Abstract

Introduction Carbonyls, a class of compounds strongly linked to pulmonary disease in smokers, are probably the most reported non-nicotine toxicants found in electronic cigarette (ECIG) aerosols. Reported emissions vary from negligible quantities to those far exceeding combustible cigarettes. Observations of high emissions are commonly attributed to “dry puffing”, whereby the ECIG heating filament runs dry of liquid and reaches temperatures that induce thermal degradation of the ECIG vapor components at the filament’s metal surface. Using a pyrolysis flow reactor, in this study we examined the potential role of surface chemistry in the formation of carbonyl compounds in ECIGs, and whether the different commercially available filament materials could potentially impact their toxicant emissions through catalysis. This information could inform nascent efforts to regulate the design of ECIGs for public health ends.

Methods Nitrogen or air saturated with propylene glycol vapor was drawn through a temperature and residence-time controlled tubular quartz pyrolysis flow reactor in which nichrome, Kanthal, or stainless steel ECIG heating filament wires were inserted. A control condition with no inserted wire was also included. Concentrations of carbonyl products at the reactor outlet were measured as a function of temperature, heating filament wire material, and carrier gas composition (N2 vs air). Carbonyls were sampled using DNPH cartridges and analyzed by HPLC.

Results ECIG heating filament wires were found to have a strong catalytic effect. Carbonyl formation initiated at temperatures lower than 250 °C in the presence of the metallic wires, compared to 460 °C without them. Carbonyl formation was found to be a function of the material of construction, and whether the wire was new or aged. New nichrome wires were the least reactive, but when aged they exhibited the highest reactivity. Carbonyls were formed via dehydration or oxidation reactions of PG.