Selected harmful and Potentially harmful Constituents Levels in Commercial e-Cigarettes.

Introduction: This text reports on the product performance of a range of e-cigarettes under standardized conditions to enable comparison based on the analysis of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (hPhCs) recommended by the World health Organization and the European Committee for Standardization. The analysis was performed using a standardized aerosol generation and collection protocol.

Key points:

* The study analyzed 34 samples of commercial e-cigarette devices and 57 e-liquids purchased in 2015, 2017, and 2018 from various countries.
* The analysis included TSNas, BaP, volatiles, elements, and carbonyl compounds.
* The aerosol was generated according to the CORESTa CRM No. 81 with the devices in horizontal position.
* The analysis was performed under contract to Philip Morris International by Labstat International, an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
* The study found that TSNas were present in trace amounts in some e-liquids and aerosols, while elements were present in e-liquids and aerosols but mostly below the limit of quantification.
* Carbonyl compounds were present in e-cigarette aerosols, with formaldehyde having the highest yield, followed by acetaldehyde and acrolein.
* The study assessed the robustness of the carbonyl yields by modifying the puff duration or volume for some closed systems.

Main message: The study highlights the importance of standardized testing conditions to enable comparison of e-cigarette products based on hPhC yields. The analysis of TSNas, elements, and carbonyl compounds in e-cigarette aerosols can inform regulatory decisions regarding the safety and quality of these products. however, further research and standardization work are needed to ensure accurate and reliable testing methods for e-cigarette emissions. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for transparent and rigorous testing and reporting of e-cigarette emissions to protect public health.

Belushkin M, Tafin Djoko D, Esposito M, et al. Selected harmful and Potentially harmful Constituents Levels in Commercial e-Cigarettes. Chemical research in toxicology. 2020;33(2):657-668. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00470