Formaldehyde in Electronic Cigarette Liquid (Aerosolized Liquid)

Abstract

Background: Aerosolized liquid (e-liquid) of electronic cigarettes can be toxic. Beyond the solvent (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin) and nicotine, little is known about the liquid composition. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen and source of contact dermatitis, has been reported in the vaporized e-liquid, but no studies have assessed the actual e-liquid.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate e-liquid products for the presence of formaldehyde.Methods: Sixteen e-liquid products were purchased and analyzed for the release of formaldehyde using the chromotropic acid method of detection.Results: Of the 16 e-liquids purchased, 4 (25%) were positive for the presence of formaldehyde; 2 were flavored and 2 were nonflavored. All positive e-liquids were in pods or disposable electronic cigarette devices, and 2 were purchased from local vape shops. The average nicotine content in the positive e-liquids was 3.85% versus 4.03% in the negative e-liquids.Conclusions: The e-liquid products contain toxic chemicals not declared on product labels, as shown in this study with 25.0% of e-liquids containing formaldehyde. All positive e-liquids were within pods or disposable devices. Continued analysis of e-liquids and increased product regulation are needed.E lectronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are battery-powered nicotine delivery systems. Aerosolized liquid (e-liquid) contains nicotine, solvents (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin), flavors, and other additives. 1 There are various types of e-liquid products. Prefilled cartridges, including tanks and pods, are heat-resistant devices inserted into rechargeable e-cigarette devices. Disposable devices are nonreusable e-cigarettes that are discarded once the e-liquid is consumed. Refillable bottles are e-liquid products that can be used to refill e-cigarette devices or pod cartridges (Fig. 1). 2,3 Besides the solvent and nicotine, little is known about the flavorings and other additives contained within e-liquid products. 1 Product labels rarely provide detailed ingredient lists, and this information is not declared on e-liquid manufacturers' websites. In addition, there are no standardized e-liquid manufacturing guidelines, and quality can vary considerably across vendors. 4 Although tobacco manufacturers are required to comply with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and to submit a listing of their ingredients to the US Food and Drug Administration, this information is not publicly available; when contacted directly, e-liquid vendors state that the ingredients are "proprietary information."

Electrochemical and Optical Sensors for the Detection of Chemical Carcinogens Causing Leukemia

“…Formaldehyde can be released from tattoo inks, eyelash glues, and preservatives used in the production of personal hygiene lotions, nail polishes, makeup removers, lotions, and creams [ 42 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Formaldehyde has also been detected in cigarette smoke and e-liquid from electronic cigarettes [ 34 , 51 ]. The compound is a by-product of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) synthesis process, used for the production of beverages, e.g., beer, and food packaging, into which it can migrate [ 44 , 52 ].…”

Contact allergy to and allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers: A clinical review and update

“…Peculiar cases of hand dermatitis due to the presence of FA in cigarettes have occasionally been published 56 ; it is noteworthy that FA can also be present in electronic cigarettes. 57 Medical devices, such as self-adherent bandages and wound dressings, may also contain traces of FA, and provoke ACD in previously sensitized subjects…”

“…FA‐containing household detergents, including all‐purpose cleaners and dishwashing liquids, but also industrially used cleaning agents, and even reusable gloves, 54 even if the latter are labeled as “hypoallergenic,” 55 may all be relevant sources of (occupational) hand dermatitis. Peculiar cases of hand dermatitis due to the presence of FA in cigarettes have occasionally been published 56 ; it is noteworthy that FA can also be present in electronic cigarettes 57 . Medical devices, such as self‐adherent bandages and wound dressings, may also contain traces of FA, and provoke ACD in previously sensitized subjects in a wound care context 58 .…”

Antiseptic drugs and disinfectants with experience of the second year of COVID-19 pandemic-related side effects

“…Experimental studies showed that electronic nicotine delivery systems may generate toxic aldehydes, including formaldehyde, already at low-temperature settings (< 200 °C) ( Jaegers et al, 2021 ) [E]. Liquids intended for electronic cigarettes may also contain formaldehyde directly ( Ruggiero et al, 2021 ) [E]. Larger and more representative studies, as well as quantitative risk assessments, are needed to confirm these findings and their relevance to users of these systems.…”