Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids

Abstract

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), a commonly used industrial solvent, is used recreationally as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and, therefore, a United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) List 1 chemical of the Controlled Substances Act. GBL was identified presumptively in the liquid from JUUL Virginia Tobacco flavored pods during routine untargeted screening analysis of e-cigarette products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Methods for the confirmation and quantitation of GBL were developed for GC–MS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) in the liquids and the aerosol generated from the liquid. Three flavors of JUUL pods available at the time of analysis were obtained by direct purchase from the manufacturer, purchase from a local vape shop, and via submission from a 3rd party. The only liquid flavor to contain GBL was Virginia Tobacco, with an average of 0.37 mg/mL of GBL, and it was detected in the aerosol. Studies evaluating the pharmacological effects of inhaling GBL do not exist, however a case report of chronic oral GBL ingestion indicates acute lung injury. The identification of GBL in an e-cigarette product purportedly compliant with federal regulation continues to demonstrate public health and public safety concerns.

Non-Targeted Chemical Characterization of JUUL Virginia Tobacco Flavored Aerosols Using Liquid and Gas Chromatography

“…While many known chemicals have been targeted for analysis, these methods may yet leave unsampled portions, leading to potential gaps in the understanding of ENDS aerosol composition. Apart from the work of a few research groups [35][36][37], little has been published on the NTA of nicotine-containing aerosol from combustible and heated tobacco products, and even less on ENDS aerosols [38][39][40][41].…”

'Tick, Tick, BOOM! Recent updates in the use of electronic cigarette technology as an illicit drug delivery system' - A multimodal review of how licit harm reduction devices are being co-opted into potential lethal weapons.

“…125 Recently, GC-MS and LCMS-MS analysis of JUUL Liquids, the best-selling nicotine pods in the United States, detected low levels of GBL (0.37 mg/ml) in the Virginia Tobacco flavoured liquid when aerosolised. 129 This is likely a byproduct of the manufacturing process but illustrates again the insidious nature of the vape liquids, from reputable companies with quality controls in place.…”

Smartphone‐based colorimetric determination of gamma‐butyrolactone and gamma‐hydroxybutyrate in alcoholic beverage samples

“…In a recent toxicology study [22] into the metabolism of GHB in humans, doses between 33.1 and 60.1 mg/kg body weight were given in a series of 250 ml orange drinks, and levels as high as 80 mg/ ml GHB [23] have been reported in a near-fatal incident after the consumption of a so-called "health drink" in the UK. Recent studies of electronic cigarette vaping fluids showed some to have GBL levels as high as 0.37 mg/ml [24].…”