Concentration of Nicotine and Glycols in 27 Electronic Cigarette Formulations

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the nicotine and glycol content in e-cigarette liquid formulations. It includes a description of the study design, methodology, and results that highlight the discrepancies between labeled and measured concentrations of nicotine and glycols. The text also discusses the implications of these findings in the context of regulatory oversight of the e-cigarette industry.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed 27 e-cigarette liquid formulations for nicotine and glycol content.
* The nicotine concentrations ranged from 45% to 131% of the labeled concentrations.
* 18 of the 27 formulations had a greater than 10% difference from their labeled concentrations, with 9 having a difference greater than 20%.
* The glycol composition was generally accurate, with only one exception where the propylene glycol to glycerin ratio was stated as 50:50 and the determined concentration was 81:19 (v/v).
* The study used Direct analysis in Real Time™ Mass Spectrometry (DaRT-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography -tandem mass spectrometry (hPLC-MS-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for analysis.
* The DaRT-MS method was able to consistently identify the exact mass peaks resulting from the protonated molecular ion of nicotine, glycol, and various flavor additives within 5 mmu.
* Nicotine concentrations were determined to range from 45 to 131% of the stated label concentration, with 18 of the 27 having >10% variance.
* Glycol composition was generally accurate to the product description, with only one exception where the propylene glycol to glycerin percentage ratio was stated as 50:50 and the determined concentration of propylene glycol to glycerin was 81 :19 (% v/v).

Main Message:
The study's findings highlight the need for regulatory oversight of the e-cigarette industry. The discrepancies between labeled and measured nicotine and glycol concentrations raise concerns about the accuracy of labeling and the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use. The study's results underscore the importance of developing standards and regulations for e-cigarette liquid formulations to ensure consumer safety and protect public health. as an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to advocate for regulatory oversight and promote evidence-based policies to address the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Peace, Michelle R., Tyson R. Baird, Nathaniel Smith, Carl E. Wolf, Justin L. Poklis, and alphonse Poklis. “Concentration of Nicotine and Glycols in 27 Electronic Cigarette Formulations.” Journal of analytical Toxicology 40, no. 6 (July 2016): 403–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkw037.