E-Cigarette Nicotine Labels Not Always Accurate, Containers Aren't Child-Resistant

51% of labels on e-cigarette liquid nicotine containers from 16 North Dakota stores don't accurately reflect the levels of nicotine found in the products, revealed a study by researchers at North Dakota State University, Fargo. In one instance, actual nicotine levels were 172% higher than labeled. The majority of e-cigarette liquid containers also did not provide child-resistant packaging.

Published in the July-August issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, the study examined products purchased from North Dakota retail stores selling e-cigarettes, but not required to have a tobacco retail license. The research team noted that 23 e-liquid containers claimed to have no nicotine, but 43% did, in fact, contain nicotine. Levels of nicotine in those e-cigs averaged 0.19 mg/mL, with the highest level found at 0.48 mg/mL.

‘51% of labels on e-cigarette liquid nicotine containers from 16 North Dakota stores don't accurately reflect the levels of nicotine found in the products.’

The NDSU research team includes Kelly Buettner-Schmidt, associate professor of nursing; Donald R. Miller, professor of pharmacy practice; and research scientist Narayanaganesh Balasubramanian.

Of 93 e-liquid containers examined, 70 claimed to contain nicotine ranging from 3-24 mg/mL. Among those containers, 51% had nicotine outside the labeled amount, with 34% having less nicotine and 17% having more than labels specified. Actual content of nicotine ranged from 66% under the labeled concentrations to 172% over the labeled concentrations.

The Core Synthesis & Analytical Services Facility at NDSU measured the contents of the containers, using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results allowed for +/- 10% variation in nicotine concentration.

The study also found that 65% of the e-liquid containers were not child-resistant, with the potential to be easily ingested by a curious child.

"Mislabeling of nicotine in e-liquids exposes the user to the harmful effects of nicotine," said study author Kelly Buettner-Schmidt, associate professor of nursing at NDSU. "In areas without child-resistant packaging requirements, children may be exposed to harmful nicotine."

Depending on the size of a child, even small levels of ingested liquid nicotine could severely impact a child, according to Buettner-Schmidt, and result in nicotine toxicity, accidental poisoning or death.

The cross-sectional study of e-liquids included products purchased between June 9 and June 26, 2015 from 16 North Dakota retail stores that sell electronic nicotine devices, but are not required to hold a tobacco retail license. The study was conducted prior to new state requirements covering e-cigarettes. The North Dakota Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy funded the study titled "Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquids: Child-Resistant Packaging, Nicotine Content, and Sales to Minors".

Source: Newswise