Variations in Label Information and Nicotine Levels in Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids in South Korea: Regulation Challenges

Introduction:
This text is a scientific study examining the labeling and nicotine content of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) refill liquids in South Korea. The study found variations in label information and discrepancies between the nicotine content indicated on the label and the actual measured values. The study highlights the need for regulation of e-cigarette refill liquids in South Korea.

Key Points:

* The study purchased 32 e-cigarette refill liquids, including 17 domestic and 15 imported products, from retail stores in Seoul and asan, South Korea.
* The actual nicotine concentrations of each product were measured by a blinded analyst at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, USa.
* Three out of 15 imported liquid refill products provided manufacturing dates, while expiration dates were available on eight products.
* The range of nicotine concentration was from "not detected" to 17.5 mg/mL.
* Labeling discrepancies of the concentrations ranged from -32.2% to 3.3%.
* The highest concentration (150.3 ± 7.9 mg/mL) was found in a sample labeled as "pure nicotine".
* One product labeled "pure nicotine" raises concerns, as it may be poisonous to consumers, especially to children.
* The study revealed the urgent need for the development of product regulations in South Korea.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for regulation of e-cigarette refill liquids in South Korea due to variations in label information and discrepancies between the nicotine content indicated on the label and the actual measured values. The lack of regulations poses safety concerns for consumers, especially for children who may accidentally ingest e-cigarette refill liquids. The study recommends the development of national labeling standards for these products and the necessity of measurement of concentration levels of other toxic or carcinogenic compounds in the liquids and vapors.

Kim, Sungroul, Maciej Goniewicz, Sol Yu, Bokyeong Kim, and Ribhav Gupta. “Variations in Label Information and Nicotine Levels in Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids in South Korea: Regulation Challenges.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public health 12, no. 5 (May 5, 2015): 4859–68. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120504859.