Influence of puff topographies on e-liquid heating temperature, emission characteristics and modeled lung deposition of Puff Bar™

Puff Bar (TM), one of the latest designs of e-cigarettes, heats a mixture of liquid using a battery-powered coil at certain temperatures to emit aerosol. This study presents a mass-based characterization of emissions from seven flavors of Puff Bar((TM)) devices by aerosolizing with three puff topographies [(puff volume: 55 < 65 < 75-mL) within 4-seconds at 30-seconds interval]. We evaluated the effects of puff topographies on heating temperatures; characterized particles using a cascade impactor; and measured volatile carbonyl compounds (VCCs). Modeled dosimetry and calculated mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) were used to estimate regional, total respiratory deposition of the inhaled aerosol and exhaled fractions that could pose secondhand exposure risk. Temperatures of Puff Bar(TM) e-liquids increased with increasing puff volumes: 55 mL (116.6 degrees C), 65 mL (128.3 degrees C), and 75 mL (168.9 degrees C). Flavor types significantly influenced MMADs, total mass of particles, and VCCs (mg/puff: 2.15-2.30) in Puff Bar (TM) emissions (p < 0.05). Increasing puff volume (mL:55 < 65 < 75) significantly increased total mass (mg/puff: 4.6 < 5.6 < 6.2) of particles without substantially changing MMADs (similar to 1mm:1.02-0.99-0.98). Aerosol emissions were estimated to deposit in the pulmonary region of e-cigarette user (41-44%), which could have toxicological importance. More than 2/3 (67-77%) of inhaled particles were estimated to be exhaled by users, which could affect bystanders. The VCCs measured contained carcinogens-formaldehyde (29.6%) and acetaldehyde (16.4%)-as well as respiratory irritants: acetone (23.9%), isovaleraldehyde (14.5%), and acrolein (4.9%). As Puff Bar (TM) emissions contain respirable particles and harmful chemicals, efforts should be made to minimize exposures, especially in indoor settings where people (including vulnerable populations) spend most of their lifetime. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This study characterizes the emissions from Puff Bar(TM) e-cigarettes, finding that puff volume significantly affects the total mass of emitted particles, and flavor types significantly influence the particle mass and volatile carbonyl compounds. The study also evaluates the potential secondhand exposure risk and finds that a large portion of the inhaled particles are exhaled by users, containing carcinogens and respiratory irritants.