Nicotine Content in Electronic Cigarette Refill Solutions and Its Release in Aerosols

Abstract

Electronic cigarette (EC) is a device that imitates conventional cigarettes, which vaporizes a solution, with or without nicotine. This study evaluates the nicotine levels in EC refill solutions, its release in aerosols and comparison to the amount stated on the label. Seventy-two (72) different EC refill solutions were obtained from local shops in Selangor, Malaysia consisting of 40 nicotine-containing (3-12 mg) and 32 nicotine-free (0 mg) solutions. Aerosols were obtained by using an air tight syringe connected to an EC device to draw aerosol through an XAD-4 sorbent tube that trapped the nicotine. Nicotine in solution and aerosol samples are analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry equipment. Quantified nicotine in 40 nicotine-containing solutions ranged from 0.224-17.306 mg/mL. Nicotine is detected in 3 of the 32 nicotine-free solutions. Percentage of nicotine released into aerosols from refill solutions varied from 0.54%-28.2%. Out of the 40 samples, thirty-two (32) had nicotine content that violated by more than ±10% from the value on the label. In comparing the labels, 19 samples have 0.3%-77% higher nicotine level and 13 samples have 0.2%-96.3% lower nicotine content. The inconsistency between the labelled and true levels of nicotine content indicates that commercial information may be misleading. The presence of nicotine in the nicotine-free refill solutions and higher nicotine content in aerosols may be addictive and may have negative health effects on users.

A review of nicotine‐containing electronic cigarettes—Trends in use, effects, contents, labelling accuracy and detection methods

“…Nicotine poisoning due to cigarettes is rare; however, ECs may pose an increased risk of nicotine toxicity due to higher nicotine concentrations in the e‐liquids and cartridges as well as higher nicotine availability due to lack of combustion 65 . Additionally, the level of nicotine exposure from each puff is highly variable, there is variability in aerosolization and inconsistent nicotine delivery, many studies have found 4,45,71,72 . The FDA has claimed: ‘There is too much variability in the amount of nicotine delivered per puff of any e‐cigarette cartridge for them to be considered safe’.…”