Constituents of smoke from cigarettes made from diverted nicotine replacement therapy patches

Hana Morrissey, Patrick Ball, Martin Boland, Marita Hefler, David Thomas

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Introduction and Aims: Anecdotes of nicotine replacement therapy patch misuse associated with the introduction of smoke-free prisons have been reported by media internationally, including Canada in 2006, New Zealand in 2011 and Australia in 2014. This study identifies chemical compounds released through diverted nicotine replacement therapy patches when they are smoked. 


    Design and Methods: Two samples were produced: (i) shredded 21mg nicotine replacement therapy patches rolled with tea leaves into a cigarette; and (ii) patches boiled in water and tea leaves, and then dried tea leaves rolled into a cigarette. The smoke was tested for nicotine, caffeine and toxins. High-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry were used to detect the presence and quantity of nicotine and caffeine. A specialised laboratory was contracted to test the presence of toxins.


    Results: Nicotine was liberated when the two samples were burnt but not if the nicotine replacement therapy patches were boiled in water alone. High concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, toluene, xylene and heavy metals were also released. 


    Discussion and Conclusion: Nicotine is released when diverted nicotine replacement therapy patches are smoked, as are caffeine and harmful toxins. These toxins have the potential to cause short- and long-term health damage. [Morrissey H, Ball P, Boland M, Hefler M, Thomas DP. Constituents of smoke from cigarettes made from diverted nicotine replacement therapy patches. 

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)206-211
    Number of pages6
    JournalDrug and Alcohol Review
    Volume35
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Mar 2016

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