Benzene formation in electronic cigarettes

Introduction:
This article investigates the formation of benzene, a known human carcinogen, in the aerosols produced by electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The study examines the role of propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (GL), benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, and nicotine in the benzene formation process. The research was conducted using three e-cigarette devices, with a focus on two tank systems that allowed for adjustable power settings.

Key Points:

* The study found that benzene formation was not detected in the JUUL e-cigarette system but was present in the two tank systems.
* Benzene formation was strongly dependent on device type and power settings.
* With 50:50 PG+GL, benzene concentrations varied significantly between the two tank systems and power settings, ranging from 1.9 to 5000 μg/m3.
* Benzoic acid and benzaldehyde additives significantly increased benzene formation at higher power settings.
* The risks of benzene exposure from e-cigarettes are lower compared to conventional cigarettes but may still pose a non-negligible risk for non-smokers if repeatedly exposed to levels of 100 μg/m3 or higher.
* ambient benzene air concentrations in the U.S. have typically been 1 μg/m3, making it the largest single known cancer-risk air toxic.
* The formation of 13C6benzene was confirmed from 50:50 PG+GL (both13C3), indicating that benzene can be produced from the e-cigarette device components.

Main Message:
The study highlights that benzene formation in e-cigarettes is influenced by various factors, including device type, power settings, and the presence of specific additives. although the risks associated with benzene exposure from e-cigarettes are lower compared to conventional cigarettes, non-smokers repeatedly exposed to benzene levels of 100 μg/m3 or higher may face non-negligible cancer risks. This information is crucial for regulators to consider when assessing the safety of e-cigarettes and their potential health impacts.

Pankow, James F., Kilsun Kim, Kevin J. McWhirter, Wentai Luo, Jorge O. Escobedo, Robert M. Strongin, anna K. Duell, and David h. Peyton. “Benzene Formation in Electronic Cigarettes.” Edited by Raymond Niaura. PLOS ONE 12, no. 3 (March 8, 2017): e0173055. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173055.