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Nicotine Levels and Presence of Selected Tobacco-Derived Toxins in Tobacco Flavoured Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids

Author

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  • Konstantinos E. Farsalinos

    (Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Kallithea 17674, Greece
    Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece)

  • I. Gene Gillman

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Matt S. Melvin

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Amelia R. Paolantonio

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Wendy J. Gardow

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Kathy E. Humphries

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Sherri E. Brown

    (Enthalpy Analytical Inc., Durham NC 27713, USA)

  • Konstantinos Poulas

    (Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece)

  • Vassilis Voudris

    (Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Kallithea 17674, Greece)

Abstract

Background. Some electronic cigarette (EC) liquids of tobacco flavour contain extracts of cured tobacco leaves produced by a process of solvent extraction and steeping. These are commonly called Natural Extract of Tobacco (NET) liquids. The purpose of the study was to evaluate nicotine levels and the presence of tobacco-derived toxins in tobacco-flavoured conventional and NET liquids. Methods . Twenty-one samples (10 conventional and 11 NET liquids) were obtained from the US and Greek market. Nicotine levels were measured and compared with labelled values. The levels of tobacco-derived chemicals were compared with literature data on tobacco products. Results. Twelve samples had nicotine levels within 10% of the labelled value. Inconsistency ranged from −21% to 22.1%, with no difference observed between conventional and NET liquids. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were present in all samples at ng/mL levels. Nitrates were present almost exclusively in NET liquids. Acetaldehyde was present predominantly in conventional liquids while formaldehyde was detected in almost all EC liquids at trace levels. Phenols were present in trace amounts, mostly in NET liquids. Total TSNAs and nitrate, which are derived from the tobacco plant, were present at levels 200–300 times lower in 1 mL of NET liquids compared to 1 gram of tobacco products. Conclusions . NET liquids contained higher levels of phenols and nitrates, but lower levels of acetaldehyde compared to conventional EC liquids. The lower levels of tobacco-derived toxins found in NET liquids compared to tobacco products indicate that the extraction process used to make these products did not transfer a significant amount of toxins to the NET. Overall, all EC liquids contained far lower (by 2–3 orders of magnitude) levels of the tobacco-derived toxins compared to tobacco products.

Suggested Citation

  • Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & I. Gene Gillman & Matt S. Melvin & Amelia R. Paolantonio & Wendy J. Gardow & Kathy E. Humphries & Sherri E. Brown & Konstantinos Poulas & Vassilis Voudris, 2015. "Nicotine Levels and Presence of Selected Tobacco-Derived Toxins in Tobacco Flavoured Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:4:p:3439-3452:d:47228
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Giorgio Romagna & Dimitris Tsiapras & Stamatis Kyrzopoulos & Alketa Spyrou & Vassilis Voudris, 2013. "Impact of Flavour Variability on Electronic Cigarette Use Experience: An Internet Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Giorgio Romagna & Elena Allifranchini & Emiliano Ripamonti & Elena Bocchietto & Stefano Todeschi & Dimitris Tsiapras & Stamatis Kyrzopoulos & Vassilis Voudris, 2013. "Comparison of the Cytotoxic Potential of Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Vapour Extract on Cultured Myocardial Cells," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Giorgio Romagna & Dimitris Tsiapras & Stamatis Kyrzopoulos & Vassilis Voudris, 2013. "Evaluation of Electronic Cigarette Use (Vaping) Topography and Estimation of Liquid Consumption: Implications for Research Protocol Standards Definition and for Public Health Authorities’ Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Pearson, J.L. & Richardson, A. & Niaura, R.S. & Vallone, D.M. & Abrams, D.B., 2012. "E-cigarette awareness, use, and harm perceptions in US adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(9), pages 1758-1766.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dominic Palazzolo & John M. Nelson & Zuri Hudson, 2019. "The Use of HPLC-PDA in Determining Nicotine and Nicotine-Related Alkaloids from E-Liquids: A Comparison of Five E-Liquid Brands Purchased Locally," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Pietro Ferrara & Saran Shantikumar & Vítor Cabral Veríssimo & Rafael Ruiz-Montero & Cristina Masuet-Aumatell & Josep Maria Ramon-Torrell & the EuroNet MRPH Working Group on Electronic Cigarettes and T, 2019. "Knowledge about E-Cigarettes and Tobacco Harm Reduction among Public Health Residents in Europe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-13, June.
    3. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Gene Gillman & Konstantinos Poulas & Vassilis Voudris, 2015. "Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines in Electronic Cigarettes: Comparison between Liquid and Aerosol Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-8, July.

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