Chemical Analysis and Flavor Distribution of Electronic Cigarettes in Australian Schools

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of e-cigarette products confiscated from Australian high school students. The study examines the brand, model, and flavor of the devices, as well as the chemical composition of a subset of the samples, including nicotine content, compliance with TGO110, carrier fluid composition, and flavoring chemicals present.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed a convenience sample of 598 devices and refill e-liquids confiscated from Australian high school students in New South Wales.
* The majority of samples were fruit-flavored disposable e-cigarettes, with IGET, HQD, and Gunnpod being the most prevalent brands.
* Nicotine was quantified in 97.3% of disposable samples, with an average concentration of 40.0 mg/mL, while one refill e-liquid was found to contain nicotine at a low concentration.
* Almost all samples contained the coolant WS-23, and 3.4% of the samples contained chemicals prohibited under TGO110, including ethylene glycol in moderately high concentrations.
* The e-cigarette coils were found to have degraded over time, potentially affecting the composition of the aerosol and leaching of metals.

Main Message:
The study highlights the widespread use of fruit-flavored disposable e-cigarettes among Australian high school students and the potential health risks associated with these products. The presence of prohibited chemicals, including ethylene glycol, is particularly concerning and underscores the need for stricter regulations on e-cigarette products. The degradation of e-cigarette coils also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the composition of aerosols produced by these devices. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and regulators seeking to address the growing public health issue of e-cigarette use among young people.

Caitlin Jenkins, Fraser Powrie, Celine Kelso, Jody Morgan, Chemical Analysis and Flavor Distribution of Electronic Cigarettes in Australian Schools, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Volume 27, Issue 6, June 2025, Pages 997–1005, https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntae262