Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the impact of device and liquid heterogeneity on nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and particulate matter emissions in electronic cigarettes (ECIGs). The study examines the association between ECIG device and liquid characteristics and the resulting emissions in real-world settings.
Key Points:
* The study surveyed 84 current ECIG users and measured their device and liquid characteristics.
* The primary devices used by participants were box mods (42.9%), disposable vapes (20.2%), and pod mods (36.9%).
* Most participants (65.5%) reported not knowing their primary device wattage, while 95.2% reported knowing their liquid nicotine concentration.
* Device wattage ranged from 4.1 to 120.0 W, while liquid nicotine concentration ranged from 3.0 to 86.9 mg/ml.
* Predicted nicotine flux varied greatly across products, with box mods having the greatest variability in wattage and predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and TPM yield.
* The study highlights the need for better measurement of ECIG device and liquid characteristics to inform regulatory policy.
Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of considering ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity when developing regulatory policies. The great variability in nicotine flux and toxicants emitted by ECIGs necessitates further examination of device and liquid characteristics to ensure public health protection. Policymakers may consider setting product standards, such as limiting nicotine fluxes to prevent dependence, minimizing emissions of toxicants, and ensuring that ECIGs are not overly appealing to youth or nontobacco users.
Citation
Soule EK, Mayne S, Snipes W, et al. Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Flux, Nicotine Yield, and Particulate Matter Emissions: Impact of Device and Liquid heterogeneity. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2023;25(3):412-420. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntac196
