Contributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research Feed

Widespread Misperception of Relative Risks of ENDS versus Cigarette Smoking among Key Populations for Tobacco Harm Reduction in a 2022 Representative U.S. Sample

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ObjectiveTobacco harm reduction (THR) using represents a pragmatic and realistic strategy, to which electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) misperceptions act as a barrier. This paper explores ENDS misperceptions, especially among certain groups disproportionately affected by smoking. MethodsUsing the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Wave 7 (2022), key populations for THR were identified as 3,481 adults who exclusively smoke (AWES) and who are not planning to quit within 30 days (NPQ), 56% of whom were male. Non-White racial/ethnic groups, male, ages ≥ 55, high school/GED or less education, household income < $25,000, non-heterosexual, and AWES with fair or poor mental health were characterized as subpopulations disproportionately affected by smoking. Misperception was defined as perceiving ENDS to be at least as harmful as cigarettes. ResultsNinety-four percent of AWES-NPQ had ENDS misperceptions. While misperceptions were > 91% in all sub-groups, the odds of reporting misperceptions were higher among: Black respondents (vs. White, OR = 1.79 [95% CI = 1.13–2.83]), those aged ≥ 55 (vs. < 55, 1.47 [1.02–2.12]), and AWES with high school or less education (vs. at least some college, 2.10 [1.47–3.01]. Conversely, male AWES had reduced odds of having ENDS misperceptions (vs. female, 0.55 [0.38–0.80]). ConclusionsENDS misperceptions were highly prevalent among AWES-NPQ, and some subgroups disproportionately affected by smoking were even more likely to hold misperceptions. Efforts to reduce smoking disparities could be enhanced by communicating ENDS' reduced-risk potential, which could encourage AWES to adopt ENDS and completely switch away from smoking.

Natural Tobacco Flavor Profiling Under Heat-Not-Burn Conditions Using Reference Tobacco Leaves and Tobacco from 1R6F Reference Cigarettes

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Studying the organoleptic properties of heated tobaccos in relation to natural flavors is essential for understanding how lower-temperature processing influences the release of intrinsic tobacco flavor compounds. Unlike combustion processes (> 600 °C), which generate numerous undesirable substances, the heat-not-burn approach (< 350 °C) helps preserve the integrity of natural terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, and other bioactive molecules while reducing harmful byproducts. This research studied which natural flavor compounds are released from different tobacco types when heated at temperatures typical of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and how these compounds likely contribute to the flavor and aroma profiles. No preliminary modifications were made to the tobacco samples. Four tobacco types were selected: flue-cured, Oriental, Burley, and dark air-cured. The ground lamina of these tobaccos, along with filler from reference 1R6F cigarettes (all provided by the Center for Tobacco Reference Products), were analyzed. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed using a Thermal Separation Probe (TSP), which thermally desorbed volatile and semi-volatile constituents from the ground leaf materials at controlled inlet temperatures (200–325 °C). The released compounds were directly introduced into the GC inlet for chromatographic separation and subsequent mass spectrometric identification. Among the numerous peaks detected, flavor-like compounds previously identified in the literature were selected for further evaluation. Flue-cured tobacco yielded 16 identified flavor compounds, oriental tobacco 21, burley 15, and dark air-cured 15. Sixteen compounds were detected in the reference 1R6F cigarette sample. In total, 32 natural flavor compounds were identified across the five tobacco samples. Flavor properties of each compound were assigned based on various literature sources. Compounds were also categorized by chemical class and compared across the five tobacco types. Based on this class-wise distribution, the natural organoleptic profile of each tobacco type was estimated. Several natural compounds were detected that have not previously been reported in aerosols generated from heated tobacco products at low temperatures (200–325°C). These compounds may potentially expand the flavor profile of heated tobacco products.

