E-Cigarettes May Have Dangerously High Levels of Synthetic Cooling Agents
Disposable e-cigarettes and refillable vaping liquids sold in the United States may contain unsafe levels of synthetic cooling agents like menthol, a study suggests.Concerns over the potential for these cooling agents to mask harsh flavors and make smoking more addictive prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to propose a ban on menthol in traditional cigarettes and cigars in April. Even though menthol and similar cooling agents are also used in e-cigarettes, vaping products weren’t covered by the proposed ban.In a new study, scientists searched online for refillable vaping liquids marketed as containing WS-3 or WS-23, two types of synthetic cooling agents, or with flavors like “koolada,” “kool,” or “ice.” Researchers said that they focused on products sold by Puff Bar because it’s currently the most popular e-cigarette brand…