The Chemistry of Vaping Products and Cigarettes: A Comprehensive Review Nick Tsintolas Abstract: The recent popularization of ecigarette products as a safer alternative to smoking has prompted extensive scientific research into the kinds and extent of chemicals it produces in comparison to a traditional cigarette. This article serves as a review of the current knowledge surrounding the chemistry of vape and cigarette emissions and as a call for further research. Introduction to Vapes and Cigarettes: E-cigarettes, or vapes, have entered the mainstream and revolutionized the “smoking” experience. An understanding of these products is essential when discussing the chemicals they give off. Vapes work by heating a liquid cartridge containing nicotine and other chemicals, aerosolizing the mixture.1 See Figure 1 below:
Figure 1: A breakdown of the components of a traditional e- cigarette. Note the heating coil, nicotine cartridge, and vaporizing chamber as the producers of the aerosolized mixture.2 These chemicals, called “base compounds,” include propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, which initially on their own are not dangerous. When heated, they become the toxic chemicals acrolein, formaldehyde, and acid aldehyde.3 When 1
analyzing the chemicals produced by vapes, it is important to consider their origin. Many vaping injuries and illnesses result from the use of devices tampered with in the black market or modified by their users. This is especially pertinent to vapes containing THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These alterations worsen the effect of vapes and can confound proper experimentation into their chemical production.4 For cigarettes, the tobacco and other chemicals follow a combustion reaction.1 While there is a difference in how smokers and vapers are exposed to these harmful chemicals and the extent of the exposure, a vast majority of the chemicals are the same.3 The primary chemical both products contain is nicotine, an addictive substance that causes stress with withdrawal and brings a sense of relaxation with use.5 Nicotine can also raise blood pressure, increase adrenaline levels, and increase the risk for a heart attack.4 Vaping can cause seizures and serious lung damage after just a year of use. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can also hamper brain development in children. The documented illnesses and conditions associated with smoking are lung cancer, breast cancer, shortness of breath, and heart disease, all of which develop after years of exposure to these chemicals.5 Discussion of Scientific Research: Initial studies into the chemical output of ecigarettes by the FDA revealed a toxic compound in antifreeze and carcinogenic tobacco-related compounds present in ecigarettes advertised as “tobacco free”. Significant levels of other carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene were detected in these vaping products. Levels of acrolein, a chemical known to damage DNA, increased in the saliva of five adults after a 15-minute vaping session. Acrolein’s DNA alteration potential establishes it as an additional carcinogen present in vapes.5 Juul, a popular e-cigarette manufacturer, has made natural
