Determination of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in replacement liquids of electronic cigarettes by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Introduction:
This text describes a study that aimed to develop a method for detecting tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNas) in the liquids used in electronic cigarettes. The study also measured the levels of TSNas in replacement liquids of electronic cigarettes purchased in the Korean market.

Key Points:

* a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to detect TSNas in replacement liquids of electronic cigarettes.
* Solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) were compared to determine the optimum clean-up method.
* Under the established condition, the limits of quantification of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino )-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N'-nitrosoanabasine (NaB), and N'-nitrosoanatabine (NaT) were 0.06, 0.07, 0.06, and 0.04 1-1g/L respectively.
* The concentrations of TSNas were measured in concentration ranges of 0.34-60.08 f1g/L (64.8% detection frequency) for NNN, 0.22-9.84 f1g/L (88.6% detection frequency) for NNK, 0.11-11.11 1-1g/L (54.3% detection frequency) for NNB, and 0.09-62.19 f1g/L (75.2% detection frequency) for NaT in 105 replacement liquid brands from 11 electronic cigarette companies purchased in the Korean market.
* The most widely used method for analysis of TSNas is GC-TEa, but LC-MS/MS has also been used and shown to be highly sensitive and reproducible.
* The authors suggest that more research is needed on the extraction of TSNas from the matrix of propylene glycol and their detection in the matrix of replacement liquids of electronic cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study found that TSNas, which are strong carcinogens identified in tobacco and tobacco smoke, were present in replacement liquids of electronic cigarettes purchased in the Korean market. The study highlights the need for further research on the extraction and detection of TSNas in electronic cigarette liquids, and the importance of regulating the levels of these harmful chemicals in electronic cigarettes.

Kim, hyun-Ji, and ho-Sang Shin. “Determination of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines in Replacement Liquids of Electronic Cigarettes by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry.” Journal of Chromatography a 1291 (May 2013): 48–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2013.03.035.