Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a scientific study on the characterization of nicotine salts in electronic cigarette refill liquids. The study aimed to identify the types of acids present in 23 commercially available electronic cigarette liquids that are advertised as containing nicotine salts. The researchers used a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods to analyze the liquids and compare them to authentic acid standards for identification.
Key Points:
* Six of the 11 possible acids were identified in the liquids, with lactic, benzoic, and levulinic acids being the most frequently identified.
* Most liquids contained only one type of acid, but three of the liquids contained multiple acids.
* The type and concentration of salt(s) used in these liquids may differ and could alter sensations in the throat and upper airway and overall pharmacology of the aerosols.
* The identification of these acids can serve as the foundation for future research to determine if type of nicotine salt alters pharmacological and toxicological effects of electronic cigarettes.
Main Message:
The study demonstrates that at least six different types of acids are being used to create the nicotine salts in electronic cigarette liquids, with lactic, benzoic, and levulinic acids being the most frequently identified. This information is crucial for future research to determine if the type of nicotine salt alters the pharmacological and toxicological effects of electronic cigarettes. The findings of this study can help inform regulatory decisions regarding the safety and quality of electronic cigarette refill liquids.
Citation
harvanko aM, havel CM, Jacob P, Benowitz NL. Characterization of Nicotine Salts in 23 Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22(7):1239-1243. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntz232
