Summary
Introduction:
This text is a scientific study on the emissions of toxic carbonyls in an electronic cigarette. The study aims to determine the levels of selected toxic carbonyls in a device designed and built at a specific facility. The device was tested under standardized conditions and the results were compared to those of a Kentucky Reference Cigarette smoked under Health Canada Intense conditions. The study also explores the relationship between the device's performance and the test conditions.
Key Points:
* The study was conducted using a device designed and built at a specific facility.
* The device was filled with approximately 960 mg of an e-liquid formulation containing 1.8% (w/v) nicotine.
* The device was puffed 200 times in blocks of 40 using a standardized regime.
* Confirmatory testing for nicotine and total aerosol delivery resulted in mean (n = 8) values of 10 mg and 716 mg, respectively.
* Emissions of toxic carbonyls were highly variable and were between < 0.1% and 22.9% of expected levels from a Kentucky Reference Cigarette puffed 200 times under Health Canada Intense smoking conditions.
* The study found that a device built to a high specification with relatively consistent nicotine and aerosol delivery emits inconsistent levels of carbonyls.
* Exposure is greatly reduced when compared with lit tobacco products, but as the reservoirs neared depletion, emission levels were significantly higher.
Main Message:
The main message of this study is that electronic cigarettes have the potential to significantly reduce exposure to toxic carbonyls compared to lit tobacco products. However, the study also highlights the need for further research to better understand the relationship between the device's performance and test conditions. It is important to note that even though the exposure is reduced, there is still a risk associated with electronic cigarettes, especially as the device nears depletion. Therefore, it is crucial to continue to study and regulate these products to ensure public safety.
Citation
Guthery, William. “Emissions of Toxic Carbonyls in an Electronic Cigarette.” Beiträge Zur Tabakforschung International/Contributions to Tobacco Research 27, no. 1 (January 1, 2016): 30–37. https://doi.org/10.1515/cttr-2016-0005.
