Ethyl Acetate in E-liquids: Implications for Breath Testing

• NCJ Number: 309477
• Journal: Journal of Analytical Toxicology Volume: 48 Issue: 6 Dated: July 2024 Pages: 413-418
• Author(s): Alaina K Holt; Abby M Veeser; Justin L Poklis; Michelle R Peace
• Date Published: July 2024
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2019-MU-MU-0007
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: Through the Looking Glass Part II: Abuse of the Evolving Electronic Cigarette and the Impact of Vaping Ethanol in the Evaluation of Impairment

Annotation

This article discusses the evaluation of commonly available liquids for electronic cigarettes (e-liquids), which can typically include ethyl acetate, with implications for the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and enforcement; the authors describe the methodology and findings from their evaluation of a purchased “Heisenberg” e-liquid, to determine ethyl acetate levels in e-cigarettes.

Abstract

Electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) can contain a variety of chemicals to impart flavors, smells and pharmacological effects. Surveillance studies have identified hundreds of chemicals used in e-liquids that have known health and safety implications. Ethyl acetate has been identified as a common constituent of e-liquids. Ethyl acetate is rapidly hydrolyzed to ethanol in vivo. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhaling >2,000 mg/L ethyl acetate can lead to the accumulation of ethanol in the blood at concentrations >1,000 mg/L, or 0.10 percent. A “Heisenberg” e-liquid was submitted to the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research for analysis after a random workplace drug test resulted in a breath test result of 0.019 percent for a safety-sensitive position employee. Analysis of this sample resulted in the detection of 1,488 ± 6 mg/L ethyl acetate. The evaluation of purchased “Heisenberg” e-liquids determined that these products contain ethyl acetate. The identification of ethyl acetate in e-liquids demonstrates poor regulatory oversight and enforcement that potentially has consequences for breath ethanol testing and interpretations. The accumulation of ethanol in the breath from the ingestion/inhalation of ethyl acetate from an e-liquid used prior to a breath test may contribute to the detection of ethanol. (Published Abstract Provided)