THE ESSENTIAL
- To give “fresh” flavors to their product, e-)cigarette manufacturers use synthetic cooling agents
- Some of these agents, authorized as food additives, can be toxic when inhaled
A minty smell, a refreshing effect, the imagination is not lacking to develop the offer of electronic cigarettes. But whether in refills or disposables, “potentially dangerous” levels of cooling agents, according to a study by the American Thoracic Society, would be added by manufacturers. “In a previous study, we discovered that a synthetic cooling agent, WS-3, was added to electronic cigarettes sold in Europe, this led us to explore whether such agents are also added to electronic cigarettes marketed in the United States. -United“, explains Professor Sven Jordt, professor of pharmacology and cancer biology at the University of North Carolina.
Make the product safer to use
The research consisted in analyzing e-liquids to identify the different substances that compose them. The scientists then calculated the margin of exposure (MOE) which determines the risk associated with exposure to synthetic coolant during e-cigarette use. It is “from this criterion that it is possible to establish possible toxic effects. “When the hazard level is exceeded, the FDA (in the USA) or WHO must review the safety of the product and advise manufacturers on the steps to take to make the product safe to use.“, say the authors of the study.
Potential organic toxicity
And this modeling of vaped e-liquid consumption found MOEs below the margin of safety for most levels of daily vaping. “ Synthetic cooling agents have been found not only in mint or menthol flavored products but also in fruit and candy flavored products“, emphasizes the study. “Our measurements demonstrate that e-cigarette users inhale WS-3 at levels above those considered safe by the WHO with the potential to cause organic toxicity, these products are regulated by the FDA as food additives , but not for inhalation and e-cigarette makers are flying blind adding these chemicals“, notes Professor Sven Jordt.