Composition of electronic cigarette aerosol
The chemical composition of the electronic cigarette aerosol varies across and within manufacturers. Limited data exists regarding their chemistry. The aerosol of e-cigarettes is generated when the e-liquid comes in contact with a coil heated to a temperature of roughly 100–250 °C within a chamber, which is thought to cause pyrolysis of the e-liquid and could also lead to decomposition of other liquid ingredients. The aerosol produced by an e-cigarette is commonly but inaccurately called vapor. E-cigarettes simulates the action of smoking, but without tobacco combustion. The e-cigarette vapor looks like cigarette smoke to some extent. E-cigarettes do not produce vapor between puffs. The e-cigarette vapor usually contains propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavors, aroma transporters, and other substances. The levels of nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aldehydes, metals, volatile organic compounds, flavors, and tobacco alkaloids in e-cigarette vapors vary greatly. The yield of chemicals found in the e-cigarette vapor varies depending on, several factors, including the e-liquid contents, puffing rate, and the battery voltage.
Metal parts of e-cigarettes in contact with the e-liquid can contaminate it with metals. Heavy metals and metal nanoparticles have been found in tiny amounts in the e-cigarette vapor. Once vaporized, the ingredients in the e-liquid go through chemical reactions that form new compounds not previously found in the liquid. Many chemicals including carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde can inadvertently be produced when the nichrome wire that touches the e-liquid is heated and chemically reacted with the liquid. Propylene glycol-containing liquids produced the most amounts of carbonyls in e-cigarette vapors, while in 2014 most e-cigarettes companies began using water and glycerin instead of propylene glycol for vapor production.
Propylene glycol and glycerin are oxidized to create aldehydes that are also found in cigarette smoke when e-liquids are heated and aerosolized at a voltage higher than 3 V. Depending on the heating temperature, the carcinogens in the e-cigarette vapor may surpass the levels of cigarette smoke. Reduced voltage e-cigarettes generate very low levels of formaldehyde. A Public Health England report found "At normal settings, there was no or negligible formaldehyde release." As e-cigarette engineering evolves, the later-generation and "hotter" devices could expose users to greater amounts of carcinogens.
Background
There is a debate on tobacco smoke compared with electronic cigarette vapor. Tobacco smoke is a complex, dynamic and reactive mixture containing around 5,000 chemicals. In contrast, over 80 chemicals have been found in e-liquid and e-cigarette vapors, as of 2019. Previously, 42 chemicals have been found in the e-cigarette vapor in 2016. E-cigarette vapor contains many of the known harmful toxicants found in traditional cigarette smoke, such as formaldehyde, cadmium, and lead, even though usually at a reduced percentage. Further, there are substances in e-cigarette vapor that are not found in tobacco smoke. Researchers are part of the conflict, with some opposing and others supporting of e-cigarette use. The public health community is divided, even polarized, over how the use of these devices will impact the tobacco epidemic. Proponents of e-cigarettes think that these devices contain merely "water vapour" in thee-cigarette aerosols, but this view is contradicted by the evidence.
| Smoke component | Cancer risk | Institute | Non-cancer risk | Endpoint | Institute |
| 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bisethane | 0.0001 | U.S. EPA | |||
| 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine | 2E-06 | ORNL | |||
| 1,3-Butadiene | 0.0003 | U.S. EPA | 0.002 | reproduction | U.S. EPA |
| 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin | 0.00026 | Cal EPA | |||
| MeAaC|2-Amino-3-methyl-9H-pyridoindole | 2.9E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| IQ |2-Amino-3-methylimidazoquinoline | 2.5E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| GLu-P-1|2-Amino-6-methylimidazole | 7.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| GLu-P-2|2-Aminodipyridoimidazole | 2.5E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| 2-Aminonaphthalene | 2E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| 2-Nitropropane | Cal EPA | 0.02 | liver, focal vacuolization and nodules | U.S. EPA | |
| 2-Toluidine | 0.0002 | Cal EPA | |||
| Trp-P-1|3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido indole | 1.4E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| Trp-P-2|3-Amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido-indole | 1.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| 4-Aminobiphenyl | 1.7E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| 5-Methylchrysene | 9.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| 7H-Dibenzocarbazole | 9.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| AaC|2-Amino-9H-pyridoindole | 8.8E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Acetaldehyde | 0.0045 | U.S. EPA | 0.009 | nasal olfactory epithelial lesions | U.S. EPA |
| Acetamide | 0.0005 | Cal EPA | |||
| Acetone | 30 | neurological effects | ATSDR | ||
| Acetonitrile | 0.06 | mortality | U.S. EPA | ||
| Acrolein | 2E-05 | nasal lesions | U.S. EPA | ||
