Knowledge about the composition and physiological effects of e‐liquids is essential for assessing their effects on health
The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) has surged in the past few years, and it is estimated that 1.2% of Australians now use them.1 While the main premise in support of e‐cigarettes is that they are safer for smokers than conventional tobacco products, a considerable proportion of users are, unfortunately, never‐smokers or young people.2,3 In 2020, about 3.6 million young people in the United States reported current e‐cigarette use,2 and in 2017, 14% of secondary school students in Australia were reported to have ever used e‐cigarettes.3
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Chan G, Leung J, Gartner C, et al. Correlates of electronic cigarette use in the general population and among smokers in Australia: findings from a nationally representative survey. Addict Behav 2019; 95: 6–10.
- 2. Wang TW, Neff LJ, Park‐Lee E, et al. E‐cigarette use among middle and high school students: United States, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69: 1310–1312.
- 3. Greenhalgh EM, Jenkins S, Scollo MM. InDepth 18B: Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes). In: Greenhalgh EM, Scollo MM, Winstanley MH editors. Tobacco in Australia: facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2021. https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter‐18‐harm‐reduction/indepth‐18b‐e‐cigarettes/18b‐3‐extent (viewed Nov 2021).
- 4. Larcombe E, Allard S, Pringle P, et al. Chemical analysis of fresh and aged Australian e‐cigarette liquids. Med J Aust 2022; 216: 27–32.
- 5. Myers ML; Campaign for Tobacco‐Free Kids. New study shows continuing popularity of Juul and other flavored e‐cigarettes among youth; underscores why FDA and other policymakers must eliminate all flavored e‐cigarettes [media release]. 7 June 2021. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press‐releases/2021_06_07_jama‐network‐open‐study (viewed Nov 2021).
- 6. Diaz MC, Donovan EM, Schillo BA, Vallone D. Menthol e‐cigarette sales rise following 2020 FDA guidance. Tob Control 2021; 30: 700–703.
- 7. Bitzer ZT, Goel R, Reilly SM, et al. Effect of flavoring chemicals on free radical formation in electronic cigarette aerosols. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 120: 72–79.
- 8. Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australian Department of Health). Guidance for Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products) (TGO 110) Order 2021 and related matters. Updated Sept 2021. https://www.tga.gov.au/resource/nicotine‐vaping‐products‐and‐vaping‐devices (viewed Nov 2021).
- 9. National Health and Medical Research Council. Electronic cigarettes. 2020. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health‐advice/all‐topics/electronic‐cigarettes (viewed Nov 2021).
- 10. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. E‐cigarettes: regulations for consumer products. GOV.UK, updated 15 Nov. 2021. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e‐cigarettes‐regulations‐for‐consumer‐products (viewed Nov 2021).
- 11. US Food and Drug Administration. Funding opportunities [tobacco science and research]. Updated 11 Sept 2021. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco‐products/research/funding‐opportunities (viewed Nov 2021).
Laura Crotty Alexander was supported by VA Merit, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute R01, and Tobacco‐Related Disease Research Program pilot awards.
No relevant disclosures.