Flavoring Chemicals and aldehydes in E-Cigarette Emissions

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the chemical composition of e-cigarette emissions, focusing on aldehydes and flavoring chemicals. The study aims to identify exposures under typical use conditions and evaluate the risks associated with e-cigarette ingredients and components. The authors selected 24 e-cigarette flavors from the top selling disposable e-cigarette brands and tested them using high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. The results reveal the presence of various harmful chemicals in e-cigarette emissions, including those that exceed occupational exposure limits.

Key Points:

* The study selected 24 e-cigarette flavors from the top selling disposable e-cigarette brands.
* The authors used high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography to test the emissions.
* all e-cigarette emissions tested contained at least one aldehyde and/or flavoring chemical on either the FEMa "high Priority Chemicals" or FDa harmful and Potentially harmful Constituents lists when sampled at typical usage conditions.
* Diacetyl, a known respiratory hazard, along with acetoin, were the most prevalent of the flavoring chemicals in e-cigarette vapor, being found in more than 60% of samples.
* The presence of propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were correlated, suggesting thermal degradation as a pathway for aldehyde generation in e-cigarette vapors.
* Median formaldehyde concentrations of 626 µg/m3 in e-cigarette vapor exceed the aCGIh maximum concentrations allowable for workers of 370 µg/m3.
* Exposure to aldehydes in both the FEMa and FDa lists is implicated in noncancerous effects such as airway constriction, eye irritation, damage to airway epithelium, and alterations in gene expression.
* Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde carry the additional risk of carcinogenicity, and both have "ceiling limits" in occupational workplaces.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in relation to aldehydes and flavoring chemicals. The findings suggest that e-cigarette emissions contain harmful chemicals that exceed occupational exposure limits, posing a significant health risk to users. The study emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on e-cigarette ingredients and emissions to protect public health. The high levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, are of particular concern and warrant further investigation. Overall, the study underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential health hazards of e-cigarette use and highlights the need for regulatory action to protect users.

Klager, Skylar. “Flavoring Chemicals and aldehydes in E-Cigarette Emissions.” Environmental Science & Technology, no. 51 (2017): 10806–13. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b02205.