Operating Conditions of an Induction-Based Electrically Heated Tobacco System – Tobacco Heating System 3.0

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In the last decade, tobacco products intended for inhalation without combustion have emerged as alternatives to cigarettes. Tobacco Heating System (THS) 3.0 is an induction heating device combined with specially designed electrically heated tobacco products that offers an improved product performance consistency throughout the device lifecycle and a cleaner user-experience than previous THS versions, which rely on direct heating technologies. THS 3.0 has previously been assessed to emit significantly fewer and lower levels of harmful constituents than cigarettes, resulting in an aerosol with reduced in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity compared to cigarette smoke. In this paper, a rigorous assessment substantiates that no combustion occurs during THS 3.0 operation and that its emission is a liquid-based aerosol that is not smoke, as there is: 1) no ignition, 2) net endothermic degradation, 3) no ash formed, 4) comparable emissions in oxidative and non-oxidative atmospheres, 5) CO/CO2 ratio typical for when tobacco is heated and not combusted, and 6) no carbon-based solid particles generated. In addition, THS 3.0 satisfies the absence of combustion criteria of mandatory and voluntary product standards issued by national standardization bodies.

Impact of HPLC Parameters on Chiral Separation of Nornicotine Enantiomers

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Given the well-documented pharmacological differences between nicotine and nornicotine enantiomers, understanding their distribution is essential. This knowledge also helps authenticate the enantiomers’ source (natural or synthetic). To improve the quantitative determination methods for these distributions, the influence of additives, modifiers, and sample matrices on the chiral HPLC separation of the nornicotine enantiomers using UV detection is discussed. Changes on the order of 5–10% in selected alcohols as modifiers and selected amines (0.1% changes) as additives were found to have significant effect on the resolution and retention times of nornicotine enantiomers, while sample matrices demonstrated an impact on nornicotine enantiomer resolution (R). Systematic variation in the concentration of ethanol and isopropanol, as modifiers, along with variations in the concentration of diethylamine, triethylamine, and isopropylamine, as additives, revealed that the resolution (R) of the nornicotine enantiomers could be adjusted to values much greater than 2, using mobile phase flow rates of 0.8 and 1 mL/min. The retention times of the nornicotine enantiomer pairs could be varied between ~8 and 20 min, through modification of the mobile phase with the additives and modifiers. As expected, faster mobile phase flow rates of 1 mL/min moderately reduced retention times when compared with influences on retention time caused by changes in the amounts of modifier and additive, with an accompanying slight decrease in the R values. The %RSD values for both nornicotine resolution and retention times consistently remained below 3%. The detection limits for the nornicotine enantiomers were approximately 1 ng on column for each enantiomer. With the judiciously selected optimization of the levels of the hexane mobile phase additive, diethylamine, and modifier, ethanol, coupled with results from previously published results on nicotine and nornicotine alkaloid enantiomer separations, a simultaneous separation of both nornicotine and nicotine enantiomers having R values greater than 2 and an overall retention time of less than 15 min was attained. Noticeable influences on nornicotine enantiomer resolution and co-elution of tobacco extract components with nornicotine enantiomers as a function of mobile phase composition were illustrated and discussed. Previous published results in combination with this current body of work culminate in a well-rounded understanding of the influences of modifier and additive structure and concentration on the resolution as well as a simultaneous separation of nicotine and nornicotine enantiomers employing high performance liquid chromatography.

CORESTA Guidelines for Descriptive Consumer-Reported Outcome Measures in Tobacco and Nicotine Research

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction Descriptive Consumer-Reported Outcome Measures (CROM) are self-reported survey outcome measures intended to measure observable characteristics and behaviors in research on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products (TNPs). The wide variety of available TNPs and the continued development of new TNPs require a constant evolution of measures to assess TNP use and related constructs adequately. The guidelines aim to provide recommendations on the selection, development, implementation, and analysis of Descriptive CROM in research on TNPs. Methods The best practices and guidelines on Descriptive CROM were developed via an iterative and consensus-driven approach by the Descriptive CROM working group within the Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) CROM Task Force. This involved reviewing relevant national and international surveys, peer-reviewed publications, publicly available guidelines, and best practices published by professional institutes in related fields. The Descriptive CROM working group also collaborated with other CORESTA subgroups and relevant subject matter experts representing public health, academia, and the tobacco industry to continuously update the guidelines. Results The resulting guidelines contain four main sections. First, we introduce the Descriptive CROM domain framework and provide definitions and descriptions of TNP categories and use patterns. Second, based on review of existing Descriptive CROM from national and international surveys, recommendations on Descriptive CROM for TNP research are provided. Third, the guidelines provide recommendations related to the development, modification, and adaptation of Descriptive CROM. This section includes a multi-stage process for CROM development, including item generation and qualitative and quantitative assessments of the CROM. The final section on Descriptive CROM implementation includes recommendations for best practices from the CORESTA organization for study design and development, data analysis, and reporting of Descriptive CROM data. Conclusions The recommendations on the development, modification, and application of Descriptive CROM are grounded in scientific rationale and developed with consensus from the CORESTA TNP research community. The consensus Descriptive CROM measures, along with consistent definitions, could facilitate comparisons across studies, aggregation of data sets, and improve harmonization in research findings. As best practices and guidelines may evolve over time, the CORESTA CROM Task Force will continue to update the guidelines based on the dynamic TNP landscape and regulatory requirements to advance TNP research.

