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Jenkins C, Powrie F, Morgan J, Kelso C. Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 128:104466. [PMID: 38796928 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sale of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prescription only in Australia, regulated under the Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products (TGO110). Australian e-cigarette users, however, are purchasing e-cigarette products outside of the intended pathways. METHODS The labelling of e-cigarette packaging (N = 388 boxes) and the chemical composition of disposable e-cigarettes and pods (N = 428) were analysed for adherence to the current Australian regulations. These samples were confiscated from over-the-counter retailers in NSW by the NSW Ministry of Health during 2022 for non-compliance with Australian regulations. RESULTS Following the announcement of the prescription only model for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Australia in mid-2021 there was a clear shift in the labelling of products. Any mention of the word 'nicotine' was removed from e-cigarette packaging by early 2022 and nicotine warnings were replaced with generic underage sale warnings. Despite this labelling, the vast majority (98.8 %) of devices analysed contained nicotine, most (89 %) at high concentration (>30 mg/mL) and 4.2 % contained at least one chemical prohibited by the TGO110. CONCLUSIONS It appears that manufacturers have removed any mention of nicotine from the original packaging of nicotine-containing disposable e-cigarettes to circumvent restrictions on nicotine-containing products and continue their sale. The packaging of e-cigarette products in Australia is generally not indicative of their contents, particularly nicotine, and most did not display required warnings. Ingredients with associated health risks, prohibited in legal vapes by the TGO110, were found in samples. Consequently, the risks of e-cigarette use cannot be appropriately identified from the information supplied on the packaging or device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Jenkins
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia
| | - Fraser Powrie
- NSW Ministry of Health, Centre for Population Health, Tobacco & E-cigarette Control Unit, 2065 NSW, Australia
| | - Jody Morgan
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia
| | - Celine Kelso
- Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522 NSW, Australia.
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Hamon R, Thredgold L, Wijenayaka A, Bastian NA, Ween MP. Dual Exposure to E-Cigarette Vapour and Cigarette Smoke Results in Poorer Airway Cell, Monocyte, and Macrophage Function Than Single Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6071. [PMID: 38892256 PMCID: PMC11173218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette users predominantly also continue to smoke cigarettes. These Dual Users either consume e-cigarettes in locations where smoking is not allowed, but vaping is, or to reduce their consumption of cigarettes, believing it will lead to harm reduction. Whilst it is known that e-cigarette vapour is chemically less complex than cigarette smoke, it has a distinct chemical profile, and very little is known about the health impacts of exposure to both chemical profiles vs. either alone. We simultaneously exposed cells in vitro to non-toxic levels of e-cigarette vapour extract (EVE) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to determine their effects on 16HBE14o- airway epithelial cell metabolism and inflammatory response, as well as immune cell (THP-1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from healthy volunteers) migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response. We observed increased toxicity, reduced metabolism (a marker of proliferation) in airway epithelial cells, and reduced monocyte migration, macrophage phagocytosis, and altered chemokine production after exposure to either CSE or EVE. These cellular responses were greater after dual exposure to CSE and EVE. The airway epithelial cells from smokers showed reduced metabolism after EVE (the Switcher model) and dual CSE and EVE exposure. When EVE and CSE were allowed to interact, the chemicals were found to be altered, and new chemicals were also found compared to the CSE and EVE profiles. Dual exposure to e-cigarette vapour and cigarette smoke led to worse functional outcomes in cells compared to either single exposure alone, adding to limited data that dual use may be more dangerous than smoking only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Hamon
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Leigh Thredgold
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Asiri Wijenayaka
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Nicole Anne Bastian
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Miranda P. Ween
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Buettner-Schmidt K, Steward K, Goniewicz ML, Schaeffer Fraase K, Orr M, Miller DR. Development of a Flavor Ingredient Wheel Linking E-Liquid Additives to the Labeled Flavor of Vaping Products. TOXICS 2024; 12:372. [PMID: 38787151 PMCID: PMC11125894 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
E-liquids contain combinations of chemicals, with many enhancing the sensory attractiveness of the product. Studies are needed to understand and characterize e-liquid ingredients, particularly flavorings, to inform future research and regulations of these products. We identified common flavor ingredients in a convenience sample of commercial e-liquids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. E-liquid flavors were categorized by flavor descriptors provided on the product packaging. A Flavor Ingredient Wheel was developed to link e-liquid flavor ingredients with flavor categories. An analysis of 109 samples identified 48 flavor ingredients. Consistency between the labeled flavor and ingredients used to produce such flavor was found. Our novel Flavor Ingredient Wheel organizes e-liquids by flavor and ingredients, enabling efficient analysis of the link between ingredients and their flavor profiles and allowing for quick assessment of an e-liquid ingredient's flavor profile. Investigating ingredient profiles and identifying and classifying commonly used chemicals in e-liquids may assist with future studies and improve the ability to regulate these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Buettner-Schmidt
- School of Nursing, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (K.S.F.); (M.O.); (D.R.M.)
