Summary
Introduction:
This text presents a study on the thermal degradation of vitamin E acetate (VEa) when used in an electronic vaping device. The study identifies major degradation products produced when VEa is vaporized using a Borgwaldt 5.1 linear smoker and a SVS250 Electronic Vaporizer. The text also discusses the potential implications of these findings for e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVaLI).
Key points:
* VEa undergoes thermal degradation when used in an electronic vaping device.
* The major degradation products identified are 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-1-pentadecene.
* These degradants were confirmed using analytical standards and gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC–hRMS).
* an additional degradant, 4-acetoxy-2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2,4-cyclohexadienone, was synthesized and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and GC–hRMS, but it was not identified in vaporized VEa.
* Identification of these degradants will allow future studies to quantify and examine the degradants in vivo and in vitro as biomarkers for exposure and toxicity assessment.
Main message:
The study's findings suggest that the thermal degradation of VEa when used in electronic vaping devices produces major degradants that could contribute to EVaLI. Identification of these degradants will allow for further toxicity studies and the development of biomarkers for exposure and toxicity assessment. It is essential to continue researching the potential health risks associated with vaping and the use of alternative diluents in electronic vaping devices.
Citation
Kovach aL, Carter RR, Thornburg JW, Wiethe R, Fennell TR, Wiley JL. Thermal Degradants Identified from the Vaping of Vitamin E acetate. Journal of analytical toxicology. 2022;46(7):750-756. doi:10.1093/jat/bkab109
