Research is needed on the use of citric acid in e-liquids to better understand its ability to form potentially harmful anhydrides in vapors.
Citric acid occurs naturally in the body and is “generally recognized as safe” in the United States for use in medicinal inhaled products. However, thermal decomposition of citric acid may occur at the operating temperatures of some vaping devices. At about 175-203°C, citric acid can decompose to form citraconic anhydride and its isomeric itaconic anhydride.
These anhydrides are respiratory sensitizers—chemicals that, when inhaled, can cause allergic reactions ranging from hay fever symptoms to anaphylactic shock.
British American Tobacco scientists used gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze the vapor generated when e-liquid containing citric acid is heated in a vaping device. The device used was a first generation electronic cigarette (like a cigarette). The scientists were able to measure the large amount of anhydride in the vapor.
The results were presented today at the annual meeting of the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Association in Florence, Italy.
”Citric acid in e-liquid can lead to high levels of citraconia and/or itaconic anhydride in fumes, depending on the device,” said Dr. Sandra Costigan, Chief Toxicologist at Vaping Products.
“However, we believe in the responsible use of flavors and have eliminated some flavors in our products.” explored before the oil is commercialized,” Costigan said.
Many in the public health community believe that e-cigarettes have great potential to reduce the public health impact of smoking. Public Health England, the executing agency of the UK Department of Health, recently released a report stating that e-cigarette use is estimated to be around 95% safer than cigarette smoking. The Royal College of Physicians said the public can be confident that e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking and should be widely promoted as an alternative to cigarettes.
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Post time: Apr-12-2023