Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of metal-containing particles in aerosols from pod-type electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The study examines the composition, size, and concentration of metal oxide particles in aerosols generated from several pod-based devices from three manufacturers. The analysis is crucial as inhaled metal oxide particles can cause pulmonary inflammation, potentially leading to chronic health issues.
Key Points:
* The study used Single Particle-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry and Dynamic Light Scattering to measure particle sizes in triplicate for chromium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, and lead oxides.
* Researchers used nanoexact gold nanospheres and NIST Standard Reference Material 1898 Titanium Dioxide nanomaterial for calibration and validation purposes.
* Pod-type ENDS devices and pods from Juul®, myblu®, and Vuse alto® with two flavors each were selected for the analysis.
* aerosols were generated using a Cerulean e-cigarette aerosol machine and condensed inside previously described ultrapure acid cleaned fluorinated ethylene propylene tubing traps.
* The condensate was rinsed from the trap with three 8 mL ultrapure water flushes and brought to 25.0 mL total volume with ultrapure water in acid cleaned polymethylpentene class a volumetric flasks.
* Particle concentrations were multiplied by final analytical volume (25.0 mL) and divided by 7.5 to convert results from particles per mL·75 puffs to particles per 10 puffs.
* ENDS aerosol procedural condensation tube rinse blanks were used to ensure no false positive particle results.
* aerosol collections and analyses were performed on three different days, and the triplicate average results are reported.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of examining metal-containing particles in e-cigarette aerosols. The findings reveal variable particle concentrations and sizes across different devices and pods, with some reaching concerning levels. as the popularity of e-cigarettes continues to grow, particularly among young people, it is crucial to understand and regulate the potential health risks associated with their use. The presence of toxic metal particles in e-cigarette aerosols should be considered in regulatory decision-making to protect users and promote public health.
Citation
Pappas RS, Gray N, halstead M, Valentin-Blasini L, Watson C. Toxic Metal-Containing Particles in aerosols from Pod-Type Electronic Cigarettes. Journal of analytical toxicology. 2021;45(4):337-347. doi:10.1093/jat/bkaa088
