Summary
Introduction:
This text presents a study on the effects of e-liquid flavor, nicotine content, and puff duration on metal emissions from electronic cigarettes. The study aims to provide information for e-cigarette users about metal exposure through vaping.
Key Points:
* The study used four commercial e-cigarettes and 16 e-liquids with different flavors and nicotine content.
* aerosols were collected and analyzed for 14 metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
* The study found significant differences in metal concentrations among fruit, tobacco, and menthol flavors in both closed-system and open-system devices.
* Nicotine content significantly affected metal concentrations, with higher concentrations observed for certain metals at higher nicotine levels.
* Puff duration did not significantly affect metal concentrations in aerosols.
* The study suggests that e-cigarette users who use tobacco flavored e-liquid may be exposed to higher as, Fe, and Mn levels than users of menthol flavors.
* Metal emission variability within the same flavor group could depend on the e-liquid brand, likely due to differences in formulas and ingredient purity used to produce the flavor.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering e-liquid flavor and nicotine content as potential factors in metal emissions from electronic cigarettes. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use is of concern due to toxic metal exposure, although some devices had markedly lower levels of certain metals. Further research is needed to determine potential health effects related to metal exposure from e-cigarette use. Strict product regulations should be developed to inform policy at national and international levels, especially on e-liquid composition and nicotine content.
Citation
Zhao D, Ilievski V, Slavkovich V, et al. Effects of e-liquid flavor, nicotine content, and puff duration on metal emissions from electronic cigarettes. Environmental research. 2022;204:112270. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.112270
