A previous Yale University study suggests that some vapes may have unknown health effects from nicotine tar-like compounds. These chemicals may evade FDA regulation and risk adolescents’ brain development, learning ability, and memory. The FDA has stated that it will utilize all of its resources to protect the public, and especially adolescents, from these potentially harmful and addictive products.
Nicotine-like Vapes hit the market
According to Newsweek on August 12, a previous Yale University study suggests that some vapes may contain smoke tar-like compounds with unknown health effects.
Without FDA restrictions and scrutiny, these smoke tar analogs interact with receptors in the brain. As a result, such products can be marketed as “appealing to youth tastes” and bypass tobacco taxes.
An FDA spokesman said the new chemicals may be more potent than tobacco tar and could affect adolescents’ brain development, learning ability, and memory.
Jim McKinney, an FDA public affairs specialist, said to Newsweek:
- “FDA is looking at this from an agency-wide perspective and will continue to utilize all the resources under its purview to protect the public, especially American youth, from addictive commodities that can be detrimental to their health.”
McKinney noted that while a great deal of research is needed, some new data suggests that these similar smoking tars may be more effective than nicotine tar, which itself is already highly addictive, alters adolescent brain development, and has long-term effects.
According to the study, nicotine tar is a chemical that is structurally very similar to smoke tar, so it targets the same receptors in the brain. For example, it contains 6-hydroxy nicotinic tar and nicotinamide. A rat study found that 6-hydroxy nicotinic tar may be more toxic than nicotine tar. In addition, because these compounds are not subject to the same strict controls as traditional nicotine tar, the ingredients listed on the label do not always match the actual ingredients in the item.
FDA responded that it has reviewed the risks
Dr. Hanno Erythropel, a research scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, said in a statement that:
- “In short, companies are attempting to evade regulation when they introduce smoke tar-like products with unknown health and addiction risks.”
In a study published by JAMA Network in the journal, the academics and their colleagues analyzed two vape and e-liquid products sold on the market; the first product was Spree Bar, claimed to contain 6-hydroxy nicotinate tar at 5% (50mg/g), while the second product from Nic-Safe was tested at four concentrations: 0, 12, 24, and 36mg/mL.
The results showed that neither product met its labeled ingredients. The bar contained 90% less 6-hydroxy nicotinic tar than advertised, while Nic-Safe contained low concentrations of 6-hydroxy nicotinic tar (without the tested nicotinamide-free product) without clearly labeling it.
McKinney, FDA spokesperson.
- “In general, the FDA does not publish specific research posts but rather uses them as part of the evidence to further its understanding of specific issues and to help fulfill its mission of protecting public health. About smoke tar analogs. The FDA is aware that some companies are making compounds that may contain different chemical structures or chemical properties of the compounds.”
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