Mechanisms of toxicity and biomarkers of flavoring and flavor enhancing chemicals in emerging tobacco and non-tobacco products

The findings suggest that the use of e-cigarettes, particularly those with flavors, could lead to aldehyde levels higher than occupational safety standards. These aldehydes are produced by thermal decomposition of propylene glycol and glycerol, commonly used in e-cigarette liquids. There is a need for further investigation into the contribution of flavoring agents in e-cigarette induced lung toxicity, especially after thermal decomposition. This is due to the fact that aldehyde levels are found to be proportional to flavor concentration and are strengthened by previous studies showing increased aldehyde levels in smoke from menthol cigarettes.

additionally, e-cigarette liquids and aerosols have shown cytotoxicity and significant DNa damage in human and animal cells, which could have implications for users' health. There is also a lack of information on the interaction between flavoring chemicals and glycol/glycerol. a consolidated database approach is needed to collect data from exposure to flavored products in cases such as bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lungs) and to evaluate the pattern of use among adolescents.

In summary, the findings indicate that the use of e-cigarettes, particularly those with flavors, could have negative impacts on users' health due to the production of aldehydes and the potential for DNa damage. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the contribution of flavoring agents in e-cigarette induced lung toxicity.

Kaur, Gurjot, Thivanka Muthumalage, and Irfan Rahman. “Mechanisms of Toxicity and Biomarkers of Flavoring and Flavor Enhancing Chemicals in Emerging Tobacco and Non-Tobacco Products.” Toxicology Letters 288 (May 2018): 143–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.025.