Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study investigating the nicotine delivery profile of a variable voltage, tank-style electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The study aimed to characterize the impact of power settings and liquid nicotine concentration on plasma nicotine concentration and puffing behavior. The findings offer insights into the heterogeneity of ENDS nicotine delivery and the potential role of regulation in standardization.
Key Points:
* Ten cigarette smokers participated in this within-subject study with two device power settings (15 W and 45 W) and three liquid nicotine concentrations (0, 3, and 6 mg/ml).
* Participants underwent one directed and one ad libitum use period for each condition, and blood samples were taken throughout.
* Plasma nicotine concentration did not increase significantly at 15 W regardless of liquid nicotine concentration.
* at 45 W and 6 mg/ml, mean plasma nicotine increased significantly from 2.0 ng/ml at baseline to 5.96 ng/ml after 10 puffs.
* Puff duration and volume generally decreased as device power and nicotine concentration increased.
* Despite using a variable wattage, tank-style device, nicotine delivery was minimal, highlighting ENDS performance heterogeneity.
Main Message:
The main message of this study is that despite using a variable voltage, tank-style ENDS, nicotine delivery was minimal, with no significant increase in plasma nicotine concentration at the lower power setting. This result underscores the importance of regulation in standardizing ENDS nicotine delivery to ensure consistency and predictability for users. It also highlights the need for further research to better understand the factors influencing ENDS nicotine delivery and the potential health implications for users.
Citation
Eversole a, Maloney S, Talih S, et al. Variable Voltage, Tank-Style ENDS Do Not always Deliver Nicotine. Tobacco regulatory science. 2020;6(6):416-422. doi:10.18001/trs.6.6.5
