Objectives: Electronic cigarettes are battery powered devices that convert a nicotine-containing liquid into an inhalable vapor. The device aerosolizes nicotine so that it is readily entrained into the respiratory tract, from where it enters the bloodstream. Information on the safety of E-cigarettes is required. Methods: Seventeen articles on studies analyzing toxic substances in the liquid and gas phases of electronic cigarettes were reviewed. Results: Tobacco-specific nitrosamines, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, known to be carcinogenic agents in humans or animals, were detected in the liquid and gas phases. In addition, diethyl phthalate, acetone, ethanol, cresol, xylene, propylene, styrene, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol cis-3-hexen-1-ol, methyl cinnamate and undecane were identified in the liquid and gas phases of E-cigarettes. Propylene glycol, glycerin, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-hydroxy-2- propanone, acetic acid, 1-menthone, 2,3-butanediol, menthol, carvone, maple lactone, benzyl alcohol, 2-methyl-2-pentanoic acid, ethyl mantel, ethyl cinnamate, myosamine, benzoic acid, 2,3-bipyridine, cotinine, hexadecanoic acid, and 1’1-oxybis- 2-propanol were detected in the vapors of E-cigarettes. Conclusion: The hazardous compounds identified in the liquid and gas phases of E-cigarettes should be controlled for the lowest concentrations in the raw materials and production procedures.
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