Project Details
Description
The use of electronic cigarettes has rapidly increased worldwide with concerns around the long term health effects of e-cigarettes and the safety of the e-liquids used. This rapid increase in use has been seen across all ages, but particularly among younger adults. Studies have shown discrepancies in the reported and actual nicotine levels in the e-liquids, and the presence of toxic components such as heavy metals in some e-liquids.
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are members of a family of highly fluorinated aliphatic compounds. PFAS have been used for a wide range of applications, with over 4000compounds known. Due to their stability and ability to bioaccumulate, PFAS have become widespread in the environment with contamination being an important issue. They have been detected in environmental, food, drink and biological samples from all over the world.
An unexplored route of potential PFAS exposure is via the e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes. While many PFAS are non-volatile under normal conditions, the heating elements in e-cigarettes may cause volatilisation of these compounds, allowing them to be inhaled. This project aims to determine whether PFAS are present in these e-liquids and, if so, to identify and quantify the compounds present.
Due to the wide range of locations and sample types found to contain PFAS, it is suspected that electronic cigarette e-liquids will contain PFAS. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) will be used for the analysis as it allows detection of pollutants at low levels, even in complex sample matrices. The combination of retention time and detection by mass and fragmentation will allow identification of any PFAS present, even in the presence of other flavourings, ingredients and pollutants which may make up the e-liquids.
The objectives of this project are to:
– Establish whether PFAS are present in electronic cigarette e-liquids
– Identify and quantify levels of individual PFAS present
– Compare PFAS levels between brands and flavours
– Explore whether PFAS levels vary between reusable and disposable electronic cigarette e-liquids
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are members of a family of highly fluorinated aliphatic compounds. PFAS have been used for a wide range of applications, with over 4000compounds known. Due to their stability and ability to bioaccumulate, PFAS have become widespread in the environment with contamination being an important issue. They have been detected in environmental, food, drink and biological samples from all over the world.
An unexplored route of potential PFAS exposure is via the e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes. While many PFAS are non-volatile under normal conditions, the heating elements in e-cigarettes may cause volatilisation of these compounds, allowing them to be inhaled. This project aims to determine whether PFAS are present in these e-liquids and, if so, to identify and quantify the compounds present.
Due to the wide range of locations and sample types found to contain PFAS, it is suspected that electronic cigarette e-liquids will contain PFAS. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) will be used for the analysis as it allows detection of pollutants at low levels, even in complex sample matrices. The combination of retention time and detection by mass and fragmentation will allow identification of any PFAS present, even in the presence of other flavourings, ingredients and pollutants which may make up the e-liquids.
The objectives of this project are to:
– Establish whether PFAS are present in electronic cigarette e-liquids
– Identify and quantify levels of individual PFAS present
– Compare PFAS levels between brands and flavours
– Explore whether PFAS levels vary between reusable and disposable electronic cigarette e-liquids
| Status | Not started |
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UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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