Dr. F and others released this study today. Sorry for the quick post, I just came across this on my way out the door.
IJERPH | Free Full-Text | Toxicity Assessment of Refill Liquids for Electronic Cigarettes
Abstract: We analyzed 42 models from 14 brands of refill liquids for e-cigarettes for the
presence of micro-organisms, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, hydrocarbons, ethanol,
aldehydes, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and solvents. All the liquids under scrutiny
complied with norms for the absence of yeast, mold, aerobic microbes, Staphylococcus aureus,
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol and ethanol were detected,
but remained within limits authorized for food and pharmaceutical products. Terpenic
compounds and aldehydes were found in the products, in particular formaldehyde and
acrolein. No sample contained nitrosamines at levels above the limit of detection (1 μg/g).
Residual solvents such as 1,3-butadiene, cyclohexane and acetone, to name a few, were
found in some products. None of the products under scrutiny were totally exempt of
potentially toxic compounds. However, for products other than nicotine, the oral acute
toxicity of the e-liquids tested seems to be of minor concern. However, a minority of liquids,
especially those with flavorings, showed particularly high ranges of chemicals, causing
concerns about their potential toxicity in case of chronic oral exposure.
Conclusions
None of the products under scrutiny were totally exempt of potentially toxic compounds. As this new
market has developed largely outside an appropriate regulatory framework, some manufacturers and
vendors apparently lack the adequate know-how about safety.
IJERPH | Free Full-Text | Toxicity Assessment of Refill Liquids for Electronic Cigarettes
Abstract: We analyzed 42 models from 14 brands of refill liquids for e-cigarettes for the
presence of micro-organisms, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, hydrocarbons, ethanol,
aldehydes, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and solvents. All the liquids under scrutiny
complied with norms for the absence of yeast, mold, aerobic microbes, Staphylococcus aureus,
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol and ethanol were detected,
but remained within limits authorized for food and pharmaceutical products. Terpenic
compounds and aldehydes were found in the products, in particular formaldehyde and
acrolein. No sample contained nitrosamines at levels above the limit of detection (1 μg/g).
Residual solvents such as 1,3-butadiene, cyclohexane and acetone, to name a few, were
found in some products. None of the products under scrutiny were totally exempt of
potentially toxic compounds. However, for products other than nicotine, the oral acute
toxicity of the e-liquids tested seems to be of minor concern. However, a minority of liquids,
especially those with flavorings, showed particularly high ranges of chemicals, causing
concerns about their potential toxicity in case of chronic oral exposure.
Conclusions
None of the products under scrutiny were totally exempt of potentially toxic compounds. As this new
market has developed largely outside an appropriate regulatory framework, some manufacturers and
vendors apparently lack the adequate know-how about safety.