Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2026

Generation of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol by a Third-Generation Machine-Vaping Device: Application to Toxicological Studies
Published on: August 25, 2018
Exposure to Toxicologically Relevant Inorganic Elements and Nicotine Content Variability in Electronic Nicotine
Lara M Catarino1, Giovanna M Iozzi1, Cristiane B Silva1
1Inorganic Elements Sector, Department of Chemistry, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ21040-900, Brazil.
Abstract:
In recent years, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have gained prominence as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, raising concerns due to the increasing number of lung injury cases associated with their use. These devices rely on e-liquids composed primarily of propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine, which are heated to produce inhalable aerosols. In this context, the present study aimed to quantify nicotine concentrations and assess the presence of toxicologically relevant inorganic elements in e-liquids to evaluate potential inhalation-related risks. Nicotine was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), whereas inorganic contaminants were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Nicotine concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 33.4 mg·mL-1, and significant discrepancies were identified in the labeling information. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) were detected at variable concentrations; notably, the estimated daily exposures for Cr and Hg exceeded the permitted daily exposure (PDE) limits established by the International Council for Harmonization (ICH). Overall, these findings indicate that ENDS may be a significant source of toxic metal exposure, posing potential risks to human health.
More Related Videos
09:30A Microcontroller Operated Device for the Generation of Liquid Extracts from Conventional Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
Published on: January 18, 2018
10:44Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...