Chemical Composition of JUUL Pods Collected From Students in California high Schools.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the chemical composition of JUUL pods collected from a convenience sample of 16 high schools in California. The study aims to identify possible consumer modification or counterfeit use of these products.

Key Points:

* The study used Gas Chromatography eMass Spectrometry to quantitatively analyze the nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG) in JUUL pods collected from California high schools and compared the results to commercial 3% and 5% JUUL pods purchased online.
* Most of the collected JUUL pods (24/26 pods) had a nicotine concentration outside the prediction intervals of the 3% and 5% commercial JUUL pods.
* Most (73%) collected JUUL pods had VG concentrations lower than the 3% and 5% commercial JUUL pods.
* The study suggests that used JUUL products collected from high school students or found on school grounds were not chemically consistent with the manufacturer's stated formulations.
* The authors suggest that school-level efforts are warranted to address youth e-cigarette use, including education on the harms associated with e-cigarettes use, especially manipulated or adulterated products.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of monitoring the chemical composition of e-cigarettes, particularly in the context of youth use. The findings suggest that high school students may be using JUUL pods that are not chemically consistent with the manufacturer's stated formulations, which could arise from counterfeit use, consumer re-filling of pods, or chemical degradation. Therefore, school-based efforts, such as implementing evidence-based curricula not sponsored by tobacco companies and educating parents and school staff about the changing product marketplace and health risks of youth e-cigarette use, are necessary to prevent and reduce youth e-cigarette use.

Shamout M, Wang P, Wong F, et al. Chemical Composition of JUUL Pods Collected From Students in California high Schools. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for adolescent Medicine. 2021;69(2):342-345. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.11.023