Anne Fisher, Recipient of the 2025 Tobacco Science Research Conference Lifetime Achievement Award

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Indoor Air Quality Assessment During the Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products*

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Chemical toxicants released into the environment during the use of tobacco and nicotine products potentially give rise to an elevated health risk among non-users. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of a wide range of chemical toxicants in the indoor air of an unventilated testing facility during various scenarios of tobacco and nicotine product use, including the use of conventional waterpipes, electronic vaping products (EVPs, also known as e-cigarettes), an electronic waterpipe which uses electrical heating of shisha tobacco instead of conventional charcoal heating, and combustible-cigarettes. In the one-occupant scenarios, increases in PM10 and PM2.5 were greatest during conventional waterpipe use, approximately 40% lower for OOKA electronic waterpipe use, and lowest for EVP use. An increase in the combustion by-product CO was greatest for conventional waterpipe use, and substantially lower for EVP and OOKA electronic waterpipe use, with the latter generating only a negligible amount of CO. The increase in formaldehyde levels was greatest for conventional waterpipe use, and substantially lower for OOKA electronic waterpipe use. In ten-occupant product use scenarios, increases in PM10 and PM2.5 were greatest for EVP use and slightly lower for OOKA electronic waterpipe use, lower during the cigarette smoking scenario, and lowest for the unattended conventional waterpipes scenario. Increases in CO and formaldehyde were highest for the conventional waterpipes scenario, substantially lower during cigarette smoking, and negligible for OOKA electronic waterpipe and EVP use. Increases in several other volatile organic compounds and some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were mainly seen only during cigarette smoking and were negligible during the other product use scenarios. This pattern was similar for the tobacco-specific nitrosamines NNN, NNK, and NAT. These findings have important implications concerning the potential for secondhand toxicant exposure among waterpipe non-users, and for understanding how to potentially reduce health risks associated with such exposure. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 34 (2025) 230–241]

Critical Appraisal of Exposure Studies of E-Cigarette Aerosol Generated by High-Powered Devices*

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Currently low-powered pods and disposables overwhelmingly dominate consumer preference of vaping products. Yet, despite its marginal usage, third generation high power low resistance (sub-ohm) devices are still used frequently to generate aerosols for assessing the toxicity of vaping aerosols. All these studies operate these devices under the CORESTA Recommended Method 81 protocol or with slight modifications, with airflow rates around 1 L/min. This experimental set up is concerning, since we have published various articles showing that much higher airflow rates (around 10 L/min) are a necessary experimental condition for these devices to generate aerosols that avoid overheating and large production of toxic byproducts. In a previous recent article, we replicated aerosol generation from a high-powered device integrated into a computerized exposure system used to expose in in vitro and in vivo systems. After careful calibration, we identified the experimental conditions for this device to avoid generating aerosols under an Overheating Regimen that would generate a repellent aerosol for human users. Applying the experimental results of this study, we show in this critical review that all studies using this same device exposed biological systems to overheated and aldehyde-loaded aerosols, with about half of the studies also delivering excessive nicotine concentrations. Some studies reported the presence of carbon monoxide, suggesting evidence of advanced wick pyrolysis. Most of the reviewed studies are irreproducible for failing to provide sufficient information of their aerosol generation procedures. Our results raise questions on the relevance of this literature to assess the risk profile of vaping products. Finally, we provide guidelines to improve the protocols of aerosol generation methodology in emission and exposure studies. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 34 (2025) 202–221]

Determination of NOx in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke, CORESTA Collaborative Study and Recommended Method

