Comparison of select analytes in aerosol from e-cigarettes with smoke from conventional cigarettes and with ambient air

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.10.010Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • The e-cigarettes contained and delivered mostly glycerin and/or PG and water.

  • Aerosol nicotine content was 85% lower than the cigarette smoke nicotine.

  • The levels of HPHCs in aerosol were consistent with the air blanks (<2 μg/puff).

  • Mainstream cigarette smoke HPHCs (∼3000 μg/puff) were 1500 times higher than e-cigarette HPHCs.

  • No significant contribution of tested HPHC classes was found for the e-cigarettes.

Abstract

Leading commercial electronic cigarettes were tested to determine bulk composition. The e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes were evaluated using machine-puffing to compare nicotine delivery and relative yields of chemical constituents. The e-liquids tested were found to contain humectants, glycerin and/or propylene glycol, (⩾75% content); water (<20%); nicotine (approximately 2%); and flavor (<10%). The aerosol collected mass (ACM) of the e-cigarette samples was similar in composition to the e-liquids. Aerosol nicotine for the e-cigarette samples was 85% lower than nicotine yield for the conventional cigarettes. Analysis of the smoke from conventional cigarettes showed that the mainstream cigarette smoke delivered approximately 1500 times more harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) tested when compared to e-cigarette aerosol or to puffing room air. The deliveries of HPHCs tested for these e-cigarette products were similar to the study air blanks rather than to deliveries from conventional cigarettes; no significant contribution of cigarette smoke HPHCs from any of the compound classes tested was found for the e-cigarettes. Thus, the results of this study support previous researchers’ discussion of e-cigarette products’ potential for reduced exposure compared to cigarette smoke.

Abbreviations

ACM
aerosol collected mass
HPHC
harmful and potentially harmful constituents
CO
carbon monoxide
TSNA
tobacco-specific nitrosamines
PAA
polyaromatic amines
PAH
polyaromatic hydrocarbons
LOQ
limit of quantitation
LOD
limit of detection
CAN
Health Canada Test Method T-115
blu CTD
Classic Tobacco Disposable
blu MMD
Magnificent Menthol Disposable
blu CCH
Cherry Crush, Premium, High Strength
SKYCIG CTB
Classic Tobacco Bold
SKYCIG CMB
Crown Menthol Bold
MGB
Marlboro Gold Box
L&B O
Lambert & Butler Original
L&B M
Lambert & Butler Menthol
TPM
total particulate matter
PG
propylene glycol

Keywords

Electronic cigarette
Smoking
Tobacco
Nicotine
Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC)

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