Citric acid has the potential to produce respiratory sensitisers in e-cigarette vapor

(R&D at British American Tobacco) The use of citric acid in e-liquids needs to be investigated to further understand its potential to form potentially harmful anhydrides in the vapour. Citric acid occurs naturally in the body, is 'generally recognized as safe' in the USA, and is used in pharmaceutical inhalation products. However, thermal degradation of citric acid can occur at the operating temperatures of some vaping devices. Starting at around 175-203 ° C, citric acid can degrade to form citraconic anhydride and its isomer itaconic anhydride.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news