Identification of flavouring chemicals and potential toxicants in e-cigarette products in Ontario, Canada.

Introduction:
This article summarizes a study examining the constituents of e-cigarette products available on the Canadian market, with a focus on the province of Ontario. The study identified various chemicals, flavourings, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNas) in the products tested. The key points and main message of the study are summarized below.

Key Points:

* a total of 166 e-cigarette products were purchased and analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
* E-cigarette products had an average of 6.2 (SD = 3.6) flavouring chemicals, with sweet-flavoured products having a significantly greater number of flavouring chemicals compared to tobacco- and menthol-flavoured products.
* approximately one fifth (21%) of products contained flavouring chemicals with potential risk of inhalation toxicity (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, vanillin).
* an additional 8 toxicants (e.g., acrolein, diacetyl) were detected in a total of 14 e-cigarette products.
* Measurable levels of TSNas were detected in 70% of tested products.
* There is a lack of empirical evidence examining constituents of e-cigarettes sold in Canada, making this study particularly relevant for consumers and regulators.

Main Message:
The study reveals several policy gaps that may be addressed by developing regulatory product standards and labelling practices for e-cigarettes. The findings highlight the need for greater transparency and information for consumers regarding the constituents of e-cigarette products, as well as the need for regulators to establish product standards to ensure e-cigarettes meet specified quality criteria and are free of toxicants and contaminants. Passage of the Tobacco and Vaping Products act in May 2018 provides an opportunity for regulators to impose regulatory limits on certain constituents and develop regulations pertaining to the testing, reporting, and labelling of e-liquids by manufacturers.

Czoli CD, Goniewicz ML, Palumbo M, Leigh N, White CM, hammond D. Identification of flavouring chemicals and potential toxicants in e-cigarette products in Ontario, Canada. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique. 2019;110(5):542-550. doi:10.17269/s41997-019-00208-1