Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes
Introduction:
This article discusses a study examining the presence of certain flavoring chemicals in e-cigarettes, specifically diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and acetoin. The study aims to determine if these chemicals are present in a convenience sample of flavored e-cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study tested 51 types of flavored e-cigarettes from leading brands and flavors appealing to youth.
* At least one flavoring chemical was detected in 47 of 51 unique flavors tested.
* Diacetyl was detected above the laboratory limit of detection in 39 of the 51 flavors tested, with concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantification to 239 µg/e-cigarette.
* 2,3-Pentanedione and acetoin were detected in 23 and 46 of the 51 flavors tested at concentrations up to 64 and 529 µg/e-cigarette, respectively.
* The findings raise concerns about potential inhalation exposure to these flavoring chemicals among e-cigarette users.
* The study suggests that further research is needed to evaluate the potential health effects of inhaling these flavoring chemicals via e-cigarettes.
Main Message:
The study highlights the presence of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and acetoin in a convenience sample of flavored e-cigarettes. These flavoring chemicals have been associated with severe respiratory diseases in workers exposed to them through inhalation. Therefore, the study recommends urgent action to further evaluate the potential health effects of these flavoring chemicals in e-cigarettes and to protect users from potential harm.
Citation
Allen, Joseph G., Skye S. Flanigan, Mallory LeBlanc, Jose Vallarino, Piers MacNaughton, James H. Stewart, and David C. Christiani. “Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes.” Environmental Health Perspectives 124, no. 6 (June 2016): 733–39. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510185.
Allen, Joseph G., Skye S. Flanigan, Mallory LeBlanc, Jose Vallarino, Piers MacNaughton, James H. Stewart, and David C. Christiani. “Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes.” Environmental Health Perspectives 124, no. 6 (June 2016): 733–39. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510185.
