Comparison of toxicant levels in mainstream aerosols generated by Ruyan® electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and conventional cigarette products

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the composition and toxicant levels in the aerosols generated by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), specifically the Ruyan® brand, compared to conventional cigarettes. The study aims to determine whether claims of reduced emissions from smokeless electronic cigarettes are justified.

Key Points:

* The Ruyan® classic V8 electronic cigarette (ENDS) was tested against a very low tar cigarette (VLTC) and compared with published emissions for US-style Marlboro KS cigarettes.
* Products were smoked according to the ISO standard, and the resulting mainstream aerosols were analyzed for 62 cigarette smoke toxicants by Labstat International and British american Tobacco.
* The Ruyan® cartridge yielded over 300 puffs of aerosol, comprising 82% propylene glycol, 15% water, 1% nicotine, 2% unidentified particulate matter, and flavors.
* Of 62 cigarette smoke toxicants, 37 were measurable in VLTC smoke and 11 in Ruyan® vapor.
* Estimated relative toxicant emissions scores, adjusted for nicotine, were 0.4 for Ruyan®, 55 for VLTC, and 137 for Marlboro KS.
* Three tobacco-specific nitrosamines in Ruyan® vapor were present at trace levels no greater than for medicinal nicotine; mercury was present at trace level.
* Ruyan®, VLTC, and Marlboro regular cigarettes yielded 9 µg, 23 μg, and 101 μg mean nicotine, respectively, per 35 mL puff.

Main Message:
The study concludes that the Ruyan® aerosol, determined under ISO conditions for cigarettes, is free of most toxicants found in cigarette smoke and those measurable are in very low concentration. however, the study emphasizes the need for retesting ENDS products at periodic intervals using machine smoking parameters that replicate actual human puffing behavior instead of those in the ISO standard. The findings suggest that ENDS products could be a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes for nicotine delivery, but further research is needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products.

Lauterbach, John h, and Murray Laugesen. “Comparison of Toxicant Levels in Mainstream aerosols Generated by Ruyan® Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Conventional Cigarette Products,” n.d.