Synthetic Cooling Agents in Australian-marketed E-cigarette Refill Liquids and Disposable E-cigarettes: Trends Follow the US Market.

INTRODUCTION: E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, especially amongst the younger population. The synthetic cooling molecules WS-3 and WS-23 have been identified in e-cigarette products from the US and Europe. The extent of inclusion of these synthetic coolants in Australian e-liquids is unknown, particularly in newer disposable e-cigarettes.

METHODS: E-cigarettes and e-liquids were purchased within Australia and anonymously donated by Australian users. Nicotine, WS-3, WS-23 and menthol were quantified in the eliquids using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GCMS).

RESULTS: WS-23 and nicotine were detected in all of the disposable e-cigarettes with WS-23 often present in high concentrations. There was no correlation between cooling terms in the flavour name and the inclusion of cooling agents. Only three bottled e-liquids were found to contain WS-23 while none contained WS-3 above the limit of detection.

CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic coolants were a common addition in disposable e-cigarettes while rarely added to e-liquid bottle refills. Their inclusion in these products is reflective of trends observed in US and European ecigarette products.