BACKGROUND: Different components impact the aerosolization process of e-liquids, affecting the chemical changes. It is believed that a higher wattage leads to greater production of byproducts and greater potential for damage. This study compares the differences in compounds between bottled e-liquids and aerosols.
METHODS: 10 e-liquid samples (6 Mexican, 4 US made) were aerosolized in a MOD device (Voopoo Drag 3) using two atomizers, Wotofo Recurve V2 with single 0.38 Ohms coils and Voopoo PNP Pod Tank with 0.3 Ohms prefab coils. We use two wattage levels (80w and 177w) in 3 second bursts. The aerosols were recover using a condensation device. 10 bottled and 40 aerosolized samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with single quadrupole mass spectrometry. The library NIST was used for identification.
RESULTS: Compared to bottled e-liquids (136 identified compounds, 65 irritants, 56 toxicants, 5 carcinogens), those aerosolized with the Pod Tank at 80w had fewer identified compounds (124) and less toxics (52), but a higher number of irritants (75) and carcinogens (7). At 177w, compounds increased (130) but irritants, toxicants and carcinogens decreased (67, 48 and 4, respectively).
With the Recurve, at 80w we found more compounds (119 vs. 115) and more irritants (60 vs. 59), but less toxics (49 vs. 53) and carcinogens (4 vs. 5) than at 177w, both cases with compounds numbers below or equal to the bottled samples.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of lower wattage with the prefab coil produced more irritating and carcinogenic compounds than other options. This combination is commonly found in devices available for sale. More research about the increased risk that comes from different combination of wattage/ohms available at the market is needed for adequate regulation