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A collaborative study among twelve laboratories was conducted to establish a recommended method for determination of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in mainstream cigarette smoke. Three cigarette samples, with ISO 3308 total particulate matter yields ranging from 2–17 mg/cig, were evaluated under both a non-intense (ISO 3308) and an intense (ISO 20778) smoking regime to assess the method’s applicability across a range of conditions. Mainstream cigarette smoke was either passed through an in-line detector or collected in a gas-tight system for offline determination of NOx by chemiluminescence. Optional use of glass fiber filter pads enabled gravimetric determination of total particulate matter. Statistical analyses were performed according to ISO 5725 to determine repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R), and z-scores. Reproducibility, expressed as a percentage of mean yield across all products, smoking regimes, and analysis types, ranged from 15.1–49.7%. NOx yields ranged from 71–437 μg/cig and followed expected trends with respect to total particulate matter and smoking intensity. These results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method and support its adoption as CORESTA Recommended Method CRM N° 104. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 34 (2025) 222–229]

Effect of Propylene Glycol on Cigar Mainstream Smoke TNCO Yields

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

1,2-Propylene glycol (PG) is one of the most utilized humectants in the tobacco industry. The impact of PG on smoke yields has been extensively studied on cigarettes, but the results are still inconclusive, and, to our best knowledge, nothing has yet been published on the impact of PG on cigar smoke. In this study we investigate the effects of PG on cigar smoke yields, analyzing nicotine, carbon monoxide (CO), water and nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM or “tar”) content in mainstream smoke from different cigars. We performed a statistical retrospective analysis of four years of internal laboratory data of three cigar brands flavored with blends containing low, medium and high concentrations of PG. Furthermore, to avoid any interference other than PG, experimental cigars with only PG added were produced and analyzed. As for the retrospective analysis, smoke yields seem to be statistically related to tobacco PG content. Cigars with increasing amounts of PG show an increase in water and CO and a decrease in nicotine content. For NFDPM the trend seems quite ambiguous, since it doesn't show the roughly linear correlation with PG contents shared by the other analytes. For these cigars, the effective influence of PG is more difficult to determine due to the presence of complex flavoring blends. In the experimental cigars, the increase in CO, NFDPM and water is clearly related to a higher PG content. PG determines such increase triggering of some still unclarified mechanisms. Among them a variation in combustion conditions perhaps plays an important role. The increase in water content is also related to its higher percent per gram of cigar tobacco, due to the PG effects in both replacing tobacco and attracting and binding moisture. Thermal degradation of PG could also contribute to the increase in CO, while the increase in NFDPM is partly due to pure PG amount delivered from tobacco to smoke. The decrease in nicotine content seems totally related to reduced quantity of tobacco, due to the higher presence of PG.

Exploring Safer Smoke-Free Alternatives to Conventional Cigarettes for a Healthier Tomorrow

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Tobacco cigarette smoking continues to be the global leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the awareness of its grave consequences, smokers find it extremely challenging to quit the addiction. A human-centric approach is crucial to fight against tobacco harm. Eventually, the global landscape of smoke-free alternative tobacco products like tobacco heating systems, electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches and snus have significantly evolved. Unlike conventional cigarettes, these products except snus and nicotine pouches utilize heating instead of combustion, generating a less toxic aerosol. This mitigates the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular and periodontal diseases. This review article elaborates the effectiveness, benefits and potential harm reduction of smoke-free alternative tobacco products associated with smoking cessation, biomarkers of exposure and health-related diseases in comparison to tobacco cigarettes. The controversial debate and related concerns of abuse liability and addiction among youth by smoke-free alternative products is explored. Creating awareness and management through better regulatory policies is crucial.

