Tasty e-cig additives have a downside, research suggests

Researchers from Duke and Yale universities suggest that the process of adding flavors to e-cigarette liquids can have harmful health effects, as well as serving to attract young users.

A study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Center for Tobacco Products found that at least 40% of a set of flavoring substances that produce e-cig flavors such as cotton candy converted to acetal compounds when mixed with solvents. These acetals can cause irritation and inflammation when inhaled, the researchers stated. Results of their study were published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Moreover, they found that chemical changes occur before the liquids are heated. This suggests that not only are users exposed to potentially harmful chemicals at higher vaping temperatures, but they also may be facing risks when inhaling these chemicals at any temperature.

In addition, the researchers found that the acetals that were created from mixing flavoring substances into e-liquids were highly effective in triggering molecular receptors that are involved in lung irritation.

“Adolescents with developing lungs are more prone to irritation, allergies and asthma,” said Sven-Eric Jordt, PhD, senior author of the study and an associate professor of anesthesiology, pharmacology and cancer biology at Duke. “It's important for families and kids to know about the potential dangers.”