arsenic species in electronic cigarettes: Determination and potential health risk.

Introduction:
This article reports on a study that determined and analyzed the presence of arsenic species in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids and aerosols. The study also estimates the potential health risks associated with exposure to these arsenic species.

Key Points:

* The study detected six arsenic species in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols, including three new species not previously reported.
* Inorganic arsenic species were predominant in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols.
* The concentration of iasIII in the condensate of aerosols was significantly higher than that in the e-liquid samples.
* The concentration of inorganic arsenic in the vaping air was approximately 3.4 mg/m3, which is close to the permissible exposure limit set by the Occupational Safety and health administration (OSha).
* Based on the Environmental Protection agency’s unit risk factor for inhalation exposure to inorganic arsenic, the estimated excess lung cancer risk from lifetime exposure to inorganic arsenic in the e-cigarette vaping air is as high as 1.5/100,000.
* The three new arsenic species remain to be fully characterized, and further research is needed to identify their chemical structure.
* The study suggests that the arsenic exposure from e-cigarettes is of concern and calls for further research and regulatory considerations.

Main Message:
The study highlights the presence of arsenic species in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols, with inorganic arsenic species being predominant. The concentration of inorganic arsenic in the vaping air is close to the permissible exposure limit set by OSha, and the estimated excess lung cancer risk from lifetime exposure to inorganic arsenic in the e-cigarette vaping air is significant. The study suggests that the arsenic exposure from e-cigarettes is a concern and calls for further research and regulatory considerations to ensure the safety of e-cigarette users.

Liu q, huang C, Chris Le X. arsenic species in electronic cigarettes: Determination and potential health risk. Journal of environmental sciences (China). 2020;91:168-176. doi:10.1016/j.jes.2020.01.023