Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the design characteristics and toxicant emissions of disposable electronic cigarettes that resemble pod-mod devices in size and shape. The study compares these devices to the JUUL, a cartridge-based e-cigarette device that pod-mod-like disposables aim to emulate.
Key Points:
* The study found that disposable e-cigarettes had varying qualities of construction and did not incorporate a microcontroller to regulate electrical power to the heating coil.
* Power ranged between 5 and 9 W, and liquid nicotine concentration ranged between 53 and 85 mg/mL (~95% in the protonated form).
* In 15 puffs, total nicotine yield ranged between 1.6 and 6.7 mg, total carbonyls ranged between 28 and 138 µg, and total metals ranged between 1084 and 5804 ng.
* JUUL emissions were near the floors of all of these ranges.
* Disposable e-cigarettes are designed with high nicotine concentrations and are capable of emitting much higher nicotine and carbonyl species relative to rechargeable look-alike e-cigarettes.
* These differences are likely due to lower quality in construction, unreliable labelling, and lack of temperature control regulation that limits power during operation.
* From a public health perspective, regulating these devices is important to limit user exposure to carbonyls and nicotine, particularly because these devices are popular with youth and young adults.
Main Message:
The study highlights the need for regulation of disposable e-cigarettes, which are designed with high nicotine concentrations and are capable of emitting much higher nicotine and carbonyl species relative to rechargeable look-alike e-cigarettes. These differences are likely due to lower quality in construction, unreliable labelling, and lack of temperature control regulation that limits power during operation. From a public health perspective, regulating these devices is important to limit user exposure to carbonyls and nicotine, particularly because these devices are popular with youth and young adults.
Citation
Talih S, Salman R, Soule E, et al. Electrical features, liquid composition and toxicant emissions from ’pod-mod’-like disposable electronic cigarettes. Tobacco control. 2022;31(5):667-670. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056362
