E-Liquids from Seven European Countries-Warnings analysis and Freebase Nicotine Content.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of e-liquids from seven European countries, focusing on warnings and freebase nicotine content. The study evaluated 86 e-liquids from 34 different brands and 57 flavors, examining nicotine content versus labeled claims, labeling, volume, ph, and nicotine form. The key points and main message of this text are as follows:

Key Points:

1. The study found that eight out of 86 e-liquids met the 2% criteria for nicotine content accuracy, and 50 e-liquids met the 10% criteria.
2. Out of 71 nicotine-containing e-liquids, the amount of freebase nicotine varied from 0 to 97.8%, with a mean value of 56.5 ± 35.7%.
3. None of the e-liquids contained nicotine salt in the ingredients.
4. all tested e-liquids met the basic requirements of the TPD, but there were differences in the scope of information about harmfulness, labeling, and discrepancies between declared and quantified nicotine concentrations.
5. The team observed differences in health warning labels (hWLs) and symbols between countries, with some countries having more specific information than others.
6. The study did not find any differences in freebase nicotine content between countries, but it did find differences in flavor groups and labeled nicotine concentrations.
7. The majority of e-liquids contained glycerin and propylene glycol as base ingredients, along with various flavorings.
8. The team noted inconsistencies in labeling, such as two nicotine-free e-liquids containing trace amounts of nicotine and six e-liquids having higher nicotine concentrations than claimed.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for standardized guidelines and regulations for e-liquids in European countries. While the TPD aims to unify regulations, there are still inconsistencies in health warning labels, nicotine content accuracy, and labeling. The study also indicates that there is a need for further research on the impact of freebase nicotine content and flavorings on e-cigarette users. Overall, the findings suggest that stricter regulations and quality control measures are necessary to ensure the safety and accuracy of e-liquids in the European market.

Bębenek PK, Gholap V, halquist M, Sobczak a, Kośmider L. E-Liquids from Seven European Countries-Warnings analysis and Freebase Nicotine Content. Toxics. 2022;10(2). doi:10.3390/toxics10020051