E-Liquid Autofluorescence can be used as a Marker of Vaping Deposition and Third-Hand Vape Exposure

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 7;7(1):7459. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07862-w.

Abstract

In the past 5 years, e-cigarette use has been increasing rapidly, particularly in youth and young adults. Due to the novelty of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) and e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids), research on their chemo-physical properties is still in its infancy. Here, we describe a previously unknown and potentially useful property of e-liquids, namely their autofluorescence. We performed an emission scan at 9 excitation wavelengths common to fluorescent microscopy and found (i) that autofluorescence differs widely between e-liquids, (ii) that e-liquids are most fluorescent in the UV range (between 350 and 405 nm) and (iii) fluorescence intensity wanes as the emission wavelength increases. Furthermore, we used the autofluorescence of e-liquids as a marker for tracking e-cig aerosol deposition in the laboratory. Using linear regression analysis, we were able to quantify the deposition of a "vaped" e-liquid onto hard surfaces. Using this technique, we found that every 70 mL puff of an e-cigarette deposited 0.019% e-liquid (v/v) in a controlled environment. Finally, we vaped a surface in the laboratory and used our method to detect e-cig aerosol third-hand exposure. In conclusion, our data suggest that e-cigarette autofluorescence can be used as a marker of e-cigarette deposition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / analysis*
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / analysis*
  • Vaping / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution