Impacts of Mislabeled ECIG Liquids on Primary Particulate Matter Emissions

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Abstract
Electronic cigarette (ECIG) liquids are marketed with labeled nicotine concentrations and propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) ratios, yet quality control inconsistencies may alter vaping emissions. We quantified discrepancies between labeled and measured chemical content and evaluated how these differences affect emissions of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or smaller (PM2.5). Flavor-free liquids (n = 20) spanning nicotine labels of 0, 9, 18, and 48 mg/mL and PG content from 0% to 80% were purchased. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measured nicotine, PG, and VG. Aerosols were generated using a standardized device in a controlled exposure chamber. PM2.5 was measured using a pDR-1500 and SMPS/APS, with gravimetric correction factors calculated. Labeling inaccuracies were widespread: “nicotine-free” liquids contained 0.1 to 0.4 mg/mL nicotine, and labeled nicotine deviated by up to ±30%. PG/VG ratios were frequently incorrect; 70% of samples contained higher VG than labeled, including “100% VG” products with about 10% PG. Higher VG consistently increased PM2.5 mass, while nicotine had a minimal effect. The pDR overestimated mass, whereas SMPS/APS underestimated due to volatilization losses. Overall, inaccurate ECIG liquid labeling can alter measured PM2.5 emissions under controlled conditions.
Funding Information
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (P30ES025128)
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R01ES030125)
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R01ES035439)
  • East Carolina University Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Award
  • North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation (AWD-22-0637-001)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (R15DA059750)
  • National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (P50MD01739)

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