Determination of nicotine concentration in E-liquid and its health risk among E-cigarette user in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Musbah, Zubaidah (2016) Determination of nicotine concentration in E-liquid and its health risk among E-cigarette user in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text Ip FPSK4 2016 32.pdf Download (3MB)

Abstract

Introduction: The use of electronic cigarettes or EC has been gaining wide popularity in Malaysia. E-Liquid or solution contained in EC generally consists of base made from propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring. This study was focused on nicotine where it is the primary addictive substances that can potentially contribute harmful effects to the users. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of EC use, nicotine concentration in local brands of most used e-liquids and assess the health risk of non-carcinogenic effects among EC user in a higher learning institution center. Methodology: This study recruited 179 students and staffs at Universiti Putra Malaysia that were selected using purposive sampling method. This study uses several tools for data collection, namely a modified and adapted questionnaire, which were disseminated in a survey in order to obtain the pattern of EC smoking and to identify the top local brands of e-liquids. 17 e-liquid brands were categorized into nine flavors and were analyzed using Gas Chromatogaraphy- Flame lonisation Detector (GC-FID) to determine concentration of nicotine. The non-carcinogenic health effect due to exposure to nicotine in e-liquid was evaluated using Hazard Quotient. Result: The response rate of this study is 96%. The prevalence of current EC user among UPM male adults was 36.9%. The most reported reason for the use of EC was related to cessation of smoking which are 'to replace the conventional cigarette usage', 'EC act as nicotine reduction tools', 'to deal with craving for tobacco' and 'EC was less toxic than conventional cigarette'. Nicotine was detected in all selected brands of e-liquid with the mean concentration was 3.26 mg/mL. The detected nicotine concentration from the analysis was different from what was claimed on the labeling. Health risk was assessed for 44 EC users and 6.8% ofthem have Hazard Quotient of more than 1, indicating possibility of non-carcinogenic health risk arising from nicotine exposure. Conclusion: This study found prevalence of current EC user among smoking population were 36.9%. All of the e-liquid samples had nicotine but in concentrations which differs from the label. Nicotine exposure from the usage of e-liquid was likely to have potential adverse health effects. Hence, regulation of e-liquid containing nicotine should be enforced especially for accurate labeling and packaging of the products in order to prevent overdose consumption and acute health effect of nicotine to the EC user. Keywords: Electronic-cigarette, e-liquid, nicotine, health risk.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Muhamad Fazril Awang
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2022 03:46
Last Modified:	23 Nov 2022 03:46
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/455

Actions (login required)

View Item