Cherry-flavoured electronic cigarettes expose users to the inhalation irritant, benzaldehyde

Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the presence of the chemical benzaldehyde in aerosols generated from flavored e-cigarettes and the potential health risks associated with its inhalation. The study detected benzaldehyde in 108 out of 145 products tested, with the highest levels found in cherry-flavored products. The doses inhaled from flavored e-cigarettes were often higher than those from conventional cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study measured benzaldehyde in aerosols generated from 145 flavored nicotine solutions purchased online.
* Benzaldehyde was detected in 108 out of 145 products, with the highest yields observed in cherry-flavored products.
* The estimated median daily inhaled dose of benzaldehyde from cherry-flavored e-cigarettes was 70.3 μg.
* The benzaldehyde doses inhaled using 30 puffs from flavored e-cigarettes were often higher than doses inhaled from a conventional cigarette.
* although the estimated median daily inhaled dose of benzaldehyde from cherry-flavored e-cigarettes was >1000 times lower than the PEL dose for benzaldehyde concentrations in the workplace, repeated inhalation of benzaldehyde could pose a potential risk to e-cigarette users.
* The study suggests that respiratory clinicians should be aware of potential risks associated with using flavored e-cigarettes, particularly for patients with respiratory diseases.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential risks associated with the inhalation of benzaldehyde in flavored e-cigarettes, particularly in cherry-flavored products. although the estimated median daily inhaled dose of benzaldehyde from cherry-flavored e-cigarettes is low compared to the PEL dose for benzaldehyde concentrations in the workplace, repeated inhalation of benzaldehyde could pose a potential risk to e-cigarette users. Therefore, respiratory clinicians should be aware of potential risks associated with using flavored e-cigarettes, particularly for patients with respiratory diseases. as e-cigarette popularity increases, it is essential to continue monitoring and studying the potential health risks associated with their use.

Kosmider, Leon, andrzej Sobczak, adam Prokopowicz, Jolanta Kurek, Marzena Zaciera, Jakub Knysak, Danielle Smith, and Maciej L Goniewicz. “Cherry-Flavoured Electronic Cigarettes Expose Users to the Inhalation Irritant, Benzaldehyde.” Thorax 71, no. 4 (april 2016): 376–77. https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207895.