Chemical analysis of fresh and aged Australian e‐cigarette liquids. Issue 1 (6th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larcombe, Alexander; Allard, Sebastien; Pringle, Paul; Mead‐Hunter, Ryan; Anderson, Natalie; Mullins, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Medical journal of Australia. Volume 216:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2021-10-06
• Subjects: Electronic cigarettes -- Analytic chemistry; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Médecine -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-729X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the chemical composition of electronic cigarette liquids (e‐liquids) sold in Australia, in both their fresh and aged forms. Design, setting: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of commercial e‐liquids sold in Australia (online and physical stores). Main outcome measures: Chemical composition of 65 Australian e‐liquids — excipients/solvents, flavouring chemicals, other known e‐liquid constituents (including nicotine), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — before and after an accelerated ageing process that simulated the effects of vaping. Results: The measured levels of propylene glycol and glycerol often diverged from those recorded on the e‐liquid label. All e‐liquids contained one or more potentially harmful chemicals, including benzaldehyde, menthol, trans ‐cinnamaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Nicotine or nicotyrine were detected in a small proportion of e‐liquids at extremely low concentrations. Conclusions: Australian e‐liquids contain a wide variety of chemicals for which information on inhalation toxicity is not available. Further analyses are required to assess the potential long term effects of e‐cigarette use on health.