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1. BackgroundA sample of ‘Totally Wicked’ Electronic Cigarette (E.S.) Nicotine solution was supplied for analysis by ‘Pillbox 38’ as part of their due diligence to confirm the components currently found within the Nicotine Solution formulation. Solutions of this type can be used in an electronic cigarette which replicates the action of smoking, producing a tobacco romatized smoke which when inhaled quickly delivers the nicotine to the lung. The Electronic Cigarette does not emit a tarry smoke, or produce an ash deposit, and can be used to wean the smoker off ‘cigarette smoking’ in a controlled manner. 2. SampleThe sample was received on the 15/09/2008. 3. GC-MS MethodThe sample was analyzed by an external flavour laboratory to determine the components present by
The GC method employed may not detect some less volatile components that may be found in the sample, or where components are present in such low levels that they are below detection limits for the GC-MS method. 4. GC-MS ResultsThe sample was not diluted for analysis, and the results relate to the sample as received. Table 1 – Summary of GC-MS peak identification, CAS Number, and associated Risk Phrases.
5. DiscussionThe composition of the ‘Totally Wicked’ E.S. nicotine solution has been investigated by LPD Laboratory Services, in order to try and re-affirm that the nicotine solution is a much safer alternative when used in the electronic cigarette, when compared to smoking with traditional cigarettes. The ‘Totally Wicked’ nicotine solution contains the addictive yet poisonous nicotine component, as do traditional cigarettes. The nicotine solution does appear to contain propylene glycol aerosol forming solvent. Different suppliers of this chemical appear to offer differing hazard ratings on their respective MSDS’s. Some indicate no ill effects from inhalation which is fine, while others indicate CNS and spleen health issues may exist from prolonged inhalation of the chemical. Researching the chemical profile for propylene glycol1 indicates that although there would appear to be ‘no current recognized health hazards’, the chemical is ‘suspected to be a respiratory toxicant’. If Propylene Glycol subsequently becomes ‘recognized as a respiratory toxicant’ following the launch of the product in Europe, then ‘Pillbox 38’ should be looking for an even safer alternative such as Glycerol. The GC-MS results also indicate that “3, 4-Dihydro Cumarin” is also present in the nicotine solution and that currently ‘no health hazards are recognized’. However, the chemical is suspected to be a carcinogen2, a suspected gastrointestinal toxicant or liver toxicant, and a suspected neurotoxicant. The low level of “3, 4-Dihydro Cumarin” identified may have inadvertently found its way into the formulation, or be added intentionally3,4 to modify the smoking experience. 6. ConclusionOn balance, the ‘Totally Wicked’ E.S. nicotine solution appears to offer a much safer alternative to the traditional cigarette. Using this nicotine solution, the artificial smoke generated by the Electronic Cigarette does not appear to contain the toxic cocktail of toxic carcinogenic compounds found in traditional tobacco smoke. Some 600+ chemicals have been identified in traditional tobacco smoke, of which many are carcinogenic. The primary aerosol forming solvent (Propylene Glycol) used in the preparation of the nicotine solution is listed as a suspected respiratory toxicant. ‘Pillbox 38’ should look at changing the aerosol forming solvent from the suspected respiratory toxicant ‘Propylene Glycol’, to an even safer solvent such as Glycerol. The low level of “3, 4-Dihydro Cumarin” identified as being present in the ‘Totally Wicked’ nicotine solution is ‘not currently recognized as posing a health hazard’. However, the chemical is suspected to be a carcinogen2, a suspected gastrointestinal toxicant or liver toxicant, and a suspected neurotoxicant. So elimination of this chemical from the formulation may be required in the future. 7. Recommendations
8. References
Analysts Name: Mike Ellicott
WARNING: the electronic cigarette will not cure a smokers addiction to nicotine, the electronic cigarette serves the same purpose as a tobacco cigarette- it delivers its user nicotine. If you do suffer from the disease of Tobacco/Nicotine Dependence Syndrome and want to take steps to give up smoking or cut down the quantity of cigarettes you currently smoke. We recommend you visit your health care provider to discuss NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) or a nicotine harm reduction programme.
Please Note: We are not a pharmaceutical company and we do not produce medical products.
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