a Rapid and Sensitive Chemical Screening Method for E-Cigarette aerosols Based on Runtime Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy.

Introduction:
This article presents a novel analytical approach for the rapid detection of oxidative products in e-cigarette aerosols using runtime cavity ringdown spectroscopy (rtCRDS). The study investigates three flavors of commercial Juul pods and known commercial e-liquid ingredients vaped using Juul devices.

Key Points:

* The study used rtCRDS to analyze aerosols collected from single puffs of Juul e-liquids and neat chemical additives spiked into a 30:70 PG/VG solution.
* acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetone were identified as primary oxidative products in aerosolized PG/VG.
* Ethanol was detected as a major constituent in the three commercial Juul flavors.
* The spectral intensities of carbonyl compounds increased with the addition of spikes, benzoic acid, ethyl maltol, and nicotine to PG/VG, suggesting that oxidative product generation increases with common additives.
* The method of direct, rapid analysis of e-cig aerosols introduced in this study can be used to complement traditional methods in vaping exposures.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in relation to the generation of oxidative products. The use of rtCRDS allows for the rapid and sensitive detection of these products, providing valuable insights into the chemical composition of e-cigarette aerosols. The results suggest that the addition of common e-liquid additives, such as benzoic acid and ethyl maltol, can increase the production of oxidative products. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the potential health impacts of these additives when evaluating the safety of e-cigarettes. Overall, the study underscores the need for continued research and regulation in the e-cigarette industry to protect public health.

Rajapaksha RD, Tehrani MW, Rule aM, harb CC. a Rapid and Sensitive Chemical Screening Method for E-Cigarette aerosols Based on Runtime Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy. Environmental science & technology. 2021;55(12):8090-8096. doi:10.1021/acs.est.0c07325