A contextualised e-cigarette testing strategy shows flavourings do not impact lung toxicity in vitro

• Published in: Toxicology letters 2023-05, Vol.380, p.1-11
• Main Authors: Bishop, E., East, N., Miazzi, F., Fiebelkorn, S., Breheny, D., Gaca, M., Thorne, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosols; E-cigarette; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Flavoring Agents - toxicity; in vitro; Lung; Nicotiana - toxicity; Risk assessment; Tobacco Products - toxicity; Toxicity; Vaping
• ISSN: 0378-4274; 1879-3169
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.03.006

Vaping has the potential to reduce the individual health risks associated with smoking and e-cigarette flavours have been reported to help smokers’ transition from cigarettes. In this manuscript, we provide evidence to support the reduced risk potential of e-cigarette aerosols and flavours by assessing commercially available e-liquids (Vuse ePod – Manufactured by British American Tobacco) in a 2D in vitro screening approach. We also analysed selected flavours using a more physiologically relevant 3D (MucilAir) whole aerosol exposure model, measuring toxicity and functional endpoints such as Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance, Cilia Beat Frequency and Active Area. To contextualise responses, we have compared e-cigarette aerosol to cigarette smoke (1R6F research cigarette) and calculated the percentage reduction using a point of departure approach. We show that aerosolised flavoured e-liquids, (appropriately stewarded) do not increase the overall measured aerosol toxicity when compared to cigarette smoke. In fact, we demonstrate that the measured in vitro cellular toxicity of flavoured e-cigarette products remains > 95% reduced when compared to cigarette smoke toxicity, using point of departure (IC80) approach. These data indicate that the overall product toxicity is not increased in a flavour dependent manner and that flavoured e-cigarette products can potentially play a role in tobacco harm reduction. [Display omitted] •E-cigarettes (liquids and devices) should be appropriately risk assessed.•E-liquid screening and aerosol approaches were used to assess e-cigarette toxicity.•For harm reduction purposes e-cigarette data should be contextualised against smoking.•Flavoured e-liquid toxicity was > 95% reduced when compared to cigarette smoke.•Flavoured e-liquids didn’t increase the risk profile of well stewarded e-cigarettes.