Summary
Introduction:
This article reports on a study examining the concentrations of elements/metals, nicotine, and flavor chemicals in unused, gently used, and heavily used first-generation electronic cigarettes (ECs) that were stored for 5-10 years. The study also looks at the effects of ph on total element/metal concentrations in aged unused e-liquids. The study found that the total concentration of elements/metals in the e-liquids varied widely between brands and ranged from 5.65 mg/mL to 2214 mg/mL. Copper, zinc, tin, nickel, and lead were found to have the highest concentrations in e-liquids. The concentration of measured nicotine relative to the label concentration decreased in all brands, regardless of use. Most products had few flavor chemicals that were low in concentration.
Key Points:
* The total concentration of elements/metals in the e-liquids varied widely between brands and ranged from 5.65 mg/mL to 2214 mg/mL.
* Copper, zinc, tin, nickel, and lead were found to have the highest concentrations in e-liquids.
* The concentration of measured nicotine relative to the label concentration decreased in all brands, regardless of use.
* Most products had few flavor chemicals that were low in concentration.
* The e-liquid ph was highly correlated with total elements/metals in aged unused e-liquids.
* In all brands, except NJOY NPRO, most elements/metals, including potentially harmful ones, increased in the used e-liquids relative to the unused e-liquids.
* Some elements, such as selenium, arsenic, and cadmium, which are known to be harmful, were found in the e-liquids.
Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health and environmental concerns associated with the use and disposal of ECs. The high concentrations of potentially harmful elements/metals, including those that are known to be toxic, found in the e-liquids, suggest that there is a need for better regulation and monitoring of EC products. The lack of expiration dates on EC products, in conjunction with increases in toxic metals with use and storage, could cause adverse health effects in EC consumers. additionally, the concentrations of metals, nicotine, and organic chemicals in used ECs and their potential effects on the environment need to be further studied. The study emphasizes the need for the US Food and Drug administration to issue an Environmental Impact assessment to require manufacturers to take more responsibility for recycling or properly disposing of ECs to prevent EC environmental contamination and protect human and non-human health and environmental resources.
Citation
Williams M, Luo W, McWhirter K, Ikegbu O, Talbot P. Chemical Elements, Flavor Chemicals, and Nicotine in Unused and Used Electronic Cigarettes aged 5-10 Years and Effects of ph. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;19(24). doi:10.3390/ijerph192416931
