Summary
Introduction:
This text describes the development and validation of a quantitative method for analyzing nicotine and menthol in e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) using isotope-dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The study aims to accurately quantify these chemicals in e-liquids and aerosol emissions to evaluate EVP authenticity, verify product label accuracy, and identify potentially hazardous products.
Key Points:
* The study developed a simple, versatile, high-throughput method for quantifying nicotine and menthol concentrations in both e-liquid contents and machine-generated aerosol emissions of EVPs.
* The method was rigorously validated and demonstrated to be specific, precise, accurate, and robust.
* The method was used to analyze aerosol emissions of 141 EVPs associated with the 2019 EVaLI outbreak, detecting nicotine and menthol in 28% and 11% of the samples, respectively.
* Nicotine was not detected in any of the ThC, CBD, or oil-based products, while menthol was detected in only one ThC-labeled product.
* The analytical method can be used to quantify nicotine and menthol concentrations in the e-liquids and aerosols from a range of EVPs.
* The findings highlight a difference between e-cigarette and other vaping products.
Main Message:
The study presents a reliable and accurate method for quantifying nicotine and menthol in e-cigarette and vaping products, which can be used to ensure product authenticity, verify label accuracy, and identify potentially hazardous products. The study's findings also highlight the importance of monitoring and regulating e-cigarette and vaping products, particularly in light of the 2019 EVaLI outbreak, to protect public health.
Citation
Pérez JJ, Watson Ch, Blount BC, Valentín-Blasini L. Isotope-Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Selective Detection of Nicotine and Menthol in E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Liquids and aerosols. Frontiers in chemistry. 2021;9:754096. doi:10.3389/fchem.2021.754096
