Discrepancy between the ingredients advertised and those actually contained in certain vaping liquids

A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR)[1] New Zealand's National Institute of Health (NICE) analyzed more than 150 vaping products sold in the country. The study revealed the presence of bacteria and ethanol in some of the products, and that the nicotine level in most cases was different from that indicated on the packaging.

The research team looked for a range of potential constituents in vape liquids, including flavorings, controlled substances[2] (THC), bacterial endotoxins, dyes, ethanol (alcohol) and nicotine[3].

Health Minister for Food Safety Dr. Ayesha Verrall said the findings were concerning, but that stricter regulations for the vaping industry were being rolled out and would help address the issues highlighted by the research.

A nicotine level that is mostly different from that indicated on the packaging

Nicotine levels in more than half of the samples (58%) did not match the label information. In 5 out of 10 cases, the liquids had a nicotine content more than 10 % lower than the labeled content. In 7% of the cases, the deviations were 12 to 63 % greater than the labeled content. One product labeled 0% of nicotine actually contained 0.46 mg/mL of nicotine (0.4%).

Presence of ethanol and bacteria in liquids

More than 10% of the products tested positive for endotoxins, which are components of gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli that are released when the bacteria die. These can cause health problems, but the study did not analyze whether the endotoxins were actually found in inhaled vapors. The vaping liquids were also tested for bacteria, yeast, and mold. One in 10 products contained Streptococcus salivarius and Granulicatella bacteria (found in the mouth), even though the product in question was supposed to have been manufactured and bottled in a "Class 7 clean room" (ISO 7), according to the information on its packaging. However, none of the bacteria were identified as pathogenic (disease-causing).

None of the products listed ethanol as an ingredient, but it was detected in 95% of the samples, ranging from low residues to 9.6% in some products. These levels would not be high enough to be detected in alcohol screening tests, international research suggests, but the undeclared presence of ethanol could be a concern for people with allergies or sensitivities.

Keywords: New Zealand, vaping, ingredients, nicotine, ethanol, bacteria

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[1] The Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Up in steam: ESR scientists reveal what's really in vape liquid, November 2021 [2] A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illegal drugs or prescription medications designated by law. [3] Nicholas Jones, Exclusive: ESR scientists reveal what's really in vaping products, with 'concerning' results, The New Zealand Harald, November 19, 2021, accessed November 23, 2021 National Committee Against Smoking |