by Cathrin Nastevska, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Researchers at Fraunhofer ITEM have developed the patented EVape prototype, which allows for the controlled vaporization of e-liquids. This process enables the analysis of emissions produced during vaporization and provides a detailed toxicological assessment.
The Challenge of E-Cigarette Safety
E-cigarettes, or vapes, are commonly considered less harmful than traditional tobacco cigarettes, but they still pose health risks. For many e-liquid ingredients, the behavior when heated is unknown. Due to varying temperatures inside e-cigarettes, different products can be released during thermal decomposition, complicating the assessment of risks associated with these tobacco alternatives.
Currently, there is no testing system that can analyze the ingredients used in e-liquids across the entire relevant temperature range. However, the newly developed EVape system from Fraunhofer ITEM allows for the controlled vaporization of e-liquids within a broad temperature range. This enables the analysis of the emissions and the subsequent toxicological assessment.
Why EVape Matters
Vapes are becoming increasingly popular and are now available in various models, flavors, and liquids, which complicates the assessment of health risks. In Germany, the Tabakerzeugnisverordnung (TabakerzV) regulates that the liquids used in e-cigarettes must not pose a risk to human health when either heated or not. However, for many ingredients, there is a lack of data regarding their behavior under heat.
The vaporization process could release harmful components, especially if substances break down into more toxic forms when heated. This is especially concerning for ingredients like sucralose, a sweetener that breaks down at just 120°C, producing potentially carcinogenic substances.
EVape: A Controlled Testing System
With EVape, Fraunhofer ITEM has created a patented device capable of testing e-liquids over a full temperature range, from 150°C to 350°C. This is crucial since e-cigarette temperatures vary significantly depending on the model and the built-in battery. The varying temperatures lead to different fission or thermal decomposition products, making testing under controlled conditions essential for accurate toxicological assessments.
Currently, manufacturers are required to disclose toxicology data for their e-liquids, but this information often comes from different e-cigarette models, making the results difficult to compare or generalize. EVape bridges this gap by allowing testing across the entire relevant temperature range with consistent conditions.
How EVape Works
EVape is a portable lab device that connects to standard analysis equipment. It ensures vaporization under controlled conditions, so the results are independent of the e-cigarette used, making them universally comparable. Testing involves vaporizing e-liquids at real-life temperatures while continuously monitoring the temperature to avoid overheating. The vapor produced is then analyzed for substances, and the results are compared to those obtained before vaporization.
Initial results indicate that the substances found in the vapor depend on the temperature at which the e-liquid is vaporized.
Benefits for Manufacturers and Regulators
EVape offers manufacturers a tool to rule out potentially harmful substances before producing their e-liquids. It allows for the creation of toxicological profiles and the approval of e-liquids within safe temperature ranges. Continuous real-time temperature measurements help identify all emissions produced under realistic conditions.
Fraunhofer ITEM also aims for EVape to serve as a reference device for regulatory authorities. They plan to license the device to labs, regulators, and the industry, ensuring that e-liquids are tested before entering the market.
Conclusion
EVape is a breakthrough in ensuring the safety of e-cigarettes and their liquid ingredients. By enabling thorough testing of e-liquids across a wide temperature range, it helps manufacturers produce safer products and supports regulatory authorities in ensuring that only tested e-liquids reach the market.
