Summary
Introduction:
This text is a scientific report on the evidence for the coupling of refill liquids content and new particle formation in electronic cigarette vapors. The authors conducted a study to understand how particles in e-cigarette vapors are formed and their size, which is critical to identifying and mitigating the adverse consequences of vaping.
Key Points:
* The study found that particle with aerodynamic diameter < 300 nm accounted for up to 17% (or 780 μg/m3) of e-cigarette vapor particles.
* Two events of increasing particle number concentration were observed, 2-3 s after puff completion and a second 4-5 s later.
* Propylene glycol and glycerol were associated with the first event, while flavorings containing aromatic and aliphatic unsaturated functional groups were strongly associated with the second event and to a lesser extent with the first one.
* The results indicate that particles in e-cigarette vapors may be formed through the heteromolecular condensation of propylene glycol, glycerol, and flavorings, including both parent chemicals and/or their thermal decomposition products.
* E-cigarette use is increasing among smokers who want to quit or reduce smoking and inadvertently, by adolescence, youth and adults who perceive the device to be safer than tobacco smoking due to pervasive advertising by e-cig manufacturers.
* however, the short- and long-term effects of e-cigarettes are largely unknown and poorly understood, and outbreaks of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EV aLI) in adults and other respiratory related illnesses and deaths were reported in the US.
* E-cigarettes are composed of a cartridge that accommodates the nicotine solution (refill e-liquid), a heat-ing element (atomizer) that vaporizes the e-liquid, and battery assembly including microprocessor and mouthpiece.
* The particle number, mass, and size distribution of e-cigarette vapors compared to tobacco smoke were previously studied.
Main Message:
The study highlights the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in relation to new particle formation and the adverse consequences of vaping. The results indicate that particles in e-cigarette vapors may be formed through the heteromolecular condensation of propylene glycol, glycerol, and flavorings, including both parent chemicals and/or their thermal decomposition products. While e-cigarettes are often perceived as safer than tobacco smoking, this study suggests that more research is needed to understand the short- and long-term effects of e-cigarette use, particularly in relation to particle formation and the potential risks associated with e-cigarette vapors.
Citation
Dada O, Castillo K, hogan M, Chalbot MCG, Kavouras IG. Evidence for the coupling of refill liquids content and new particle formation in electronic cigarette vapors. Scientific reports. 2022;12(1):18571. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-21798-w