| Acrylamide | 0.008 | ||||
| Acrylic acid | 0.001 | nasal olfactory epithelium degeneration | U.S. EPA | ||
| Acrylonitrile | 0.00015 | U.S. EPA | 0.002 | respiratory effects | U.S. EPA |
| Ammonia | 0.1 | respiratory effects | U.S. EPA | ||
| Aniline | B2—probable human carcinogen | U.S. EPA | 0.001 | immune-related | U.S. EPA |
| Arsenic | 2.3E-06 | U.S. EPA | |||
| Benzanthracene|Benzanthracene | 9.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Benzene | 0.0013 | U.S. EPA | 0.0098 | decreased lymphocyte count | ATSDR |
| Benzopyrene|Benzopyrene | 9.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| Benzofluoranthene|Benzofluoranthene | 9.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Beryllium | 4.2E-06 | ||||
| Cadmium | 5.6E-06 | U.S. EPA | |||
| Carbazole | 0.0018 | NATA | |||
| Carbon disulfide | 0.1 | effects on CNS | HC | ||
| Carbon monoxide | 10 | cardiotoxic | Cal EPA | ||
| Chloroform | 0.00043 | U.S. EPA | 0.1 | liver changes | ATSDR |
| Chromium VI | 8.3E-07 | U.S. EPA | 0.0001 | lower respiratory effects | U.S. EPA |
| Chrysene | 0.00091 | Cal EPA | |||
| Cobalt | 0.0005 | respiratory functions | RIVM | ||
| Copper | 0.001 | lung and immune system effects | RIVM | ||
| Di phthalate | 0.0042 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzopyrene|Dibenzopyrene | 9.1E-07 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzoacridine|Dibenzoacridine | 9.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzoanthracene|Dibenzoanthracene | 8.3E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzoacridine|Dibenzoacridine | 9.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzopyrene|Dibenzopyrene | 9.1E-07 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzopyrene|Dibenzopyrene | 9.1E-07 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzopyrene|Dibenzopyrene | 9.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dibenzocarbazole|Dibenzocarbazole | 9.1E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| Dimethylformamide | 0.03 | digestive disturbances; minimal hepatic changes | U.S. EPA | ||
| Ethyl carbamate | 3.5E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Ethylbenzene | 0.77 | liver and kidney effects | RIVM | ||
| Ethylene oxide | 0.00011 | Cal EPA | |||
| Ethylenethiourea | 0.00077 | Cal EPA | |||
| Formaldehyde | 0.00077 | U.S. EPA | 0.01 | nasal irritation | ATSDR |
| Hexane | 0.7 | neurotoxicity | U.S. EPA | ||
| Hydrazine | 2E-06 | U.S. EPA | 0.005 | fatty liver changes | ATSDR |
| Hydrogen cyanide | 0.003 | CNS and thyroid effects | U.S. EPA | ||
| Hydrogen sulfide | 0.002 | nasal lesions | U.S. EPA | ||
| Indenopyrene|Indenopyrene | 9.1E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| Isopropylbenzene | 0.4 | increased kidney, adrenal gland weights | U.S. EPA | ||
| Lead | 0.00083 | Cal EPA | 0.0015 | not applicable | U.S. EPA |
| Manganese | 5E-05 | neurobehavioral | U.S. EPA | ||
| m-Cresol | 0.17 | CNS | RIVM | ||
| Mercury | 0.0002 | nervous system | U.S. EPA | ||
| Methyl chloride | 0.09 | cerebellar lesions | U.S. EPA | ||
| Methyl ethyl ketone | 5 | developmental toxicity | U.S. EPA | ||
| Naphthalene | 0.003 | nasal effects | U.S. EPA | ||
| N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine | 6.3E-06 | U.S. EPA | |||
| N-nitrosodimethylamine | 7.1E-07 | U.S. EPA | |||
| Nickel | 9E-05 | chronic active inflammation and lung fibrosis | ATSDR | ||
| Nitrogen dioxide | 0.1 | not applicable | U.S. EPA | ||
| N-nitrosodiethanolamine | 1.3E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| N-nitrosodiethylamine | 2.3E-07 | U.S. EPA | |||
| N-nitrosoethylmethylamine | 1.6E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| N-Nitrosonornicotine | 2.5E-05 | Cal EPA | |||
| N-Nitroso-N-propylamine | 5E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| N-nitrosopiperidine | 3.7E-06 | Cal EPA | |||
| N-nitrosopyrrolidine | 1.6E-05 | U.S. EPA | |||
| n-Propylbenzene | 0.4 | increased organ weight | U.S. EPA | ||
| o-Cresol | C- possible human carcinogen | U.S. EPA | 0.17 | decreased body weight, neurotoxicity | RIVM |
| p-, m-Xylene | 0.1 | respiratory, neurological, developmental | U.S. EPA | ||
| p-Benzoquinone | C- possible human carcinogen | U.S. EPA | 0.17 | CNS | RIVM |
| p-Cresol | C- possible human carcinogen | U.S. EPA | 0.17 | CNS | RIVM |
| Phenol | 0.02 | liver enzymes, lungs, kidneys, and cardiovascular system | RIVM | ||
| Polonium-210 | 925.9 | ORNL | |||
| Propionaldehyde | 0.008 | atrophy of olfactory epithelium | U.S. EPA | ||
| Propylene oxide | 0.0027 | U.S. EPA | |||
| Pyridine | 0.12 | odour threshold | RIVM | ||
| Selenium | 0.0008 | respiratory effects | Cal EPA | ||
| Styrene | 0.092 | body weight changes and neurotoxic effects | HC | ||
| Toluene | 0.3 | colour vision impairment | ATSDR | ||
| Trichloroethylene | 82 | HC | 0.2 | liver, kidney, CNS effects | RIVM |
| Triethylamine | 0.007 | n.a. | U.S. EPA | ||
| Vinyl acetate | 0.2 | nasal lesions | U.S. EPA | ||
| Vinyl chloride | 0.0011 | U.S. EPA |
Composition
Particulate matter
