Summary
Introduction:
This article presents an analysis of illicit vaping cartridges associated with cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVaLI). The study aimed to identify components of concern in the vaping fluids using untargeted and targeted analyses. The key points highlight the findings of the study, including the identification of vitamin E acetate (VEa) as a major diluent in the cannabinoid-containing fluids.
Key Points:
* The study analyzed 38 samples from the first 10 cases of EVaLI in New York.
* The illicit fluids had relatively low cannabinoid content and sometimes contained pesticides and diluents.
* VEa was found in 64% of the cannabinoid-containing fluids.
* Commercial cannabis-oil diluents/thickeners were analyzed, with three being >95% VEa, two being primarily squalane, and one being primarily β-bisabolol.
* Untargeted analysis of vaporizer fluids using LC-hRMS/MS identified MCT as a major diluent in some samples and myclobutanil and PBO in numerous samples.
* additional pesticide residues were detected in vaporizer fluids.
* No significant mycotoxin contamination was observed in any of the vaporizer fluids analyzed.
Main Message:
The study identified VEa as a major diluent in illicit cannabinoid-containing vaping fluids, which is a cause for concern as there is growing concern that vaping large amounts of these compounds is not safe. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating the contents of vaping fluids to ensure the safety of users. additionally, the study demonstrates the value of using untargeted and targeted analyses to identify components of concern in vaping fluids associated with EVaLI.
Citation
Duffy B, Li L, Lu S, et al. analysis of Cannabinoid-Containing Fluids in Illicit Vaping Cartridges Recovered from Pulmonary Injury Patients: Identification of Vitamin E acetate as a Major Diluent. Toxics. 2020;8(1). doi:10.3390/toxics8010008
