Determination of Chemical Compounds Generated from Second-generation E-cigarettes Using a Sorbent Cartridge Followed by a Two-step Elution Method

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the chemical compounds found in the smoke of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) using a two-step elution method. The study identifies various carbonyl compounds and volatile organic compounds generated by 10 brands of second-generation e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study used a glass filter and a solid sorbent tube to collect e-cigarette smoke, which was then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
* Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, propanal, acetol, glyoxal, and methyl glyoxal were detected in some e-cigarettes.
* Propylene glycol and glycerol, the main components of e-liquid, were also detected.
* Glyoxal and methyl glyoxal were found to exist mainly as particulate matter, while acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, propanal, and acetol existed mainly as gaseous compounds.
* Formaldehyde was found to exist as both particulate matter and gaseous compounds.
* The main cause of carbonyl generation is suggested to be the oxidation of liquids such as propylene glycol and glycerol in e-cigarettes upon incidental contact with the heating element.
* Large variations in carbonyl concentration were found among different brands and even among different samples of the same product.
* The study used the results to determine an e-cigarette smoking protocol of 55 mL puff volume, 2 seconds puff duration, and 30 puffs.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of analyzing the chemical compounds found in e-cigarette smoke to ensure the safety of their use. While e-cigarettes are generally considered safer than traditional cigarettes, this study identifies the presence of harmful carbonyl compounds in some e-cigarettes. The large variations in carbonyl concentration among different brands and even among different samples of the same product suggest the need for stricter regulations and quality control measures in the e-cigarette industry. The study also emphasizes the need for standardized testing protocols to ensure consistent and accurate results. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to the ongoing debate about the safety and regulation of e-cigarettes.

Uchiyama, Shigehisa, Yui Senoo, Hideki Hayashida, Yohei Inaba, Hideki Nakagome, and Naoki Kunugita. “Determination of Chemical Compounds Generated from Second-Generation E-Cigarettes Using a Sorbent Cartridge Followed by a Two-Step Elution Method.” Analytical Sciences 32, no. 5 (May 2016): 549–55. https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.32.549.