The Impact of Device Settings, Use Patterns, and Flavorings on Carbonyl Emissions from Electronic Cigarettes.

Introduction:
This article presents a comprehensive study on the impact of device settings, use patterns, and flavorings on carbonyl emissions from electronic cigarettes. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the health risks associated with e-cigarette use by evaluating the levels of various carbonyl compounds under real-world vaping conditions.

Key Points:

* The study investigated the effect of device settings, including power output, vaping topographies, and e-liquid compositions, on carbonyl emissions from e-cigarettes.
* E-vapor carbonyl levels were highest under higher power outputs, with PG-based e-liquids generating higher formaldehyde and acetaldehyde than VG-based e-liquids.
* Fruit-flavored e-liquids (strawberry and dragon fruit) generated higher formaldehyde emissions than menthol, cinnamon, and creamy/sweet flavored e-liquids.
* The fruit and menthol flavored e-liquids generated 5-40% more formaldehyde than non-flavored VG e-liquid, while other flavored e-liquids generated less formaldehyde.
* Diacetyl and acetylpropionyl, known to increase lung airway injury, were detected in three flavored e-liquid samples.
* Increases in puff volume and duration generated significantly higher amounts of formaldehyde.
* Despite lower carbonyl emissions compared to conventional cigarettes, the presence of several toxic carbonyl compounds in e-cigarette vapor may still pose potential health risks for users without smoking history, including youth.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of considering vaping conditions that generate higher carbonyls, such as higher power output with PG e-liquid, when developing e-cigarette product standards. The public health administrations should be aware of the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use and take appropriate measures to regulate and minimize these risks.

Son Y, Weisel C, Wackowski O, Schwander S, Delnevo C, Meng q. The Impact of Device Settings, Use Patterns, and Flavorings on Carbonyl Emissions from Electronic Cigarettes. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(16). doi:10.3390/ijerph17165650