Influence of puffing conditions on the carbonyl composition of e-cigarette aerosols.

This study investigates the impact of puffing regimen parameters on the carbonyl composition of e-cigarette aerosols using a smoking machine to generate e-vapors from two e-cigarette models and a single e-liquid. The study found that e-vapor concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, propionaldehyde and methyl-glyoxal were affected by the modification of the puffing regimen and the e-cigarette model. The results suggest that the studied parameters interact and highlight some "carbonyl-emitting" combinations of concern, but the highest concentrations measured in the present study remain far lower than those observed in conventional cigarette mainstream smoke. The study also confirms that the chosen puffing regimen contributes to the observed variability in the carbonyl levels reported in the scientific literature, making comparisons between studies difficult and interpretation challenging. Therefore, harmonized and realistic protocols for the assessment of e-cigarette toxicity by physicochemical or experimental approaches are needed.

Beauval N, Verriele M, Garat a, et al. Influence of puffing conditions on the carbonyl composition of e-cigarette aerosols. Int J hyg Environ health. 2019;222:136-146. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.08.015