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Case Reports
. 2021 Sep 17;45(8):892-900.
doi: 10.1093/jat/bkab067.

Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids

Alaina K Holt  1   2 , Justin L Poklis  3 , Caroline O Cobb  4 , Michelle R Peace  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids

Alaina K Holt et al. J Anal Toxicol. .

Abstract

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a commonly used industrial solvent, is used recreationally as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and, therefore, is a United States Drug Enforcement Agency List 1 chemical of the Controlled Substances Act. GBL was identified presumptively in the liquid from JUUL Virginia Tobacco flavored pods during routine untargeted screening analysis of e-cigarette products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Methods for the analysis of GBL were developed for GC-MS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) in the liquids and the aerosol generated from the liquid. Three flavors of JUUL pods available at the time of analysis were obtained by direct purchase from the manufacturer, purchase from a local vape shop and submission from a third party. The only liquid flavor to contain GBL was Virginia Tobacco, with an average of 0.37 mg/mL of GBL, and it was detected in the aerosol. Studies evaluating the pharmacological effects of inhaling GBL do not exist; however, a case report of chronic oral GBL ingestion indicates acute lung injury. The identification of GBL in an e-cigarette product purportedly compliant with federal regulation continues to demonstrate public health and public safety concerns.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Packaging from original JUUL product submitted for product characterization.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Total ion chromatogram of a JUUL Virginia Tobacco sample with GBL reference and sample mass spectra.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
GC–MS chromatogram produced from quantitation of nicotine, with structures and ions monitored for nicotine and quinoline.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
LC–MS-MS chromatograms of three JUUL pod flavors evaluated for GBL concentrations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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