Emission and Gas/Particle Partitioning Characteristics of Nicotine in aerosols for Electronic Cigarettes.

Introduction:
This article presents a study on the emission and gas/particle partitioning characteristics of nicotine in aerosols for electronic cigarettes. The study aims to understand the effects of e-liquid compositions and heating powers of devices on the nicotine yield, vaporization, and gas/particle partitioning behavior in aerosols. The research could provide valuable information for setting technical standards for electronic cigarettes and regulatory policies.

Key Points:

1. a theoretical model was developed to simulate the nicotine emissions and gas/particle partitioning in aerosols at equilibrium, with errors within a reasonable range compared to experimental data.
2. higher heating power levels result in higher nicotine yields and vaporization amounts of e-liquids.
3. a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content in e-liquids leads to lower nicotine emissions due to the significant differences in thermodynamic properties between PG and VG.
4. Increased heating powers supplied by the device lead to a larger mass fraction of particle-phase nicotine in aerosols at equilibrium.
5. higher propylene glycol (PG) content in e-liquids results in a lower mass fraction of gas-phase nicotine in aerosols at equilibrium.
6. The study investigates the gas/particle partitioning constants for nicotine and other toxicants and flavor chemicals in solutions of 50/50 PG/glycerol used in electronic cigarettes.
7. The research highlights the importance of considering gas/particle partitioning in understanding the deposition and absorption of nicotine and other harmful substances in the respiratory tract.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the significance of heating powers and e-liquid compositions in determining the nicotine yield, vaporization, and gas/particle partitioning behavior in electronic cigarette aerosols. The research findings could aid in setting technical standards and regulatory policies, contributing to safer electronic cigarette usage.

Wu J, Gao Y, Li D, Gao N. Emission and Gas/Particle Partitioning Characteristics of Nicotine in aerosols for Electronic Cigarettes. Chemical research in toxicology. 2022;35(5):890-897. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00076