Assessing the toxicity of DIY additives in response to a flavor ban in ECIG liquids

Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use continues to grow in popularity in the United States. The availability of flavors is one of the top reasons for ECIG use initiation, especially among youth and young adults. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration has implemented a ban on flavored ECIG liquids (with the exception of tobacco or menthol flavors) in "cartridge-based" ECIG product. However, flavors still remain available for other ECIG devices, though similar flavor bans are being considered for all ECIG products. In response to a ban of ECIG flavors, some ECIG users are likely to make their own ECIG liquids by engaging in "do-it-yourself" (DIY) flavor mixing. The purpose of this project is to identify the additives that consumers may use in response to a ban on ECIG liquids flavors and to assess the toxicity of the DIY flavored ECIG liquids that include the identified additives. This project will help identify potential unintended consequences that may result from a ban on flavored ECIG liquids and will inform regulatory policy.

Scholars @ ECU