The use of Vitamin E Acetate as a cutting agent for vape juices and cannabis extracts has been linked to serious respiratory illnesses. While approved by the FDA for human consumption, Vitamin E Acetate has not been approved for inhalation.
Vitamin E Acetate associated with Lung Injury (EVALI)
Indeed, on November 8, 2019, the CDC released an updated statement confirming the presence of vitamin E acetate (Tocopheryl acetate) in lung fluid samples taken from multiple patients diagnosed with e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). Vitamin E acetate is one of several unregulated additives used primarily in illicit market vaping products that CDC is investigating as a potential cause of the recent epidemic of illnesses and deaths.
Laboratory testing of fluid collected from the lungs from 29 patients with EVALI submitted to CDC from 10 states found vitamin E acetate in all of the fluid samples. CDC reports that “this is the first time that we have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries.”
Validated Testing by Pixis Labs
The specific compound linked to the illnesses is Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate. Pixis Labs can quantitate Alpha Tocopherol and Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a limit of quantitation of 0.2% in cannabis extracts.
Pixis Labs validated the method using both cannabis extracts and glycerol. The recovery rate for the two matrices is 94-110%,based on LOQ validations at 0.2% in matrix.
The other isomers (gamma, delta and beta) are much less common and are not included in the screen at this point.
“We will continue to develop new methods to support the industry as the market matures.” said Derrick Tanner, General Manager of Pixis and Columbia Food Labs. “We are proud to serve the public by leading the cannabis testing industry with relevant safety analyses.”
Pixis Labs provides quality analytics to the Oregon cannabis community and national hemp/ CBD industry through consistent data and accurate reporting.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Kelly O’Connor.
Tentamus Group GmbH was founded in 2011. Tentamus is a global product and safety group with a core presence in Europe, UK, Israel, China, Japan, India and the USA. Accredited and licensed Tentamus Group tests, audits and consults on all products involving the human body (food & feed, pharmaceuticals & medical, agrosciences, cosmetics, agriculture & environment and nutraceutical & supplements). Tentamus Group is represented in over 65 locations worldwide. More than 2,500 highly-trained staff members work in over 2.5 million square feet of laboratory and office spaces. For further information please visit www.tentamus.com.
Tentamus Group GmbH
An der Industriebahn 26
13088 Berlin
Telefon: +49 (30) 206038-230
Telefax: +49 (30) 206038-190
http://www.tentamus.com
Pixis Labs
Telefon: +1 503 254 1794 ext 2300
E-Mail: kelly.oconnor@tentamus.com