E-cigarette components include a mouthpiece, a cartridge, a heating element/atomizer, a microprocessor, a battery, and some of them have a LED light at the tip. They are disposable or reusable devices. Disposable ones are not rechargeable and typically cannot be refilled with a liquid. There are a diverse range of disposable and reusable devices, resulting in broad variations in their structure and their performance. Since many devices include interchangeable components, users have the ability to alter the nature of the inhaled vapor. For the majority of e-cigarettes many aspects are similar to their traditional counterparts such as giving nicotine to the user. E-cigarettes simulates the action of smoking, with a vapor that looks like cigarette smoke to some extent. E-cigarettes do not involve tobacco combustion, and they do not produce vapor between puffs. They do not produce sidestream smoke or sidestream vapor. There are numerous flavors of e-liquid available. There is also flavorings that resembles the taste of cigarettes.Vapor production basically entails preprocessing, vapor generation, and postprocessing. First, the e-cigarette is activated by pressing a button or other devices switch on by an airflow sensor or other type of trigger sensor. Then, power is released to an LED, other sensors, and other parts of the device, and to a heating element or other kind of vapor generator. Subsequently, the e-liquid flows by capillary action to the heating element or other devices to the e-cigarette vapor generator. Second, the e-cigarette vapor processing entails vapor generation. The e-cigarette vapor is generated when the e-liquid is vaporized by the heating element or by other mechanical methods. The last step of vapor processing happens as the e-cigarette vapor passes through the main air passage to the user. For some advanced devices, before inhaling, the user can adjust the heating element temperature, air flow rate or other features. The liquid within the chamber of e-cigarette is heated to roughly 100-250 °C to create an aerosolized vapor. This is thought to result in pyrolysis of the e-liquid and could also lead to decomposition of other liquid ingredients. The aerosol produced by an e-cigarette is commonly but inaccurately called vapor. In physics, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase whereas an aerosol is a suspension of tiny particles of liquid, solid or both within a gas.
The power output of the e-cigarette is correlated to the voltage and resistance, which is one aspect that impacts the production and the amount of toxicants of e-cigarette vapors. The power generated by the heating coil is not based solely on the voltage because it also relies upon the current, and the resultant temperature of the e-liquid relies upon the power output of the heating element. The production of vapor also relies upon the boiling point of the solvent. Propylene glycol boils at 188 °C, while glycerin boils at 290 °C. The higher temperature reached by glycerin may impact the toxicants emitted by the e-cigarette. The boiling point for nicotine is 247 °C. Each e-cigarette company generates different amounts of heating power. The evidence indicates that bigger capacity tanks, increasing the coil temperature, and dripping configurations seem to be end user modified designs adopted by e-cigarette companies. Variable voltage e-cigarettes can raise the temperature within the device to allow users to adjust the e-cigarette vapor. No firm information is available on the temperature differences in variable voltage devices. The length of time that the e-cigarette vapor is being heated within the device also affects the e-cigarette vapor properties. When the temperature of the heating element rises, the temperature of the e-cigarette vapor in the air rises. The hotter air can support more e-liquid air density.
E-cigarettes have a wide array of engineering designs. The differences in e-cigarette manufacturing materials is broad and unknown. Concern exists over lack of quality control. E-cigarette companies often lack manufacturing standards or are non-existent. Some e-cigarettes are designed and manufactured to a high standard. The manufactured standards of e-cigarettes are not equivalent to pharmaceutical products. Improved manufacturing standards could reduce the levels of metals and other chemicals found in the e-cigarette vapor. Quality control is influenced by market forces. The engineering designs typically affects the nature, number, and size of particles generated. High amounts of vapor particle deposition are believed to enter into the lungs with each puff because the particle size in e-cigarette vapors is within the respiratory range. After a puff, the inhaled vapor changes in the size distributions of particles in the lungs. This results in smaller exhaled particles. E-cigarette vapor is made up of fine and ultrafine particles of particulate matter. Vaping generates particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter, but at notably less concentrations compared to cigarette smoke. Particle concentrations from vaping ranged from 6.6 to 85.0 μg/m3. Particle-size distributions of particulate matter from vaping differ across studies. The longer the puff duration the greater the amount of particles produced. The greater the amount of nicotine in the e-liquid the greater the amount of particles produced. Flavoring does not influence the particle emissions. The various kinds of devices such as cig-a-likes, medium-sized vaporizers, tanks, or mods may function at different voltages and temperatures. Thus, the particle size of the e-cigarette vapor can vary, due to the device used. Comparable to cigarette smoke, the particle size distribution mode of e-cigarette vapor ranged from 120–165 nm, with some vaping devices producing more particles compared to cigarette smoke.
