Work

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection method for quantification of carbonyl compounds in disposable e-cigarette aerosols

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbonyls are hazardous chemicals commonly found in e-cigarette aerosols. These compounds are primarily produced through the thermal decomposition of e-liquids during vaping. The concentration of these compounds can vary significantly depending on factors like design of e-cigarettes, power settings, and the composition of the e-liquid, potentially posing significant health risks for users. This study used a vaping machine to simulate inhaling from various e-cigarette products in controlled conditions. The machine delivered 55 mL puffs over three seconds with 30-second intervals. Disposable e-cigarettes were chosen due to their popularity among youth, especially those with flavored and sugary e-liquids. The study examined e-cigarettes with different flavors, including cotton candy, strawberry-icy, strawberry-kiwi, watermelon, tropical fruit with cooling effects, grape, and tobacco. Aerosols were collected and analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD). The analytical method demonstrated excellent linearity (R²>0.9999) from 0.01 to 10 µg/mL, with low variability (RSD<1.2%). The detection and quantification limits were in the sub-ng/mL range, which shows high sensitivity. Recovery was generally acceptable, ranging from 71 to 110%, and the precision met international standards (RSDs<12%). Carbonyl emissions varied by flavor, with sweet and dessert profiles showing the highest levels. Formaldehyde ranged from 6.6 to 93.3 ng/puff, acetaldehyde from 70.7 to 716.4 ng/puff, acetone peaked at 388.9 ng/puff in fruity flavors, and acrolein was low (<13 ng/puff), except in cotton candy (117.3 ng/puff). The study emphasizes the need for increased consumer awareness, advocates for further research to improve e-cigarette safety, and urges the development of methods for analyzing emissions to be included in regulatory requirements.

Source: Journal of Chromatography Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcoa.2026.100367

Authors: Ariel E. Turcios, Elke Pieper, Sebastian Malke, Peter Laux, Andreas Luch

Institution: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,360