| | - Katherine Steward
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;
| | - Maciej L. Goniewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Kolby Schaeffer Fraase
- School of Nursing, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (K.S.F.); (M.O.); (D.R.M.)
| | - Megan Orr
- School of Nursing, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (K.S.F.); (M.O.); (D.R.M.)
| | - Donald R. Miller
- School of Nursing, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (K.S.F.); (M.O.); (D.R.M.)
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Saruwatari S, Takada M, Mutoh J, Kishikawa N, Kuroda N, Wada M. LC-MS/MS analysis of components in smoke from e-cigarettes that use guarana extract as the caffeine source. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:959-963. [PMID: 38507147 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-024-00535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Currently, e-cigarette products to inhale caffeine (Caf) are commercially available and widely used. Guarana extract (GE) is used as the caffeine source in some e-cigarette products. In this study, an LC-MS/MS analysis of components in the smoke from e-cigarettes with GE was performed. The concentration ranges of Caf and the minor components theophylline (TP), theobromine (TB), and paraxanthine (PX) in e-liquid and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) of five e-cigarette products were determined. The concentration ranges of e-liquid and CSE were 2.17-8.62 mg/mL and 0.17-1.17 µg/puff for Caf, 0.09-37.58 µg/mL and 0.03-11.88 ng/puff for TB, 50.28-185.26 ng/mL and 0.00-0.05 ng/puff for TP, and 0.44-4.09 µg/mL and 0.03-0.20 ng/puff for PX, respectively. By comparing the peak area ratios of e-liquid and CSE, we clarified that the heat degradation of Caf to its related components in GE products was accelerated. Epicatechin, which is another typical component in GE, was determined for CSE, but not for e-liquid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzuna Saruwatari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, 1-1-1 Daigakudori, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi, 756-0884, Japan
| | - Makoto Takada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, 1-1-1 Daigakudori, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi, 756-0884, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nakamura, Johnan, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Junpei Mutoh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, 1-1-1 Daigakudori, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi, 756-0884, Japan
| | - Naoya Kishikawa
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Naotaka Kuroda
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Wada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, 1-1-1 Daigakudori, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi, 756-0884, Japan.
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Strongin RM, Sharma E, Erythropel HC, Kassem NOF, Noël A, Peyton DH, Rahman I. Chemical and physiological interactions between e-liquid constituents: cause for concern? Tob Control 2024:tc-2023-058546. [PMID: 38658055 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Studies of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) toxicity have largely focused on individual components such as flavour additives, base e-liquid ingredients (propylene glycol, glycerol), device characteristics (eg, model, components, wattage), use behaviour, etc. However, vaping involves inhalation of chemical mixtures and interactions between compounds can occur that can lead to different toxicities than toxicity of the individual components. Methods based on the additive toxicity of individual chemical components to estimate the health risks of complex mixtures can result in the overestimation or underestimation of exposure risks, since interactions between components are under-investigated. In the case of ENDS, the potential of elevated toxicity resulting from chemical reactions and interactions is enhanced due to high operating temperatures and the metallic surface of the heating element. With the recent availability of a wide range of e-liquid constituents and popularity of do-it-yourself creation of e-liquid mixtures, the need to understand chemical and physiological impacts of chemical combinations in ENDS e-liquids and aerosols is immediate. There is a significant current knowledge gap concerning how specific combinations of ENDS chemical ingredients result in synergistic or antagonistic interactions. This commentary aims to review the current understanding of chemical reactions between e-liquid components, interactions between additives, chemical reactions that occur during vaping and aerosol properties and biomolecular interactions, all of which may impact physiological health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanno C Erythropel
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nada O F Kassem
- CBEACH, San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Noël
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - D H Peyton
- Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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Wu S, Kim E, Zhao R. Acetal Formation of Flavoring Agents with Propylene Glycol in E-Cigarettes: Impacts on Indoor Partitioning and Thirdhand Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21284-21294. [PMID: 38065550 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of flavored e-cigarettes has led to a significant rise in teenage nicotine use. In e-liquids, the flavor carbonyls can form acetals with unknown chemical and toxicological properties. These acetals can cause adverse health effects on both smokers and nonsmokers through thirdhand exposure. This study aims to explore the impacts of these acetals formed in e-cigarettes on indoor partitioning and thirdhand exposure. Specifically, the acetalization reactions of commonly used flavor carbonyls in laboratory-made e-liquids were monitored using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. EAS-E Suite and polyparameter linear free energy relationships (PP-LFERs) were employed to estimate the partitioning coefficients for species. Further, a chemical two-dimensional partitioning model was applied to visualize the indoor equilibrium partitioning and estimate the distribution of flavor carbonyls and their acetals in the gas phase, aerosol phase, and surface reservoirs. Our results demonstrate that a substantial fraction of carbonyls were converted into acetals in e-liquids and their chemical partitioning was significantly influenced. This study shows that acetalization is a determinant factor in the exposure and toxicology of harmful carbonyl flavorings, with its impact extending to both direct exposure to smokers and involuntary exposure to nonsmokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Erica Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Ran Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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Deng H, Tang S, Yang F, Chen D, Bian Z, Wang Y, Tang G, Lee HK. Recent advances in the analysis of electronic cigarette liquids and aerosols: Sample preparation and chromatographic characterization. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1712:464495. [PMID: 37952386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) usage has risen dramatically worldwide in recent years. It has been publicized as a safer alternative to the conventional combustible cigarette. This, however, has not yet been supported by robust toxicological research evidence. Analysis of the chemical compositions of e-liquids and generated aerosols is an important step in evaluating the toxicity effects of e-cigarettes. Currently, a broad spectrum of analytical methods have been employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical compositions of e-cigarette liquids and aerosols. The aim of this article is to review the advances in the chromatographic characterization of chemical composition of the latter in the recent five years. In addition, sample preparation methods for e-liquids and aerosols are surveyed and discussed. A study of the relevant literature indicates that, expectedly, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography with a variety of detection systems, particularly mass spectrometry, have been the main analytical techniques used in this field. Sample preparation procedures primarily include headspace sampling, dilute-and-shoot approach, liquid-liquid extraction and sorbent-based extraction for e-liquids and for aerosols (the latter usually with laboratory-built collection devices). Some challenges of current e-cigarette analytical research, and an overview on prospective work are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Deng
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Sheng Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212003, China
| | - Fei Yang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Yunnan Institute of Tobacco Quality Inspection & Supervision, Kunming 650106, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhaoyang Bian
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ying Wang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Gangling Tang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212003, China; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Klupinski TP, Strozier ED, Koebel DD, Lucas EA. Detection of the Synthetic Coolant Menthone 1,2-Glycerol Ketal in an e-Liquid and in Electronic Waterpipe Aerosols Therefrom. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:1355-1360. [PMID: 37439580 PMCID: PMC10529952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence and toxicological risks of synthetic coolants in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have not been thoroughly studied. We identified the synthetic coolant menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal (MGK) in a menthol-flavored e-liquid at a concentration of ∼170 μg/mL. We also detected MGK in aerosols resulting from heating the e-liquid with an electronic waterpipe. MGK was initially detected in the e-liquid by two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. To avoid potential analytical artifacts that could result from heating samples in the injection port of the gas chromatograph, quantitation of MGK in the e-liquid was accomplished using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Following recent reports identifying other synthetic coolants in e-liquids, these results add knowledge about inhalation exposures from ENDS use and suggest the importance of future research to study the potential inhalation toxicity related to the use of MGK-containing e-liquids in ENDS devices. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the ability to quantify ketals in e-liquids using liquid chromatography methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David D Koebel
- Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201, United States
| | - Eric A Lucas
- Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201, United States
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