Basic e-cigarette operation
Nicotine and main content
Exactly what the e-cigarette vapor consists of varies in composition and concentration across and within manufacturers. The Royal College of General Practitioners stated in 2016 that "To date 42 chemicals have been detected in ENDS aerosol – though with the ENDS market being unregulated there is significant variation between devices and brands." Limited data exists regarding their chemistry. The e-cigarette vapor usually contains propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavors, aroma transporters, and other substances. The yield of chemicals found in the e-cigarette vapor varies depending on, several factors, including the e-liquid contents, puffing rate, and the battery voltage. A 2017 review found that "Adjusting battery wattage or the inhaled airflow modifies the amount of vapor and chemical density in each puff." A high amount of e-liquid contains propylene glycol and/or glycerin. E-liquid nicotine concentrations vary. The levels of solvents and flavors are not provided on the labels of e-liquids, according to many studies. Limited but consistent data indicates that flavoring agents are at levels above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health safety limit. High amounts of flavoring agents have been found in e-cigarette vapors. The amount of nicotine stated on the labels of e-liquids can be very different from analyzed samples. Some e-liquids sold as nicotine-free contained nicotine, and some of them were at substantial levels. E-liquids were purchased from retailers and via online for a 2013 study. The analyzed liquids nicotine levels were between 14.8 and 87.2 mg/mL and the actual amount varied from the stated amount by as much as 50%.The main chemical found in the e-cigarette vapor was propylene glycol. A 2013 study, under close to real-life conditions in an emission test chamber, using a test subject who took six forceful puffs from an e-cigarette, resulted in a high level of propylene glycol released into the air. The next greatest amount in the e-cigarette vapor was nicotine. Possibly, 60–70% of the nicotine is vaporized. E-cigarettes without nicotine is also available. Via nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, nicotine is absorbed through the upper and lower respiratory tract. A greater amount of nicotine is possibly absorbed through oral mucosa and upper airways. The composition of the e-liquid may affect nicotine delivery. E-liquid containing glycerin and propylene glycol delivers nicotine more efficiently than a glycerin-based liquid with the same amount of nicotine. It is believed that propylene glycol vaporizes quicker than glycerin, which subsequently transports a higher amount of nicotine to the user. Vaping appears to give less nicotine per puff than cigarette smoking. Early devices typically delivered low amounts of nicotine than that of traditional cigarettes, but newer devices containing a high amount of nicotine in the liquid may deliver nicotine at amounts similar to that of traditional cigarettes. Similar to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes rapidly delivers nicotine to the brain. The peak concentration of nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes is comparable to that of traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes take longer to reach peak concentration than with traditional cigarettes, but they provide nicotine to the blood quicker than nicotine inhalers. The yield of nicotine users obtain is similar to that of nicotine inhalers. Newer e-cigarette models deliver nicotine to the blood quicker than with older devices. E-cigarettes with more powerful batteries can delivery a higher level of nicotine in the e-cigarette vapor. Some research indicates that experienced e-cigarette users can obtain nicotine levels similar to that of smoking. Some vapers can obtain nicotine levels comparable to smoking, and this ability generally improves with experience. E‐cigarettes users still may be able to obtain similar blood nicotine levels compared with traditional cigarettes, particularly with experienced smokers, but it takes more time to obtain such levels.
Cig-a-likes are usually first-generation e-cigarettes, tanks are commonly second-generation e-cigarettes, tanks that let vapers adjust the voltage setting are third-generation e-cigarettes, and tanks that have the ability for sub ohm vaping and to set temperature control limits are fourth-generation devices. Vaping nicotine using e-cigarettes differs from smoking traditional cigarettes in many ways. First-generation e-cigarettes are often designed to simulate smoking traditional cigarettes; they are low-tech vaporizers with a limited number of settings. First-generation devices usually deliver a smaller amount nicotine. Second-generation and third-generation e-cigarettes use more advanced technology; they have atomizers which improve nicotine dispersal and house high capacity batteries. Third-generation and fourth-generation devices represent a diverse set of products and, aesthetically, constitute the greatest departure from the traditional cigarette shape, as many are square or rectangular and feature customizable and rebuildable atomizers and batteries. Cartomizers are similar in design to atomizers; their main difference is a synthetic filler material wrapped around the heating coil. Clearomizers are now commonly available and similar to cartomizers, but they include a clear tank of a larger volume and no filler material; additionally they have a disposable head containing the coil and wicks. Vaping enthusiasts often begin with a cig-a-like first-generation device and tend to move towards using a later-generation device with a larger battery. Cig-a-likes and tanks are among the most popular devices. But tanks vaporize nicotine more effectively, and there are a greater selection of flavors and levels of nicotine, and are usually used by experienced users. Under five minutes of cig-a-like vaping, blood nicotine levels can elevate to about 5 ng/ml, while under 30 minutes of using 2 mg of nicotine gum, blood nicotine levels ranged from 3–5 ng/ml. Under five minutes of using tank systems by experienced vapers, the elevation in blood nicotine level can be 3–4 times greater. Many devices lets the user use interchangeable components, which result in variations in the e-cigarette vaporized nicotine. One of the primary features of the more recent generation of devices is that they contain larger batteries and are capable of heating the liquid to a higher temperature, potentially releasing more nicotine, forming additional toxicants, and creating larger clouds of particulate matter. A 2017 review found "Many e-cig users prefer to vape at high temperatures as more aerosol is generated per puff. However, applying a high voltage to a low-resistance heating coil can easily heat e-liquids to temperatures in excess of 300 °C; temperatures sufficient to pyrolyze e-liquid components."
