Identification of flavouring chemicals and potential toxicants in e-cigarette products in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Objectives The current study examined constituents of e-cigarette products on the Canadian market, with a focus on the province of Ontario. Methods E-cigarettes were systematically purchased at 80 retail outlets across 4 cities in Ontario, Canada, in January-February 2015. Product constituents were identified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Additionally, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were quantified in tested products using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Results A total of 166 e-cigarette products were purchased, including disposable products (33%), refillable products (14%), and e-liquids (53%). Overall, e-cigarette products had an average of 6.2 (SD = 3.6) flavouring chemicals. E-cigarettes with sweet flavours (e.g., desserts, alcoholic drinks) had a significantly greater number of flavouring chemicals when compared with tobacco-and menthol-flavoured products (p < 0.05). Approximately one fifth (21%) of products contained flavouring chemicals with potential risk of inhalation toxicity (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, vanillin). An additional 8 toxicants (e.g., acrolein, diacetyl) were detected in a total of 14 e-cigarette products. Measurable levels of TSNAs were detected in 70% of tested products. Conclusion E-cigarettes purchased in Ontario, Canada, contained several constituents that may present excess risk, including some flavouring chemicals and carcinogenic nitrosamines. Further research is needed to determine whether the levels of these constituents have implications for the magnitude of risk to users. The findings reveal several policy gaps that may be addressed by developing regulatory product standards and labelling practices for e-cigarettes.

Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Potential of Compounds Associated with Electronic Cigarettes: A Systematic Review

“…For example, P. Callahan-Lyon (2014) reported that the main components of e-liquids, such as glycol and glycerol, when vaporized, can cause throat, mucous membranes, and eye irritation [50]. In addition, found similar results when analyzing health associated risks of e-cigarettes in Canadian populations [51].…”

The Health Risks of Electronic Cigarettes Use in Adolescents

“…25 Measurable levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines were detected in 70% of tested products. 25 Further studies suggest that use of e-cigarettes may negatively influence cardiovascular health 27 and that flavorants in e-cigarettes present potential hazards, such as risk of obstructive lung diseases. 28 In addition, nicotine, often used in vaping, confers a series of risks, including anomalies in the development of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex among adolescents.…”

“…Studies on e-cigarette products, including disposable and refillable commercial articles, and e-liquids, report that they contain an average of 6.2 flavoring chemicals, and that e-cigarettes with sweet flavors have a significantly greater number of flavoring chemicals when compared with tobacco-and menthol-flavored products. 25 More than 20% of commercial products were found to contain flavoring chemicals with a potential risk of inhalation toxicity, including benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and vanillin. 25,26 Additional toxicants, such as acrolein and diacetyl, have been identified in several vaping products.…”

“…25 More than 20% of commercial products were found to contain flavoring chemicals with a potential risk of inhalation toxicity, including benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and vanillin. 25,26 Additional toxicants, such as acrolein and diacetyl, have been identified in several vaping products. 25 Measurable levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines were detected in 70% of tested products.…”

“…25,26 Additional toxicants, such as acrolein and diacetyl, have been identified in several vaping products. 25 Measurable levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines were detected in 70% of tested products. 25 Further studies suggest that use of e-cigarettes may negatively influence cardiovascular health 27 and that flavorants in e-cigarettes present potential hazards, such as risk of obstructive lung diseases.…”