Chemical Analysis and Flavour Distribution of Electronic Cigarettes in Australian Schools

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent usage of electronic cigarettes has increased globally. Inconsistent, or absent, labelling of nicotine and other ingredients requires chemical analysis to accurately determine the chemical composition of these products. Methods: Electronic cigarettes confiscated from public and private high school students (N=598) were provided for analysis from three regions in New South Wales, Australia. The products were examined for brand, model and flavour and a subset were further analysed for chemical composition (n=410) quantifying nicotine, synthetic cooling agents, flavouring chemicals and prohibited ingredients by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The majority of samples provided were fruity-flavoured disposable e-cigarettes across three main brands (IGET, HQD and Gunnpod). Nicotine was quantified in 97.3% of disposable samples with an average concentration of 40.0 mg/mL while one refill e-liquid was found to contain nicotine at a low concentration. Almost all samples contained the coolant WS-23 in relatively high concentrations compared to other flavouring chemicals present. Chemicals prohibited under the TGO110 (Australian e-cigarette product standard) were identified in 3.4% of the samples which were chemically analysed. This included the presence of ethylene glycol in moderately high concentrations (up to 13.2 mg/mL). Conclusions: Australian students’ preferences for fruity, disposable e-cigarettes were identified regardless of region with the vast majority containing high concentrations of nicotine. WS-23 was found in most disposable e-cigarettes, potentially to reduce the throat irritation from nicotine and other flavouring chemicals. The inhalational safety of the samples is of concern due to health risks associated with detected prohibited compounds, particularly ethylene glycol.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of school-based preventive interventions targeting e-cigarette use among adolescents

“…1 2 Additionally, adolescents are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction, putting the developing brain at risk of damage. 1 3 In Australia, approximately one in four adolescents aged [14][15][16][17] have tried e-cigarettes, with one in ten reporting past 30-day use. 4 Rates of past 30-day use are also high among adolescents in Canada and the United States, at 13% and 10%, respectively.…”

“…13 However, research indicates that most e-cigarettes used by Australian adolescents are illegally obtained and contain nicotine. 14 15 Further regulations for Australia were recently announced and are due to commence at the beginning of 2024, including a ban on all disposable vapes (regardless of nicotine content) and restrictions on flavours and packaging, leading to concerns over the development of a black market. Despite the varied measures, rates of e-cigarette use among young people in these regions remain unacceptably high, highlighting the need to provide critical education and resistance skills training to prevent or reduce the harms from e-cigarette use.…”