Study finds toxic aldehydes accumulate in vape cartridges as e-liquid depletes
By
Victoria Atkinson, special to C&EN
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
A study reveals that toxic aldehydes, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, accumulate in vape cartridges as the e-liquid runs low. Researchers found that used vapes contained significantly higher concentrations of these harmful chemicals compared to new ones. The chemical reactions between carrier solvents (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) and flavor chemicals intensify during heating as the liquid level drops, leading to greater aldehyde formation. This suggests that the last puffs from a vape cartridge may expose users to higher levels of toxic compounds.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledConcentrations of several toxic aldehydes were higher in used vapes than in new ones
The chemical interplay of these different components—particularly during the heating process—can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts
As the juice runs low, the chemical reactions intensify, producing higher levels of toxic compounds
You might also wanna read
Disposable E-Cigarettes More Toxic Than Traditional Cigarettes
Study Finds Hazardous Chemicals in All Headphones Tested Across Central European Market
A comprehensive study across five Central European countries found hazardous hormone-disrupting chemicals in every single pair of headphones
arnika.org·3mo agoPersonal care products disrupt the human oxidation field
Analysis of NYT Article's Misleading Portrayal of Teen Vaping and EVALI Crisis
This article critically analyzes a 2022 New York Times piece on teenage vaping, arguing that it uses technically true but misleading languag
gwern.net·28d ago
UC Irvine Study: Indoor Surfaces Absorb Harmful Chemicals for Up to a Year
A UC Irvine-led study published in PNAS reveals that indoor surfaces act as powerful absorbers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), retaini
news.uci.edu·8mo ago
Study Finds PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in 95% of U.S. Beers Tested
A scientific study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that 95% of beers tested across the U.S. contain PFAS (forever chem