Comparison of Aerosol Characteristics and Nicotine Delivery by Conventional Pharmaceutical Inhalation Devices and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Qiang Wang¹, Weiling Li¹, and Raymond W Lau¹

¹ Altria Client Services LLC, 601 E Jackson Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, U.S.A

Summary

An understanding of the characteristics of the aerosols and delivery of nicotine is important in the continuous development of a class of products called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that has the potential to reduce the harm associated with tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking.  We compared the physical characteristics (aerosol mass, particle size distribution) and nicotine delivery of aerosols from three nebulizers, a multi-dose propellant-free inhaler device (no nicotine) and two ENDS products – one generating aerosols thermally and one non-thermally. Aerosols from inhalation devices, which are also generated by non-thermal means, had lower mass deliveries compared to aerosols from ENDs products that generate aerosols thermally.   Inhalation devices aerosols also have larger particles which usually deposit in the upper airways mostly, and deliver a lower level of nicotine compared to aerosols from ENDs.