Changes in product labelling practices and the use of flavouring chemical additives in vaping products after enactment of statewide flavour legislation

Chemicals in Cigarette Flavor Capsules From Guatemala and Mexico

BACKGROUND

The global market share for cigarettes with flavor capsules has grown exponentially over the last decade, particularly in Latin America. When smoking, consumers crush a liquid capsule in the filter that flavors the smoke. Little is known about the chemical constituents of the liquids in capsules or their potential health risks.

METHODS

Based on consumer data and availability in Mexico and Guatemala, 31 flavor capsule brands were purchased (19 and 12, respectively) in 2020. Since some cigarettes included multiple capsules in a stick (up to 2) or pack (up to 4), the final analytic sample included 50 capsules. We conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Agilent Technologies, Inc).

RESULTS

The qualitative analysis detected 296 compounds (range = 9-67 per capsule), and all capsules contained menthol. Among the compounds detected in more than half the sample were limonene, menthone, benzaldehyde, eucalyptol, and triacetin. Traces of nicotine were found in 22% of the capsules. In the quantitative analysis, menthol concentrations were 33 times greater than the next most common compound (limonene). Benzyl alcohol and vanillin were also found in high concentrations. Comparing same-brand varieties across countries showed substantial variability in the concentration of menthol and other compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Menthol is an omnipresent constituent in capsule cigarettes, perhaps because of its anesthetizing and reinforcing addictive properties. Other compounds found are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and may enhance addictiveness. Variance in the presence and concentrations of such compounds highlights the importance of product standards to regulate capsule content.

IMPLICATIONS

This study evaluated the chemical content of capsule cigarettes from two Latin American countries that have two of the highest market shares for capsule cigarettes worldwide. Compared to other studies, our assessment included brand varieties from two countries to compare the differences in chemical content by country. Our results yield that menthol is found in all capsules, and that other chemicals found may prolong nicotine exposure and therefore reinforce the addictive properties of cigarettes.

Recent advances in the analysis of electronic cigarette liquids and aerosols: Sample preparation and chromatographic characterization

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.

Still 'Cool': tobacco industry responds to state-wide menthol ban with synthetic coolants

INTRODUCTION

In December 2022, California (CA) enforced a voter-approved regulation restricting the retail sale of flavoured tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Shortly after, new products emerged on the market containing similar blue and green package colours yet with 'non-menthol' descriptors. Using chemical analyses, we measured the content of menthol and 15 other cooling chemicals in Californian cigarettes with 'non-menthol' descriptors and compared concentrations to similar 'menthol'-labelled counterparts available in New York State (NY).

METHODS

A convenience sample of 10 brands and types of cigarettes in CA were purchased based on package colours suggesting a cooling effect and/or 'non-menthol' descriptors. The exact brand and type of cigarettes (with menthol descriptors) were purchased in NY. Cigarettes from CA were compared with equivalent cigarettes from NY on package design and colours, cigarette physical characteristics and the presence of cooling additives.

RESULTS

Menthol was not detected in any CA cigarette, except for Maverick-green box type, while its presence was confirmed in most NY counterpart products. A synthetic cooling chemical WS-3 was not detected in any NY cigarettes but was detected in four CA brands and types with implied cooling effect, ranging from 1.24±0.04 to 1.97±0.05 mg/cigarette.

CONCLUSION

While manufacturers have removed menthol descriptors from CA packaging and the menthol ingredient from cigarettes, synthetic cooling chemicals detected in several CA brands suggest that cooling sensory effects may still be sustained. Policymakers must consider both the chemical ingredients themselves and sensory effects in future regulatory approaches.

Removal of mango-flavoured Juul pods created opportunity for adulterated mango Juul-compatible pods with altered chemical constituents

INTRODUCTION

Juul is a leading electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) brand in the USA. By November 2019, Juul pre-emptively limited online and in-store sales of non-tobacco or menthol-flavoured pods ahead of impending flavour bans. Since this removal, sale of mango-flavoured Juul-compatible pods was introduced to the market by smaller companies. The aim of this study was to compare chemical constituents of original Juul mango pods with mango-flavoured Juul-compatible pods.

METHODS

Juul and 16 brands of Juul-compatible mango-flavoured pods were purchased online in May 2018 (original Juul) and November 2019 (Juul-compatible), after Juul voluntarily removed their flavoured pods from the market. Liquid was extracted from pods and analysed using chromatography and mass spectrometry methods for nicotine concentration, solvent ratios, nicotine salt identification, as well as flavouring identification and quantitation.

RESULTS

Juul-compatible pods had a significantly lower average nicotine concentration compared with original Juul pod (42.8±8.9 vs 57.2±0.9 mg/mL, p<0.0001). Nicotine benzoate was used in original Juul pod and all Juul-compatible pods. The propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin volumetric ratio of Juul-compatible pods averaged 55:45, while the original Juul pod was 35:65 (p<0.0001). Total number of flavouring chemicals detected was significantly higher in Juul-compatible pods as compared with Juul (p<0.0001). In Juul-compatible pods, average concentrations of benzyl alcohol (fruity flavouring) were 0.8±1.3 mg/mL, approximately 27 times higher than in original Juul pod (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adulterated Juul-compatible products may expose e-cigarette consumers to more chemical constituents at higher concentrations than previously found in the original product, despite similarity in product design.