Detection of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural in the aerosol of electronic cigarettes

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the study examining the formation of furanic compounds in electronic cigarette (ECIG) aerosols when ECIG liquid solutions of varying sweetener concentrations are vaped under different power and puff duration. The study aims to investigate the relationship between sweeteners, furanic compound emissions, and vaping conditions.

Key Points:

* The study used liquids prepared by mixing aqueous sucrose, glucose, or sorbitol solutions with a 70/30 propylene glycol/glycerin solution.
* aerosols were generated using a commercially available ECIG operating at 4.3 and 10.8 W with 4 and 8 seconds puff duration.
* Extraction and quantification were achieved using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods.
* Well-resolved GC peaks for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (hMF) and furfural (Fa) were detected and quantified in the aerosols of sweet-flavoured e-liquids.
* The levels of furan emissions were significantly correlated with electric power and sweetener concentration but not with puff duration.
* Unlike saccharides, the formation of hMF and Fa from a sugar alcohol is negligible.
* The addition of sweeteners to ECIG liquids exposes users to furans, a toxic class of compounds.
* Under certain conditions, the per-puff yield of hMF and Fa in ECIG emissions is comparable to values reported for combustible cigarettes.

Main Message:
This study emphasizes the potential health risks associated with the use of sweetened ECIG liquids. The formation of toxic furanic compounds, hMF and Fa, is significantly correlated with electric power and sweetener concentration. The per-puff yield of these toxicants under certain conditions is comparable to combustible cigarettes. as an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to consider these findings when developing policies and regulations surrounding ECIG use and sweetener content.

Soussy, Sarah, ahmad EL-hellani, Rima Baalbaki, Rola Salman, alan Shihadeh, and Najat a Saliba. “Detection of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural in the aerosol of Electronic Cigarettes.” Tobacco Control 25, no. Suppl 2 (November 2016): ii88–93. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053220.