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.