields were determined to be between 31 and 188 μg per puff with the nicotine fluxes from 7.7 to 70 μg s-1, agreeing with the results of the gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). This study demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of VUV-AMS for quick quantification of nicotine in e-cigarette aerosols within seconds.

HKUST−1 loaded Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles/graphene oxide composites modified sensor for sensitive detection of nicotine in electronic cigarette liquids

HKUST−1 loaded Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles/graphene oxide composites modified sensor for sensitive detection of nicotine in electronic cigarette liquids

Flavoring Agents in E-cigarette Liquids: A Comprehensive Analysis of Multiple Health Risks.

The availability of a wide range of flavored e-cigarettes is one of the primary reasons for vaping initiation and persistent use among adolescents and young people. This plethora of flavors available on the market are crafted using different flavoring agents such as cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, benzaldehyde, ethyl maltol, menthol, and dimethylpyrazine. Recent studies have brought to light the potential risks associated with e-cigarette flavoring agents and their effects on various organ systems, both with and without nicotine. Research has demonstrated that flavoring agents can induce inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, oxidative stress, DNA damage, electrophysiological alterations, immunomodulatory effects, and behavioral changes, even independently of nicotine. Notably, these negative outcomes adversely affect cardiovascular system by reducing cell viability, decreasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide bioavailability, soluble guanylyl cyclase activity and cyclic guanosine monophosphate accumulation, impairing endothelial proliferation and tube formation, and altering vasoreactivity resulting in vascular dysfunction. In the heart, these agents decrease parasympathetic activity, induce depolarization of resting membrane potential, loss of rhythmicity, increase isovolumic relaxation time, and change in ventricular repolarization and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. It is found that the specific response elicited by flavoring agents in different organ systems varies depending on the flavor used, the concentration of the flavoring agent, and the duration of exposure. However, the literature on the effects of flavoring agents is currently limited, emphasizing the need for more preclinical and randomized clinical trials to gain a deeper understanding and provide further evidence of the harmful effects of flavored e-cigarette use. In summary, recent research suggests that flavoring agents themselves can have detrimental effects on the body. To fully comprehend these effects, additional preclinical and clinical studies are needed to explore the risks associated with flavored e-cigarette usage.