Electronic cigarette use continues to increase among youth and young adults. The reliable prediction and measurement of e-cigarette aerosol toxin levels are needed to better understand their health effects. Our investigation focuses on identifying not only the precise characteristics of device components that modulate toxin levels but also to show how the choice of specific analytical method can lead to inaccuracies in aerosol component determination. By studying the heating properties of an e-cigarette, such as wicking efficiency, a mathematical model was created that enables a relatively straightforward prediction of aldehyde levels in eleven devices. In addition, we found that levels of some toxic products in e-cigarette aerosol were underestimated by the widely-used DNPH derivatization followed by HPLC analysis. When compared to the quantitative NMR method measured levels of acrolein and formaldehyde were several-fold lower. These findings will contribute to better understanding of parameters impacting e-cigarette safety and its accurate assessment. <br/>

Underestimation of toxin levels in the aerosol of electronic cigarettes

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.