51 percent of labels on e-cigarette liquid nicotine containers from 16 North Dakota stores don't accurately reflect the levels of nicotine found in the products.
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A study by researchers at North Dakota State University, Fargo, showed that. In one instance, actual nicotine levels were 172 percent higher than labeled. The majority of e-cigarette liquid containers also did not provide child-resistant packaging.
The study examined products purchased from North Dakota retail stores selling e-cigarettes, but not required to have a tobacco retail license. The research team noted that 23 e-liquid containers claimed to have no nicotine, but 43 percent did, in fact, contain nicotine.
Levels of nicotine in those e-cigs averaged 0.19 mg/mL, with the highest level found at 0.48 mg/mL.
The NDSU research team includes Kelly Buettner-Schmidt, associate professor of nursing; Donald R. Miller, professor of pharmacy practice; and research scientist Narayanaganesh Balasubramanian.
Of 93 e-liquid containers examined, 70 claimed to contain nicotine ranging from 3-24 mg/mL. Among those containers, 51 percent had nicotine outside the labeled amount, with 34 percent having less nicotine and 17 percent having more than labels specified.
Actual content of nicotine ranged from 66 percent under the labeled concentrations to 172 percent over the labeled concentrations.
The Core Synthesis & Analytical Services Facility at NDSU measured the contents of the containers, using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results allowed for +/- 10 percent variation in nicotine concentration.
The study also found that 65 percent of the e-liquid containers were not child-resistant, with the potential to be easily ingested by a curious child.
Depending on the size of a child, even small levels of ingested liquid nicotine could severely impact a child, according to Buettner-Schmidt, and result in nicotine toxicity, accidental poisoning or death.
The cross-sectional study of e-liquids included products purchased between June 9 and June 26, 2015 from 16 North Dakota retail stores that sell electronic nicotine devices, but are not required to hold a tobacco retail license. The study was conducted prior to new state requirements covering e-cigarettes. ■