The nicotine levels in the e-cigarette vapor greatly varies across companies. The nicotine levels in the e-cigarette vapor also varies greatly either from puff-to-puff or among devices of the same company. Nicotine intake across users using same device or liquid varies substantially. Puffing characteristics differ between smoking and vaping. Vaping typically require more 'suck' than cigarette smoking. Factors that influence the level of blood nicotine concentrations include nicotine content in a device; how well the nicotine is vapored from the liquid reservoir; and additives that may contribute to nicotine intake. Nicotine intake from vaping also relies upon the habits of the user. Other factors that influence nicotine intake include engineering designs, battery power, and vapor pH. For instance, some e-cigarettes have e-liquids that contain amounts of nicotine comparable to other companies, though the e-cigarette vapor contains far less amounts of nicotine. Puffing behavior substantially varies. New e-cigarette users tend to take shorter puffs than experienced users which may result in less nicotine intake. Among experienced users there is a wide range in puffing time. Some experienced users may not adapt to increase their puffing time. Inexperienced users vape less forcefully than experienced users. E-cigarettes share a common design, but construction variations and user alterations generate varied nicotine delivery. Lowering the heater resistance probably increases the nicotine concentration. Some 3.3 V vaping devices using low-resistance heating elements such as an ohm of 1.5, containing 36 mg/mL liquid nicotine can obtain blood nicotine levels after 10 puffs that may be higher than with traditional cigarettes. A 2015 study evaluated "a variety of factors that can influence nicotine yield and found that increasing power output from 3 to 7.5 W, by increasing the voltage from 3.3 to 5.2 V, led to an approximately 4- to 5-fold increase in nicotine yield." A 2015 study, using a model to approximate indoor air workplace exposure, anticipates greatly reduced exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes. A 2016 World Health Organization report found "nicotine in SHA has been found between 10 and 115 times higher than in background air levels." A 2015 Public Health England report concluded that e-cigarettes "release negligible levels of nicotine into ambient air". A 2016 Surgeon General of the United States report stated that the exposure to nicotine from e-cigarette vaping is not negligible and is higher than in non-smoking environments. Vaping generates more surrounding air levels of particulate matter and nicotine in indoor areas than background air levels. Extended indoor e-cigarette use in rooms that are not sufficiently ventilated could surpass occupational exposure limits to the inhaled metals.
The e-cigarette vapor may also contain tiny amounts of toxicants, carcinogens, and heavy metals. The majority of toxic chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor are below 1% of the corresponding levels permissible by workplace exposure standards, but the threshold limit values for workplace exposure standards are generally much higher than levels considered satisfactory for outdoor air quality. Some chemicals from exposures to the e-cigarette vapor could be higher than workplace exposure standards. A 2018 PHE report stated that the toxicants found in e-cigarette vapor are less than 5% and the majority are less than 1% in comparison with traditional cigarettes. Although several studies have found lower levels of carcinogens in e-cigarette aerosol compared to smoke emitted by traditional cigarettes, the mainstream and second-hand e-cigarette aerosol has been found to contain at least ten chemicals that are on California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, including acetaldehyde, benzene, cadmium, formaldehyde, isoprene, lead, nickel, nicotine, N-Nitrosonornicotine, and toluene. Free radicals produced from frequent e-cigarette use is estimated to be greater than compared to air pollution. E-cigarette vapor can contain a range of toxicants, and since they have been be used in methods unintended by the producer such as dripping or mixing liquids, this could result in generating greater levels of toxicants. "Dripping", where the liquid is dripped directly onto the atomizer, could yield a higher level of nicotine when the liquid contains nicotine, and also a higher level of chemicals may be generated from heating the other contents of the liquid, including formaldehyde. Dripping may result in higher levels of aldehydes. Considerable pyrolysis might occur during dripping. Emissions of certain compounds increased over time during use as a result of increased residues of polymerization by-products around the coil. As the devices age and get dirty, the constituents they produce may become different. Proper cleaning or more routine replacement of coils may lower emissions by preventing buildup of residual polymers.
Metals and other content
Metal parts of e-cigarettes in contact with the e-liquid can contaminate it with metals. The temperature of the atomizer can reach up to 500 °F. The atomizer contains metals and other parts where the liquid is kept, and an atomizer head is made of a wick and metal coil which heats the liquid. Due to this design, some metals potentially are found in the e-cigarette vapor. E-cigarette devices differ in the amount of metals in the e-cigarette vapor. This may be associated with the age of various cartridges, and also what is contained in the atomizers and coils. Usage behavior may contribute to variations in the specific metals and amounts of metals found in e-cigarette vapor. An atomizer made of plastics could react with e-liquid and leach plasticizers. The amounts and kinds of metals or other materials found in the e-cigarette vapor is based on the material and other manufacturing designs of the heating element. E-cigarettes devices could be made with ceramics, plastics, rubber, filament fibers, and foams, of which some can be found in the e-cigarette vapor. E-cigarette parts, including exposed wires, wire coatings, solder joints, electrical connectors, heating element material, and vitreous fiber wick material, account for the second significant source of substances, of which users may be exposed. Metal and silicate particles, some of which are at higher levels than in traditional cigarettes, have been detected in e-cigarette aerosol resulting from degradation from the metal coil used to heat the solution. Other materials used are Pyrex glass rather than plastics and stainless steel rather than metal alloys.Metals and metal nanoparticles have been found in tiny amounts in the e-cigarette vapor. Aluminum, antimony, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lanthanum, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, nickel, potassium, silicate, silver, sodium, strontium, tin, titanium, zinc, and zirconium have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Arsenic may leach from the device itself and may end up in the liquid, and then the e-cigarette vapor. Arsenic have been found in some e-liquids, and in the e-cigarette vapor. Considerable differences in exposure to metals have been identified from the e-cigarettes tested, particularly for metals such as cadmium, lead, and nickel. Poor quality first-generation e-cigarettes produced several metals in the e-cigarette vapor, in some cases the amounts were greater than with cigarette smoke. A 2013 study found metal particles in the e-cigarette vapor were at concentrations 10-50 times less than permitted in inhalation medicines.