Influences of Airflow Pathway and Velocity on Aerosol Release Mechanisms in Granule-Based HTP

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

To investigate the effect of the airflow velocity on the mechanism through which aerosol is released in granule-based heated tobacco products (HTPs), experiments were conducted using two airflow pathways: open-ended and closed-ended configurations. The patterns of release of aerosol collected mass (ACM) and key aerosol components (nicotine, water, glycerol, and propylene glycol) and the distribution patterns of nicotine, glycerol, and propylene glycol in smoked cigarettes were measured. The results indicated that for the open-ended pathway, the airflow velocity did not strongly affect the total release amounts of ACM and its key components. The distribution of each component in the cigarette after it was smoked was also found to be relatively unaffected by the airflow velocity. However, for the closed-ended pathway, as the airflow velocity was decreased, the ACM and its total release amount decreased, and the residual amounts of each component in the tobacco granules and filter rod increased. In addition, the puff-by-puff release patterns of aerosols and their key components were different for the two airflow pathways. Specifically, for both pathways, the puff-by-puff ACM and water release gradually decreased after peaking quickly, whereas the levels of glycerol gradually increased, peaking at 7 or 8 puffs. The amounts of propylene glycol and nicotine first increased and then decreased for the open-ended pathway, reaching a peak at 4 or 5 puffs, whereas for the closed-ended pathway, these amounts gradually increased and peaked at 7 or 8 puffs. The aerosol particle size distribution results revealed that due to different processes of aerosol condensation and nucleation, as the airflow velocity was decreased, the aerosol number concentration and volume concentration decreased for both pathways but the median particle size increased. The closed-ended pathway resulted in a greater decrease or increase than did the open-ended pathway.

Best Practices and Guidelines with Respect to Psychometric Consumer Reported Outcome Measures for Use in Research on Tobacco- and Nicotine-Containing Products – A Consensus-Based Approach

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Psychometric consumer reported outcome measures (CROM), which aim to infer latent variables (e.g., psychological dependence) from self-report measurement instruments, play a key role in data collection in research on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products (TNPs). While guidelines are available for patient reported outcomes (PRO) to be used in health studies, no comprehensive guidelines exist for Psychometric CROM which consider specifics in the field of TNP research. The proposed guidelines aim to fill the current gap with the objective of enhancing the quality of empirical research on TNPs. The objective is to develop guidelines for researchers with respect to the selection, development, modification, and implementation of Psychometric CROM in TNP research. The guidelines were developed by a working group comprised of CORESTA (Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco) CROM Task Force members by adopting an iterative and consensus driven approach. This involved reviewing relevant peer-reviewed publications, publicly available guidelines, and best practices published by prominent organizations from related fields and seeking active collaboration with subject matter experts representing public health, academia, and the tobacco industry. The draft guidelines were presented and discussed at various health and tobacco research conferences. Based on feedback and suggestions provided, the guidelines were continuously updated and revised. The resulting guidelines contain four sections, guiding the reader from construct definition to application and interpretation of Psychometric CROM. Emphasis is placed on crucial initial research stages, such as defining the ideal CROM characteristics based on the construct definition, the context of measurement, and the objectives of the study, to facilitate the researcher’s determination as to whether use of an existing CROM would be an appropriate choice for the study, or whether modifying an existing CROM or developing a new CROM would be warranted. While the guidelines provide direction for researchers who intend to use Psychometric CROM in their research, they also flag key measurement considerations and raise awareness of psychometric issues with the goal of advancing Psychometric CROM measurement science. Grounded in psychometric principles, these guidelines present best practices and provide guidance on the appropriate identification, development, modification, and application of Psychometric CROM in TNP research in a way that is consistent with good measurement practices. With the dissemination of the guidelines, we expect a more informed selection of CROM, a better-founded modification of existing CROM and development of new CROM, improved integration of CROM into TNP research and ultimately a better harmonization of consumer-reported measurement in the field of TNP research.

Novel Aerogels Based on Citric Acid Crosslinked Bacterial Cellulose for Sustained Release of Nicotine in Oral Nicotine Products

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this study we developed a novel carrier material that can be used to regulate nicotine release profile to provide a more constant release. Bacterial cellulose (BC) was produced by fermentation of tobacco waste, nicotine was derived from the backfilling of tobacco extracts. Citric acid (CA) has been used to react with bacterial cellulose to prepare an aerogel (CA-BC) which showed to possess sustained nicotine release by varying CA and its crosslinking ratio with BC. Aerogels prepared at 10% CA/BC ratios during crosslinking exhibited significant sustained nicotine release effects. Another notable finding was that the sustained-release of nicotine for the CA-BC aerogel with high nicotine contents significantly outperformed that of low nicotine contents. The Weibull model and Gallagher-Corrigan model were used to elucidate the mechanism of nicotine dissolution from CA-BC aerogels. Material characterization revealed that the CA-BC aerogel had an improved thermal stability and decreased water absorption, a 3D fiber network structure at the microscopic level with an optimal average pore size of 30 μm was used to explain this difference.

