Microbial Toxins Found in a Surprising Number of E-Cigarette Products According to New Study

In April, a new study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives that examined the presence of bacterial and fungal toxins in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products sold in the United States. The study specifically looked for endotoxins and (1–3)-β-D-glucan from a total of 75 e-cigarette products; 37 cartridges and 38 e-liquid products. According to the findings, “Endotoxin concentrations were over the limit of detection (LOD) in 17 of 75 products tested (23%), and glucan concentrations were greater than LOD in 61 of 75 products (81%).”

Over the past year, health concerns regarding the use of e-cigarettes have been in the news frequently. Last December, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on e-cigarettes. Surgeon General’s Advisory on E-cigarette Use Among Youth warns of the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use as well as aerosols that both users and bystanders could be exposed to due to these devices. In addition to concerns over exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes, the advisory reports “… the aerosol that users inhale and exhale from e-cigarettes can potentially expose both themselves and bystanders to other harmful substances, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.” The report also warns that “…some of the chemicals used to make certain flavors may also have health risks.”

The scientists at MPL Laboratories and their network of laboratories that are part of EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer testing for fungal and bacterial contaminants as well as microbial toxin analysis. Its network of laboratories also offers testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, heavy metals and other substances. These services are available to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, government agencies and the public.

To learn more about this or other consumer product, food, supplement, cosmetic, personal care product or pharmaceutical testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

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