The study titled, “Flavorant–Solvent Reaction Products and Menthol in JUUL E-Cigarettes and Aerosol,” took a closer look at Juul pods, pointing out that they contain a different mixture of solvents than many other brands of e-liquid. The researchers said that acetals could potentially form in these products, which may lead to irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system.
“To reach the 100 mg/m3 threshold the researchers attribute to JUUL would require a person consume upwards of 70 JUULpods in one day.”
The study’s lead author and an associate research scientist at Yale’s chemical and environmental engineering department, Hanno Erythropel, said that acetals are formed from alcohol and aldehydes, chemicals used to flavor and perfume foods and other commercial products. He added that while some aldehydes are toxic, most are generally recognized as safe for consumption.
However, he added, little is known about the effects of aldehydes and acetals when inhaled via e-cigarettes. Unlike the amount of acetals consumed through food, said Erythropel, with vaping, “you are breathing this in. We didn’t imagine people would be inhaling flavor compounds at the level they are now. We have very little information.”
Juul: Study failed to take into account real life conditions
In response to this study, Juul provided the following statement to FOX Business: “The researchers’ hypothetical exposure analysis failed to take into account real-world conditions, including realistic human exposure to vapor products like JUUL. Based on actual vanillin content in JUULpods, in order to reach the identified occupational environmental threshold of 10 mg/m3 vanillin exposure in the real world, a person would have to consume at least seven JUULpods, and likely much more, in a single day. To reach the 100 mg/m3 threshold the researchers attribute to JUUL would require a person consume upwards of 70 JUULpods in one day.”
In line with Juul’s statement, earlier research looking into vaping and aldehydes, had indicated that the amounts found in e-liquids are of levels that are insignificant to one’s health.
Farsalinos replicates e-cigarette Aldehyde Emissions studies