Evidence of Improvements to Arterial Stiffness Among Regular Users of Combustible Cigarettes – Effect of Inhalation of β-Caryophyllene: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nicotine consumption is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory properties, was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to see if smoking cigarettes with BCP-containing capsules could improve aortic stiffness. In this study, 84 adult smokers were randomly assigned to either a BCP group or a placebo group. They smoked capsule-loaded cigarettes for 12 weeks, and various health parameters were measured every 4 weeks. The primary focus was on changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), which measures arterial stiffness. The results showed that blood BCP levels increased only in the BCP group, while nicotine levels rose in both groups. For participants with a high baseline baPWV (≥ 1,400 cm/s), significant reductions in baPWV were observed in the BCP group at weeks 4 and 8. Additionally, baPWV at week 4 was significantly lower in the BCP group compared to the placebo group. No adverse effects were reported. In conclusion, smoking BCP-containing cigarettes improved arterial stiffness in participants with high baseline baPWV without causing any adverse effects.

Linda Crumpler, Recipient of the 2024 Tobacco Science Research Conference Lifetime Achievement Award

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Abuse Liability Assessment of the RELX Infinity® Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Among Adult Smokers and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

RationaleNicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects are important factors in assessing the abuse liability of tobacco products such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). In addition, an abuse liability determination is informative in assessing the ability of ENDS to support switching from cigarette smoking. ObjectivesTo assess nicotine pharmacokinetics, subjective effects, and short-term safety profiles of the RELX Infinity ENDS compared with other tobacco/nicotine products among current smokers and ENDS users. MethodsTwo similar but independent studies were conducted to assess the abuse liability of Infinity tobacco-and menthol-flavored ENDS compared with combustible cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy gum in smokers and compared with usual brand ENDS in ENDS users. ResultsIn smokers, nicotine delivery (in terms of Cmax and AUC) from both Infinity ENDS flavors was lower than that from combustible cigarettes but higher than that from nicotine gum. Use of Infinity ENDS robustly reduced urges to smoke and elicited subjective effects such as satisfaction which were intermediate to those of cigarettes and nicotine gum. In ENDS users, Infinity ENDS delivered nicotine comparably to subjects’ usual brand ENDS and elicited generally similar subjective effects. ConclusionsThe abuse liability of two flavors of the RELX Infinity ENDS is lower than that of combustible cigarettes, higher than that of nicotine gum, and similar to that of other ENDS products. This supports a potential positive role in tobacco harm reduction, by providing smokers with a satisfying alternative to combustible cigarettes which could support switching away from smoking to a degree better than the support provided by nicotine gum while presenting a lower initiation/addiction risk among nicotine non-users than currently marketed tobacco products.

Assessing the Consistency of Reporting for E-Cigarette Brand, Device Type, and Flavor in the National Youth Tobacco Survey: Implications for Regulatory Decision-Making

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) collects self-reported data from U.S. middle and high school students on past-30-day e-cigarette use, including device type used most often, all flavors used, and all brands used. These data are central to regulatory decision-making by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when assessing the population-level risks of e-cigarettes, which underscores the importance of verifying that estimates from the survey are accurate. The current analyses assessed the 2023 and 2022 NYTS estimates of youth e-cigarette use to examine whether the reported brand used is consistent with the reported device type and flavors used among past-30-day only brand and usual brand users of Vuse, JUUL, Elf Bar (2023), and Puff Bar (2022) e-cigarettes. In 2023, 333 respondents (1.5% of all youth) reported any past-30-day use of Vuse e-cigarettes, with 134 (0.6% of all youth) reporting Vuse as their only or usual brand. Among these 134 only or usual brand users, 84 (0.3% of all youth) provided responses for device type and flavors used that were consistent with use of Vuse. Past-30-day use of JUUL e-cigarettes was reported by 237 respondents (1.2% of all youth), with 42 (0.3% of all youth) reporting JUUL as their only or usual brand. Among these 42 only or usual brand users, 3 (< 0.1% of all youth) provided responses for device type and flavors used that were consistent with use of JUUL. For Elf Bar e-cigarettes, 839 respondents (4.2% of all youth) reported past-30-day use, with 478 (2.3% of all youth) reporting Elf Bar as their only or usual brand. Among these 478 only or usual brand users, 392 (2.0% of all youth) provided responses for device type that were consistent with use of Elf Bar (flavors could not be validly assessed). Analyses of the 2022 NYTS data showed similarly low levels of consistency in reporting for Vuse, JUUL, and Puff Bar e-cigarettes. Thus, substantial proportions of youth in both survey years provided responses for device type used most often and flavors used during the past 30 days that were not consistent with the reported brand used. These findings raise significant concerns regarding the accuracy of the brand-specific prevalence estimates derived from the NYTS data, especially given the weight that the FDA places on these data during its regulatory decision-making.

