Assessing toxicant emissions from e-liquids with DIY additives used in response to a potential flavour ban in e-cigarettes

Abstract Significance: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) aerosolise liquids that contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol and appealing flavours. In the USA, regulations have limited the availability of flavoured e-cigarettes in pod-based systems, and further tightening is expected. In response, some e-cigarette users may attempt to make their e-liquids (do-it-yourself, DIY). This study examined toxicant emissions from several aerosolised DIY e-liquids. Methods: DIY additives were identified by reviewing users’ responses to a hypothetical flavour ban, e-cigarette internet forums and DIY mixing internet websites.