collaboration on the Standardized Research E-Cigarette (SREC)

National Institute On Drug Abuse

Investigators

Abstract

CDC will measure nicotine, menthol, total particulate matter, carbonyls (acrolein, acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, and formaldehyde), and metals (aerosols: chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, tin, and lead; mainstream smoke: chromium, manganese, cobalt, arsenic, cadmium, lead) in aerosol/smoke of 9 e-cigarette products and 2 cigarettes. The e-cigarette aerosols will be generated using the standard CORESTA Method 81 (55mL puff volume, 3s puff duration, 30s puff interval). Cigarettes will be smoked using both the standard ISO (35mL puff volume, 2s puff duration, 60s puff interval) and intense smoking (55mL puff volume, 2s puff duration, 30s puff interval) regimens. In addition, the pH, as well as the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin content of the e-liquids will be quantitatively assessed. This assessment will be performed on 10 replicate examples of each product. The SREC products will be provided as nominal 5% nicotine and 0% nicotine versions in 4 flavors. In addition, 3 comparator tobacco products will be similarly examined for aerosol and mainstream smoke deliveries. The University of Kentucky’s 1R6F research cigarette, the Phillip Morris Marlboro Red King-size cigarettes, and RJ Reynold’s “Vuse” e-cigarette tobacco flavor will be the comparator products. The aerosol/smoke testing will require between 10 to 50 puffs depending on the target analytes, using the standard CORESTA 81 regimen. When 10 puffs are used, the analysis will be repeated with 50 puffs if analyte is below the lower level of quantitation. Each individual measurement will be on a new, freshly charged device. Holders to attach the devices to the e-cigarette smoking machines will be 3D printed or custom designed and tested for fit quality, leakage, and puff profile before use as needed.