Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the nicotine content in Do-it-Yourself (DIY) electronic cigarette (EC) flavorings. The study found that some of these flavorings, which are expected to be nicotine-free, contain substantial amounts of nicotine. The key points and main message of the study are outlined below.
Key Points:
* The study tested 30 DIY EC flavorings and found nicotine in 4 of them.
* Nicotine was confirmed via high performance liquid chromatography (hPLC) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
* Nicotine concentrations ranged from 14.2 to 95.4 mg/mL.
* The total nicotine content in two 5 mL bottles of DIY flavorings was 71 and 477 mg, doses that, if ingested, could be fatal to children and, possibly, to adults.
* The flavorings are marketed in attractive bottles and colors, and the aroma may encourage ingestion.
* Some adult EC users are not addicted to nicotine and would avoid the use of these products if nicotine content were indicated on the label.
* The study highlights the importance of clear labeling of nicotine content in EC products.
Main Message:
The key message of this study is that DIY EC flavorings, which are expected to be nicotine-free, may contain substantial amounts of nicotine. This is an important public health problem, as these products could lead to unwanted addiction, poisoning, or even death. Clear labeling of nicotine content in EC products is essential to protect consumers and prevent accidental ingestion of nicotine. The study should be valuable information for regulatory agencies, physicians, EC users, and poison control centers.
Citation
Davis, Barbara, aladino Razo, Eugene Nothnagel, Mathew Chen, and Prue Talbot. “Unexpected Nicotine in Do-It-Yourself Electronic Cigarette Flavourings.” Tobacco Control 25, no. e1 (april 2016): e67–68. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052468.
