StuPot
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Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos is wanting donations for some new research. And as nobody else is doing this kind of research I think it's definitely something worth donating to:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/e-cigarette-research-temperature-of-evaporation/
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/e-cigarette-research-temperature-of-evaporation/
Short Summary
Dear all,
We are introducing Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, a well-known and respected researcher on electronic cigarettes safety/risk profile.
A previous crowdfunding campaign (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/...is-evaluating-potentially-harmful-ingredients) proved to be extremely important and crucial in confirming the less harmful potential of e-cigarettes but also in identifying an avoidable risk (much smaller than smoking). That study has been already published in a peer-reviewed medical journal (Evaluation of electronic cigarette liquids and aerosol for the presence of selected inhalation toxins) and we are certain that it will contribute significantly to the development of even safer products without restricting acceptability, variability and pleasure.
Continuing our commitment for unbiased research on e-cigarettes, we are now launching a new campaign for what we consider to be THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect in e-cigarette safety and future development: TEMPERATURE OF EVAPORATION. Although e-cigarettes do not combust any material, heat is necessary to generate the vapor (aerosol) which is subsequently inhaled by the users. This can result in thermal decomposition of some e-cigarette ingredients, releasing potentially toxic chemicals (most commonly aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein). Until now, no study has systematically evaluated temperatures inside the wick, while we have observed several methodological mistakes in assessing aldehydes release (e.g. ingoring that higher wattage is associated with less puff duration in realistic use). Our team has initiated this research, and has already completed preliminary experiments evaluating temperature of evaporation in realistic settings, by introducing a sensor inside the wick, and by having the atomizer fully assembled and used by a vaper.
We now initiate this crowdfunding campaign to expand our research. This is probably the most exciting field in e-cigarette research that will generate valuable information not only for scientists and regulators but also for consumers (vapers) who will be provided with information on the best way to use the devices (especially the new generation devices), without sacrificing pleasure. Temperature evaluation is one of the most crucial factors in determining safety of e-cigarette use, and any improvements in this field will further reduce any small residual risk associated with e-cigarette use.
The main goals of this research project are:
Measure temperatures of evaporation under various puffing conditions (different wattage levels and puff duration).
Determining puffing patterns which would result in less thermal load but maintain level of pleasure and vapor production.
Determine the emission of potentially toxic chemicals in relation to the thermal load.
Determine the development of dry-puff conditions, and how the temperature load is altered in dry-puff conditions.
Evaluate all of the above utilizing numerous resistance levels and wicking materials.
Key issues:
Our goal is to test temperature elevation under variable settings of puff duration and power delivery (wattage) to the atomizer (including high-wattage vaping).
Temperature evaluation is one of the most crucial factors in determining safety of e-cigarette use, and any improvements in this field will further reduce any residual risks associated with e-cigarette use.
THE MORE FUNDS WE RAISE, THE MORE WE WILL BE ABLE TO EXPAND OUR RESEARCH. This is a complex protocol, with a variety of laboratory and clinical studies performed in order to fully explore this research field.
We have the equipment to measure temperatures inside the wick, at a rate of 1 measurement every 0.4 seconds. We have already initiated the experiments (a video will be uploaded in the next few days).
Besides testing temperature in laboratory conditions, we plan to proceed with a clinical study, evaluating the patterns of e-cigarette use in a group of dedicated vapers and the interaction between puff duration and wattage delivery to the atomizer. This will give us realistic information, avoiding conditions such as dry puffs which are detected by the users but cannot be detected in laboratory conditions. We believe it is a crucial mistake to evaluate e-cigarette use at higher wattage by keeping the same puff duration as in lower wattage levels. This does not represent realistic conditions.
We plan to associate the temperatures measured under realistic conditions with the release of potentially hazardous chemicals (aldehydes). For this, a laboratory study will be organized, replicating the e-cigarette use patterns observed in the clinical study and evaluating the presence of selected chemicals in the aerosol (vapor).
We will evaluate dry-puff conditions separately, to determine the magnitude of elevation in toxic emissions.
As always, all results will be compared with the relative exposure from smoking.
The study will also assess novel methods of reducing the temperature of evaporation without restricting the use patterns and the pleasure experienced by vapers.
The study will expand to sub-ohm vaping, which is very popular among dedicated users.
An important goal of this research project is to try to determine dry-puff conditions in any atomizer through a simple predictive model, without the need for complex and expensive experiments and tests.
The purpose of the study is NOT to restrict e-cigarette use and variability of devices, atomizers and power delivery-potential, but to provide valuable information to vapers so that they make informed decisions on how to use their devices. We strongly believe that variability in devices, atomizers and liquids are crucial factors in satisfying every individual need. We believe that new-generation devices are the future in e-cigarette use.
The Impact
THIS IS A HEALTH-RELATED ISSUE.
Temperature evaluation is one of the most important areas of research in e-cigarettes, since it is a major determinant in thermal decomposition of e-liquid ingredients.
This research will evaluate methods of further reducing exposure to thermal decomposition products.
We believe that it is not just the peak temperature that matters but the integral of temperature over time of puff.
It may be preferable to vape at higher wattage with shorter puff duration rather than take prolonged puffs at lower wattage levels.
We want to address crucial methodological errors observed in many studies, where the realistic puffing patterns in relation to wattage use are not taken into consideration.
The assessment will be expanded to sub-ohm vaping, evaluating the patterns of use of experienced-advanced users.
The level and quality of information will contribute to the understanding of e-cigarette function and properties.
This study will provide valuable information to regulators and the scientific community. Our preliminary experiments confirm once again the significantly lower risk potential of e-cigarettes compared to smoking, and show that evolution and development of new products should NOT be restricted by tough regulations. On the contrary, we think that new-generation products not only contribute to the pleasure perceived by consumers but could potentially be a safer way to vape relative to the efficacy of the devices as smoking substitutes.
The study will allow vapers make informed decisions on how to use the devices.
The study will address any methodological errors of previous publications on toxin release to the vapor, by ensuring measurements will be performed in realistic conditions, avoiding overheating (which is easily detected by the user).
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people may not be able to contribute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help:
The crowdfunding campaign is addressed mostly to professionals and not e-cigarette consumers
We encourage you to get the word out and make some noise about our campaign, especially to e-cigarette professionals.
Please use social media and Indiegogo sharing tools.
All professionals (as well as individuals) can mention in their website that they have contributed to this crowdfunding campaign.
Thank you.