A 2018 study found significantly higher amounts of metals in e-cigarette vapor samples in comparison with the e-liquids before they came in contact with the customized e-cigarettes that were provided by everyday e-cigarette users. Lead and zinc were 2,000% higher and chromium, nickel, and tin were 600% higher. The e-cigarette vapor levels for nickel, chromium, lead, manganese surpassed occupational or environmental standards for at least 50% of the samples. The same study found 10% of the e-liquids tested contained arsenic and the amounts remained about the same as the e-cigarette vapor. The average amounts of exposure to cadmium from 1200 e-cigarette puffs were found to be 2.6 times lower than the chronic Permissible Daily Exposure from inhalation medications, outlined by the US Pharmacopeia. One sample tested resulted in daily exposure 10% greater than chronic PDE from inhalation medications, while in four samples the amounts were comparable to outdoor air levels. Cadmium and lead have been found in the e-cigarette vapor at 2–3 times greater levels than with a nicotine inhaler. A 2015 study stated the amount of copper have been found to be six times greater than with cigarette smoke. A 2013 study stated the levels of nickel have been found to be 100 times higher than cigarette smoke. A 2014 study stated the levels of silver have been found to be at a greater amount than with cigarette smoke. Increased amounts of copper and zinc in vapor generated by some e-cigarettes may be the result of corrosion on the brass electrical connector as indicated in particulates of copper and zinc in e-liquid. In addition, a tin solder joint may be subjected to corrosion, which may result in increased amounts of tin in some e-liquids.
Generally low levels of contaminates may include metals from the heating coils, solders, and wick. The metals nickel, chromium, and copper coated with silver have been used to make the normally thin-wired e-cigarette heating elements. The atomizers and heating coils possibly contain aluminum. They likely account for most of the aluminum in the e-cigarette vapor. The chromium used to make the atomizers and heating coils is probably the origin of the chromium. Copper is commonly used to make atomizers. Atomizers and heating coils commonly contain iron. Cadmium, lead, nickel, and silver originated from the heating element. Silicate particles may originate from the fiberglass wicks. Silicate nanoparticles have been found in vapors generated from the fiberglass wicks. Tin may originate from the e-cigarette solder joints. Nickel potentially found in the e-cigarette vapor may originate from the atomizer and heating coils. The nanoparticles can be produced by the heating element or by pyrolysis of chemicals directly touching the wire surface. Chromium, iron, tin, and nickel nanoparticles potentially found in the e-cigarette vapor can originate from the e-cigarette heating coils. Kanthal and nichrome are frequently used heating coils which may account for chromium and nickel in the e-cigarette vapor. Metals can originate from the "cartomizer" from the later-generation devices where an atomizer and cartridge are constructed into one unit. Metal and glass particles can be created and vaporized because of the heating of the liquid with glass fiber.
Carbonyls and other content
E-cigarette makers do not fully disclose information on the chemicals that can be released or synthesized during use. The chemicals in the e-cigarette vapor can be different than with the liquid. Once vaporized, the ingredients in the e-liquid go through chemical reactions that form new compounds not previously found in the liquid. Many chemicals including carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and glyoxal can inadvertently be produced when the nichrome wire that touches the e-liquid is heated and chemically reacted with the liquid. Acrolein and other carbonyls have been found by in e-cigarette vapors that were created by unmodified e-cigarettes, indicating that formation of these compounds could be more common than previously thought. A 2017 review found "Increasing the battery voltage from 3.3 V to 4.8 V doubles the amount of e-liquid vapourized and increases the total aldehyde generation more than threefold, with acrolein emission increasing tenfold." A 2014 study stated that "increasing the voltage from 3.2–4.8 V resulted in a 4 to >200 times increase in the formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone levels". The amount of carbonyl compounds in e-cigarette aerosols varies substantially, not only among different brands but also among different samples of the same products, from 100-fold less than tobacco to nearly equivalent values.The propylene glycol-containing liquids produced the most amounts of carbonyls in e-cigarette aerosols. Propylene glycol could turn into propylene oxide when heated and aerosolized. Glycerin may generate acrolein when heated at hotter temperatures. Some e-cigarette products had acrolein identified in the e-cigarette vapor, at greatly lower amounts than in cigarette smoke. Several e-cigarette companies have replaced glycerin and propylene glycol with ethylene glycol. In 2014, most e-cigarettes companies began to use water and glycerin as replacement for propylene glycol. In 2015, manufacturers attempted to reduce the formation of formaldehyde and metal substances of the e-cigarette vapor by producing an e-liquid in which propylene glycol is replaced by glycerin. Acetol, beta-nicotyrine, butanal, crotonaldehyde, glyceraldehyde, glycidol, glyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, dioxolanes, lactic acid, methylglyoxal, myosmine, oxalic acid, propanal, pyruvic acid, and vinyl alcohol isomers have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural have been found in the e-cigarette vapors. The amounts of furans in the e-cigarette vapors were highly associated with power of the e-cigarette and amount of sweetener. The amount of carbonyls vary greatly among different companies and within various samples of the same e-cigarettes. Oxidants and reactive oxygen species have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. OX/ROS could react with other chemicals in the e-cigarette vapor because they are highly reactive, causing alterations its chemical composition. E-cigarette vapor have been found to contain OX/ROS at about 100 times less than with cigarette smoke. A 2018 review found e-cigarette vapor containing reactive oxygen radicals seem to be similar to levels in traditional cigarettes. Glyoxal and methylglyoxal found in e-cigarette vapors are not found in cigarette smoke.
