Chemical analysis of fresh and aged australian e-cigarette liquids.

Introduction:
This article presents the findings of a chemical analysis of fresh and aged e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) commonly available in australia. The study aimed to assess the chemical composition of e-liquids and determine the potential health effects of inhaling their aerosols.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed 65 australian e-liquids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for common excipients, flavorings, nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Pahs), and other chemicals.
* The e-liquids were analyzed in their fresh state and after subjecting them to an accelerated ageing process that simulated the effect of "vaping."
* The study found that all e-liquids contained one or more potentially harmful chemicals, including benzaldehyde, menthol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and Pahs.
* Nicotine or nicotyrine were detected in a small proportion of e-liquids at extremely low concentrations.
* The measured levels of propylene glycol and glycerol often diverged from those recorded on the e-liquid label.
* The ageing process caused chemical changes resulting from vaping, including thermal decomposition, oxidation, and polymerization of e-liquid components.
* The high frequency and concentration of some flavoring chemicals, such as menthol, ethyl maltol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and ethyl vanillin, have concerning health implications.
* The study highlights the need for further research to determine whether aerosols generated from these e-liquids contain harmful chemicals at relevant concentrations.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, as all e-liquids analyzed contained one or more harmful chemicals. The heating/cooling/ageing process can affect e-liquid chemical composition, and some flavoring chemicals have concerning health implications. The findings underscore the need for further investigation and regulation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids to ensure public health safety.

Larcombe a, allard S, Mullins B. Chemical analysis of fresh and aged australian e-cigarette liquids. The Medical journal of australia. 2022;216(8):430. doi:10.5694/mja2.51481