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Dihydroxyacetone levels in electronic cigarettes: Wick temperature and toxin formation
Shawna Vreeke1, Tetiana Korzun1, Wentai Luo2
1Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Aerosol Science and Technology : the Journal of the American Association for Aerosol Research
|January 29, 2019
Summary
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sunless tanning agent, is found in e-cigarette aerosols. Lower DHA levels were detected in vertical coil devices compared to horizontal coil devices, suggesting design impacts aerosol composition.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active component in sunless tanners, has been detected in electronic cigarette aerosols.
- DHA is restricted by the FDA to external use only due to potential risks associated with inhalation or ingestion.
- Previous research has indicated that DHA can react with DNA in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dihydroxyacetone (DHA) levels in the aerosols of different e-cigarette devices.
- To investigate the relationship between e-cigarette design (heating coil configuration) and DHA presence in aerosols.
- To compare the wicking properties of various e-cigarette designs to understand DHA origin.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of DHA using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR).
- Comparison of wicking properties across three e-cigarette brands with different coil configurations (horizontal vs. vertical).
- Measurement of wick wet-layer temperature under varying battery power outputs.
Main Results:
- DHA was detected in all tested e-cigarette aerosols.
- Significantly lower DHA concentrations were found in a vertical coil, sub-ohm device (0.088 μg/puff) compared to horizontal coil devices (2.29 μg/puff).
- Vertical coil devices exhibited more stable wick temperatures across power outputs, unlike horizontal coil devices.
Conclusions:
- E-cigarette device design, specifically coil configuration, influences DHA aerosolization.
- Vertical coil designs may lead to reduced DHA exposure due to more stable wick temperatures.
- Further research into the origins and risks of DHA in e-cigarette aerosols is warranted.
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