Summary
Introduction:
This article is a research study on the quality control of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids. The study analyzed a sample of 32 e-cigarette liquids taken from various supermarkets and tobacconist's offices in Morocco. The study aimed to check the conformity of the nicotine level indicated in the packaging of each product and the existence of any other components inside the product, especially toxic or unknown impurities. The method used for this study is high-performance liquid chromatography.
Key Points:
* The study found that the differences between the nicotine concentrations reported in the packages and the measured ones varied from -100% to +3.3%.
* Only 31% of the analyzed products have an accurate indication of the level of nicotine on the packaging. however, 47% of the studied products showed more than 20% difference between the measure and the packaging indication.
* The level of impurities altered from 0 to 32.6% in all analyzed samples.
* The level of the nicotine breakdown products did not exceed 2% of the nicotine content in pretty much all of the samples.
* The actual nicotine content of electronic cigarette refill liquids is not always as precise as what is stated on the packaging.
* In addition to the level of impurities detected in several brands and that exceeds the European Pharmacopoeia standards, some may even present a risk of causing toxicological damage.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of quality control in e-cigarette liquids. It shows that the actual nicotine content of electronic cigarette refill liquids is not always as precise as what is stated on the packaging, and the level of impurities detected in several brands and that exceeds the European Pharmacopoeia standards, some may even present a risk of causing toxicological damage. Therefore, regulatory authorities should control the manufacturing and importation processes, excipients used, and quality control tests and procedures for e-cigarette liquids. The manufacturers and liquid dispensers of e-cigarettes should also comply with the standards required for nicotine-based drugs.
Citation
Bennani I, alami Chentoufi M, El Karbane M, Cheikh a, Bouatia M. E-Cigarette quality Control: Impurity and Nicotine Level analysis in Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids. TheScientificWorldJournal. 2020;2020:3050189. doi:10.1155/2020/3050189
