Method for the Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in E-Cigarette aerosols

Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to develop and validate a sensitive, selective, and reproducible method for measuring carbonyls in e-cigarette aerosols using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The study also explores the relationship between heater coil temperature and carbonyl yields in cig-a-like e-cigarette devices.

Key Points:

* The study developed a UPLC-MS method for measuring carbonyls in e-cigarette aerosols, which is more sensitive and selective than traditional hPLC-UV methods.
* The method includes all carbonyls listed in the FDa's established list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (hPhCs) for currently regulated tobacco products.
* The study found that changing the voltage of select commercially available re-fillable e-vapor devices can significantly impact carbonyl formation.
* The study explored coil temperatures related to carbonyl yields in cig-a-like e-cigarette devices and found that formaldehyde formation is low at temperatures below 350 °C.
* The study used a 4-s puff duration and 30-s interval, which represents the average puffing topography of experienced e-cigarette users.
* The aerosol samples were collected directly into a collection train consisting of a 44-mm Cambridge filter pad (CFP) in front of a glass impinger containing DNPh trapping solution.
* The study used 20-puff increments for carbonyl aerosol collection and 55.0 ±0.3 mL puff volume.
* The study used a prototype e-cigarette and a ThermaCam model SC6000hS infrared camera to measure the maximum heater coil temperature during puffing.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of developing sensitive and selective methods for measuring carbonyls in e-cigarette aerosols to accurately report their concentrations. The study also emphasizes the need to understand the relationship between heater coil temperature and carbonyl yields in e-cigarette devices to minimize the formation of harmful compounds. The results of this study can help inform regulations and standards for e-cigarette products to ensure their safety and quality.

Flora, Jason W., Celeste T. Wilkinson, James W. Wilkinson, Peter J. Lipowicz, James a. Skapars, adam anderson, and John h. Miller. “Method for the Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in E-Cigarette aerosols.” Journal of Chromatographic Science 55, no. 2 (February 2017): 142–48. https://doi.org/10.1093/chromsci/bmw157.