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6941907 
Journal Article 
Potential for release of pulmonary toxic ketene from vaping pyrolysis of vitamin E acetate 
Wu, D; O'Shea, DF; , 
2020 
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 
NATL ACAD SCIENCES 
WASHINGTON 
117 
12 
6349-6355 
English 
32156732 
WOS:000521821800016 
A combined analytical, theoretical, and experimental study has shown that the vaping of vitamin E acetate has the potential to produce exceptionally toxic ketene gas, which may be a contributing factor to the upsurge in pulmonary injuries associated with using e-cigarette/vaping products. Additionally, the pyrolysis of vitamin E acetate also produces carcinogen alkenes and benzene for which the negative long-term medical effects are well recognized. As temperatures reached in vaping devices can be equivalent to a laboratory pyrolysis apparatus, the potential for unexpected chemistries to take place on individual components within a vape mixture is high. Educational programs to inform of the danger are now required, as public perception has grown that vaping is not harmful.