Toxicity classification of e-cigarette flavouring compounds based on European Union regulation: analysis of findings from a recent study

INTRODUCTION: A recent study raised concerns about e-cigarette liquids toxicity by reporting the presence of 14 flavouring chemicals with toxicity classification. However, the relevant toxicity classification was not estimated according to the measured concentrations. The purpose of this study was to calculate the toxicity classification for different health hazards for all the flavouring chemicals at the maximum concentrations reported. METHODS: The analysis was based on the European Union Classification Labelling and Packaging regulation. The concentration of each flavouring chemical was compared with the minimum concentration needed to classify it as toxic. Additionally, toxicity classification was examined for a theoretical e-cigarette liquid containing all flavouring chemicals at the maximum concentrations reported. RESULTS: There was at least one toxicity classification for all the flavouring chemicals, with the most prevalent classifications related to skin, oral, eye and respiratory toxicities. One chemical (methyl cyclopentenolone) was found at a maximum concentration 150.7% higher than that needed to be classified as toxic. For the rest, the maximum reported concentrations were 71.6 to > 99.9% lower than toxicity concentrations. A liquid containing all flavouring compounds at the maximum concentrations would be classified as toxic for one category only due to the presence of methyl cyclopentenolone; a liquid without methyl cyclopentenolone would have 66.7 to > 99.9% lower concentrations of flavourings than those needed to be classified as toxic. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of flavouring compounds in e-cigarette liquids as reported in a recent study were present at levels far lower than needed to classify them as toxic. Since exceptions exist, regulatory monitoring of liquid composition is warranted.