Impact of Factors Related to Loose and Pouched Moist Smokeless Tobacco Product Use Behavior on Biomarkers of Exposure to Nicotine and N-Nitrosonornicotine

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundUse behavior of loose or pouched moist smokeless tobacco (MST) products and its impact on biomarkers of exposure (BOE), specifically nicotine (nicotine equivalents; NE) and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), have not been well characterized. MethodsWe assessed ad libitum use behavior (pinch mass/number of pouches, number of use occasions, and time in mouth) of own-brand loose/pouched MST products among adults who used MST (N = 229) during 24-h clinical confinement. We also examined the relationship between use behavior and BOEs. ResultsLoose MST use behavior (mean ± SD) was 4.3 ± 2.19 g/pinch, 6.5 ± 2.24 occasions/day, 28.1 ± 18.22 g/day, with 74.0 ± 33.88 min/use; pouch use was 2.2 ± 0.99 pouches/use, 69.1 ± 32.49 min/use, 6.0 ± 2.64 occasions/day, and 13.3 ± 7.38 pouches/day. Average NE was significantly lower, and NNN, while lower, was not significantly different in pouch users (NE = 20.4 mg/24 h; NNN = 61.0 ng/24 h) compared to loose MST users (NE = 26.3 mg/24 h; NNN = 78.0 ng/24 h). For loose MST, number of use occasions, average duration in mouth, and average pinch mass were the most significant factors impacting NE exposure (r2 = 0.4954); these factors and age were significant for NNN exposure (r2 = 0.3328). ConclusionsThe amount and duration of loose and pouched MST use behavior parameters were higher than those in previously published reports. In addition, ~ 33–50% of the variability in daily exposure to nicotine and NNN can be explained by use behavior measured under the study conditions.

Determination of Hydrogen Cyanide in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke, CORESTA Collaborative Study and Recommended Method

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A collaborative study among 18 participating laboratories from five countries was conducted to publish a recommended method for the determination of hydrogen cyanide in mainstream cigarette smoke. Seven cigarette samples (CM9, KR 1R6F, KR 2R5F and four commercial cigarettes) covering a wide range of blends and cigarette design constructions under two smoking regimes (ISO 3308 and ISO 20778) were employed in the study. The improved method involved smoke collection, using a combination of glass fiber filter pad and impinger trap containing dilute sodium hydroxide solution (“pad+impinger”) or using two glass fiber filter pads (one pad treated with an ethanol-water solution of sodium hydroxide plus one blank pad; “pad+pad”). Hydrogen cyanide was determined using a continuous flow analyzer based on the colorimetric detection of the reactants of cyanides with chromogenic reagents such as isonicotinic acid/1,3-dimethyl barbituric acid and pyridine/pyrazolone. Results from smoke collection using the “pad+pad” collection and the “pad+impinger” collection are consistent with each other under both regimes, which suggests each of the two method subtypes can be adopted in the determination of hydrogen cyanide in mainstream cigarette smoke. Statistical analysis was carried out following ISO 5725-2 to generate repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) data for results from linear and rotary smoking. For reproducibility (R) expressed as a percentage of mean yield across all of the studied products and both smoking regimes, values ranged from 13.6–32.3%. The lowest “tar”-yielding products provided the most variable data. Though the labs were not all using the same smoke collection subtype, the repeatability and reproducibility suggested that the test results were within the range that would likely be deemed acceptable on a long-term basis. Results supporting a robust method for hydrogen cyanide are reported herein and support establishment of a standardized method.