Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to determine the presence of microbial toxins, specifically endotoxin and glucan, in electronic cigarette (EC) products sold in the United States. The study selected the top 10 retail brands and tested 37 cartridges and 38 e-liquids for contamination.
Key Points:
* The study found that 23% of the products tested had endotoxin concentrations over the limit of detection (LOD), and 81% had glucan concentrations greater than LOD.
* After adjusting for brand and flavor, the mean glucan concentration was 3.2 times higher in cartridge samples compared to e-liquid samples.
* Glucan concentrations in tobacco- and menthol-flavored ECs were 10.4 and 3.5 times higher than concentrations found in fruit-flavored products, respectively.
* Endotoxin concentrations did not show clear differences according to product type or flavor.
* Both microbial contaminants were less than LOD in 17% of the products tested.
* The products included in the study were not intended to be representative of all EC products sold in the United States.
* Contamination might have occurred at any point during the production of ingredients or finished EC products.
Main Message:
The study found that some popular EC brands and flavors may be contaminated with microbial toxins. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess potential exposures and health effects in EC users. The study highlights the need for regulatory oversight and quality control measures in the production of EC products to ensure the safety and health of users.
Citation
Lee, Shieun, Dae-Hee Han, Angela Chow, and Dong-Chul Seo. “A Prospective Longitudinal Relation between Elevated Use of Electronic Devices and Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.” Addictive Behaviors 98 (November 2019): 106063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106063.
