Carbonyl Compounds in Electronic Cigarette Vapors: Effects of Nicotine Solvent and Battery Output Voltage

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the levels of carbonyl compounds, including toxic and carcinogenic compounds, in the vapor produced by electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The study focuses on the effects of nicotine solvent and battery output voltage on the levels of these compounds.

Key Points:

* The study found that vapors from e-cigarettes contain toxic and carcinogenic carbonyl compounds.
* Both solvent and battery output voltage significantly affect levels of carbonyl compounds in e-cigarette vapors.
* The highest levels of carbonyls were observed in vapors generated from propylene glycol (PG)-based solutions.
* Increasing battery output voltage resulted in higher levels of carbonyls in vapor.
* The levels of formaldehyde in vapors from high-voltage devices were in the range of levels reported in tobacco smoke.
* The study did not detect acrolein in any products, but previous research suggests its presence in e-cigarette vapor.
* The study has some limitations, including only examining two factors that may affect toxicity and using sorbent tubes designed to capture gas-phase carbonyls.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in regards to the levels of toxic and carcinogenic carbonyl compounds present in the vapor. The findings suggest that new generation high-voltage e-cigarettes may pose increased health risks to users due to higher levels of carbonyl compounds, although the risk is still likely to be lower compared to smoking. It is important for regulatory agencies to consider these risks when developing regulations for e-cigarettes.

Kosmider, Leon, andrzej Sobczak, Maciej Fik, Jakub Knysak, Marzena Zaciera, Jolanta Kurek, and Maciej Lukasz Goniewicz. “Carbonyl Compounds in Electronic Cigarette Vapors: Effects of Nicotine Solvent and Battery Output Voltage.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 16, no. 10 (October 2014): 1319–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntu078.