Fate of pyrazines in the flavored liquids of e-cigarettes

Introduction:
This article presents a study on the presence and transfer of pyrazines, a class of flavoring additives commonly found in electronic cigarette (ECIG) liquids, during the vaping process. The study aims to quantify six pyrazine derivatives in both liquids and aerosols of ECIGs and assess the efficiency of pyrazine transfer into the aerosols.

Key Points:

* The study used a simple liquid-liquid extraction method for the isolation of pyrazines from the ECIG matrix, followed by GC-MS quantification.
* Six pyrazine derivatives were quantified in standard solutions, commercial ECIG liquids, and aerosols generated by ECIGs upon activation.
* Pyrazines were not correlated with the nicotine content or the brand of the liquid. The aerosols showed similar pyrazine profiles to their corresponding liquids, with an efficiency of transfer of pyrazines into the particle phase of approximately 46%.
* Pyrazine concentrations were lower in the aerosols than in the parent liquids, possibly due to thermal conversion or partitioning between the gas and particle phase of the aerosol.
* Pyrazines, due to their chemosensory effects, can reduce the harshness of nicotine aerosol in the airway and make smoking more appealing, thereby discouraging cessation.
* The study suggests that the addition of pyrazines to ECIGs should be regulated, as they could lead to similar calls for restrictions as additives in cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of regulating pyrazines in ECIGs, as they act synergistically with nicotine to increase product appeal, ease smoking initiation, and discourage cessation. The findings emphasize the need for further research on the potential health impacts of pyrazines when inhaled through vaping, particularly in light of their reproductive toxicity and inhibitory effects on oviductal functioning in animals.

El-hage, Rachel, ahmad El-hellani, Rola Salman, Soha Talih, alan Shihadeh, and Najat aoun Saliba. “Fate of Pyrazines in the Flavored Liquids of E-Cigarettes.” aerosol Science and Technology 52, no. 4 (april 3, 2018): 377–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2018.1433293.