Contamination with various chemicals have been identified. Some products contained trace amounts of the drugs tadalafil and rimonabant. The amount of either of these substances that is able to transfer from liquid to vapor phase is low. Products have been found to be contaminated with fungi and bacteria. Nicotine-containing e-liquids are extracted from tobacco that may contain impurities. The nicotine impurities in the e-liquid varies greatly across companies. The levels of toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapor is in some cases similar to that of nicotine replacement products. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines such as nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone and N-Nitrosonornicotine and tobacco-specific impurities have been found in the e-cigarette vapor at very low levels, comparable to amounts found in nicotine replacement products. A 2014 study that tested 12 e-cigarette devices found that most of them contained tobacco-specific nitrosamines in the e-cigarette vapor. In contrast, the one nicotine inhaler tested did not contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines. N-Nitrosoanabasine and N'-Nitrosoanatabine have been found in the e-cigarette vapor at lower levels than cigarette smoke. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines, nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone, N-Nitrosonornicotine, and N′-nitrosoanatabine have been found in the e-cigarette vapor at different levels between different devices. Tobacco-specific impurities such as cotinine, nicotine-N'-oxides, and beta-nornicotyrine are believed to be the result of bacterial action or oxidation during the extracting of nicotine from tobacco. Since e-liquid production is not rigorously regulated, some e-liquids can have amounts of impurities higher compared to limits for pharmaceutical-grade nicotine products. m-Xylene, p-Xylene, o-Xylene, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, pyridine, acetylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, catechol, m-Cresol, and o-Cresol have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. A 2017 study found that "The maximum detected concentrations of benzene, methanol, and ethanol in the samples were higher than their authorized maximum limits as residual solvents in pharmaceutical products." Trace amounts of toluene and xylene have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, volatile organic compounds, phenolic compounds, flavors, tobacco alkaloids, o-Methyl benzaldehyde, 1-Methyl phenanthrene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and cresol have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. While the cause of these differing concentrations of minor tobacco alkaloids is unknown, Lisko and colleagues speculated potential reasons may derive from the e-liquid extraction process used to obtain nicotine from tobacco, as well as poor quality control of e-liquid products. In some studies, small quantities of VOCs including styrene have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. A 2014 study found the amounts of PAHs were above specified safe exposure limits. Low levels of isoprene, acetic acid, 2-butanodione, acetone, propanol, and diacetin, and traces of apple oil have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Flavoring substances from roasted coffee beans have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. The aroma chemicals acetamide and cumarine have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Acrylonitrile and ethylbenzene have been found in the e-cigarette vapor. Benzene and 1,3-Butadiene have been found in the e-cigarette vapor at many-fold lower than in cigarette smoke. Some e-cigarettes contain diacetyl and acetaldehyde in the e-cigarette vapor. Diacetyl and acetylpropionyl have been found at greater levels in the e-cigarette vapor than is accepted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, although diacetyl and acetylpropionyl are normally found at lower levels in e-cigarettes than with traditional cigarettes. A 2018 PHE report stated that diacetyl was identified at hundreds of times in lesser amounts than found in cigarette smoke. A 2016 WHO report found that acetaldehyde from second-hand vapor was between two and eight times greater compared to background air levels.
Formaldehyde
A 2016 WHO report found that formaldehyde from second-hand vapor was around 20% greater compared to background air levels. Normal usage of e-cigarettes generates very low levels of formaldehyde. Different power settings reached significant differences in the amount of formaldehyde in the e-cigarette vapor across different devices. Later-generation e-cigarette devices can create greater amounts of carcinogens. Some later-generation e-cigarettes let users increase the volume of vapor by adjusting the battery output voltage. Depending on the heating temperature, the carcinogens in the e-cigarette vapor may surpass the levels of cigarette smoke. E-cigarettes devices using higher voltage batteries can produce carcinogens including formaldehyde at levels comparable to cigarette smoke. The later-generation and "tank-style" devices with higher voltages could produce formaldehyde at comparable or greater levels than in cigarette smoke. A 2015 study hypothesized from the data that at high voltage, a user, "vaping at a rate of 3 mL/day, would inhale 14.4 ± 3.3 mg of formaldehyde per day in formaldehyde-releasing agents." The 2015 study used a puffing machine showed that a third-generation e-cigarette turned on to the maximum setting would create levels of formaldehyde between five and 15 times greater than with cigarette smoke. A 2015 PHE report found that high levels of formaldehyde only occurred in overheated "dry-puffing", and that "dry puffs are aversive and are avoided rather than inhaled", and "At normal settings, there was no or negligible formaldehyde release." But e-cigarette users may "learn" to overcome the unpleasant taste due to elevated aldehyde formation, when the nicotine craving is high enough. High voltage e-cigarettes are capable of producing large amounts of carbonyls. Reduced voltage e-cigarettes had e-cigarette aerosol levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde roughly 13 and 807-fold less than with cigarette smoke.Comparison of levels of metals in e-cigarette aerosol
| Metals | EC01 | EC02 | EC03 | EC04 | EC05 | EC06 | EC07 | EC08 | EC09 | EC10 | EC11 | EC12 | EC13 | Average |
| Cadium; per 1200 puffs | 1.2 | 1.04 | 1.04 | 0 | 0.16 | 1.6 | 0 | 0.48 | 0 | 1.2 | 0.08 | 0 | NM | 0.57 |
| Permissible Daily Exposure; | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Chromium; per 1200 puffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.84 | 0.06 |
| Permissible Daily Exposure; | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | |
| Copper; per 1200 puffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24.36 | 1.87 |
| Permissible Daily Exposure; | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | |
| Lead; per 1200 puffs | 0.32 | 0.32 | 0.4 | 0.08 | 0.24 | 0.08 | 0.16 | 4.4 | 0.56 | 0.32 | 0.16 | 0.08 | 2.04 | 0.70 |
| Permissible Daily Exposure; | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Nickel; per 1200 puffs | 0.88 | 0.96 | 0.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.48 | 0.72 | 0.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.6 | 0.32 |
| Permissible Daily Exposure; | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Manganese; per 1200 puffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.24 | 0.02 |
| Minimal Risk Level; Agency for Toxic; Substances and Disease Registry | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| Aluminum; per 1200 puffs | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | 47.28 | 47.28 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | |
| Barium; per 1200 puffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.44 | 0.11 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | 4,150 | |
| Iron; per 1200 puffs | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | 62.4 | 62.40 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | |
| Tin; per 1200 puffs | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | 4.44 | 4.44 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | 16,600 | |
| Titanium; per 1200 puffs | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | 2,490 | |
| Zinc; per 1200 puffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.96 | 0.54 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | |
| Zirconium; per 1200 puffs | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | 0.84 | 0.84 |
| Recommended Exposure Limit; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 | 41,500 |
Abbreviations: EC, electronic cigarette; NM, not measured.
