Peer-Reviewed Publications

    A scattering methodology for droplet sizing of e-cigarette aerosols

    Pratte, P.; Cosandey, S.; Goujon-Ginglinger, C.
    Published
    Sep 19, 2016
    DOI
    10.1080/08958378.2016.1224956
    PMID
    27644268
    Link to publication
    Topic
    Summary

    Context: Knowledge of the droplet size distribution of inhalable aerosols is important to predict aerosol deposition yield at various respiratory tract locations in human. Optical methodologies are usually preferred over the multi-stage cascade impactor for high-throughput measurements of aerosol particle/droplet size distributions. Objective: Evaluate the Laser Aerosol Spectrometer technology based on Polystyrene Sphere Latex (PSL) calibration curve applied for the experimental determination of droplet size distributions in the diameter range typical of commercial e-cigarette aerosols (147-1361 nm). Materials and methods: This calibration procedure was tested for a TSI Laser Aerosol Spectrometer (LAS) operating at a wavelength of 633 nm and assessed against model di-ethyl-hexyl-sebacat (DEHS) droplets and e-cigarette aerosols. The PSL size response was measured, and intra- and between-day standard deviations calculated. Results: DEHS droplet sizes were underestimated by 15-20% by the LAS when the PSL calibration curve was used; however, the intra- and between-day relative standard deviations were <3%. This bias is attributed to the fact that the index of refraction of PSL calibrated particles is different in comparison to test aerosols. This 15-20% does not include the droplet evaporation component, which may reduce droplet size prior a measurement is performed. Aerosol concentration was measured accurately with a maximum uncertainty of 20%. Count median diameters and mass median aerodynamic diameters of selected e-cigarette aerosols ranged from 130-191 nm to 225-293 nm, respectively, similar to published values. Discussion and conclusion: The LAS instrument can be used to measure e-cigarette aerosol droplet size distributions with a bias underestimating the expected value by 15-20% when using a precise PSL calibration curve. Controlled variability of DEHS size measurements can be achieved with the LAS system; however, this method can only be applied to test aerosols having a refractive index close to that of PSL particles used for calibration.

    Related Publications

    Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System THS 2.2

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Indoor Air Chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Indoor air chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System THS 2.2

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Indoor Air Chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Indoor air chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

    Aerosol Chemistry

    Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

    Aerosol Chemistry

    PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
    ​
    Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.