∗The findings are a comparison between e-cigarette daily usage and the regulatory limits of chronic Permissible Daily Exposure from inhalation medications outlined by the US Pharmacopeia for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and nickel, the Minimal Risk Level outlined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for manganese and the Recommended Exposure Limit outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for aluminum, barium, iron, tin, titanium, zinc and zirconium, referring to a daily inhalation volume of 20 m3 air and a 10-h volume of 8.3 m3; values are in μg.
Chemical analysis of e-cigarette cartridges, solutions, and aerosol
Abbreviations: TSNA, tobacco specific nitrosoamines; LC-MS, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; MAO-A and B, monoamineoxidase A and B; PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; GS-MS, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry; CO, carbon monoxide, VOC, volatile organic compounds; UPLC-MS, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; HPLC-DAD-MMI-MS, high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-multi-mode ionization-mass spectrometry.Aldehydes in e-cigarette aerosol
| Study | Units | Formaldehyde | Acetaldehyde | Acrolein | o-Methyl benzaldehyde | Acetone |
| Goniewicz et al. | μg/150 puffs | 3.2±0.8 to | 2.0±0.1 to | N.D. to | 1.3±0.8 to | N.T. |
| Ohta et al. | mg/m3 | 260 | | N.T. | N.T. | | |
| Uchiyama et al. | mg/m3 | 8.3 | 11 | 9.3 | N.T. | 2.9 |
| Laugesen | ppm/38 mL puff | 0.25 | 0.34 | N.D. to 0.33 | N.T. | 0.16 |
∗Abbreviations:
Tobacco-specific nitrosamines in nicotine-containing products
| Item | NNN -1- | NNK | NAT | NAB |
| Nicorette gum | 2.00 | Not detected | Not detected | Not detected |
| NicoDerm CQ patch | Not detected | 8.00 | Not detected | Not detected |
| E-cigarettes | 3.87 | 1.46 | 2.16 | 0.69 |
| Swedish snus | 980.00 | 180.00 | 790.00 | 60.00 |
| Winston | 2200.00 | 580.00 | 560.00 | 25.00 |
| Marlboro | 2900.00 | 960.00 | 2300.00 | 100.00 |
∗ng/g, but not for gum and patch. ng/gum piece is for gum and ng/patch is for patch.
Comparison of levels of toxicants in e-cigarette aerosol
| Toxicant | Range of content in nicotine inhaler mist | Content in aerosol from 12 e-cigarettes | Content in traditional cigarette micrograms in smoke from one cigarette |
| Formaldehyde | 0.2 | 0.2-5.61 | 1.6-52 |
| Acetaldehyde | 0.11 | 0.11-1.36 | 52-140 |
| Acrolein | ND | 0.07-4.19 | 2.4-62 |
| o-Methylbenzaldehyde | 0.07 | 0.13-0.71 | — |
| Toluene | ND | ND-0.63 | 8.3-70 |
| p- and m-Xylene | ND | ND-0.2 | — |
| NNN | ND | ND-0.00043 | 0.0005-0.19 |
| Cadmium | 0.003 | ND-0.022 | — |
| Nickel | 0.019 | 0.011-0.029 | — |
| Lead | 0.004 | 0.003-0.057 | — |
Abbreviations: μg, microgram; ng, nanogram; ND, not detected.
∗Fifteen puffs were chosen to estimate the nicotine delivery of one traditional cigarette.
Each e-cigarette cartridge, which varies across manufacturers, and each cartridge produces 10 to 250 puffs of vapor. This correlates to 5 to 30 traditional cigarettes. A puff usually lasts for 3 to 4 seconds. A 2014 study found there is wide differences in daily puffs in experienced vapers, which typically varies from 120–225 puffs per day. From puff-to-puff e-cigarettes do not provide as much nicotine as traditional cigarettes. A 2016 review found "The nicotine contained in the aerosol from 13 puffs of an e-cigarette in which the nicotine concentration of the liquid is 18 mg per milliliter has been estimated to be similar to the amount in the smoke of a typical tobacco cigarette, which contains approximately 0.5 mg of nicotine."