Tag: Murphy

  • Scientist Urges Caution With AI Vaping Studies

    Scientist Urges Caution With AI Vaping Studies

    Marina Murphy is a scientific communications and engagement expert with more than 20 years of experience.

    Scientists should be aware of the “illusions of understanding” when relying on artificial intelligence for their research, warned Marina Murphy, industry veteran and scientific adviser to the U.K. Vaping Industry Association.

    A recent study, published in Scientific Reports, claims to have uncovered potentially harmful substances that are produced when e-liquids in vaping devices are heated for inhalation.

    The research team at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, used artificial intelligence to simulate the effects of heating e-liquid flavor chemicals found in nicotine vapes.

    The analysis revealed the formation of many hazardous chemicals, including 127 that are classified as “acute toxic,” 153 as “health hazards” and 225 as “irritants.” Notably, these included a group of chemicals called volatile carbonyls (VCs), which are known to pose health risks. Sources for VCs were predicted to be the most popular fruit-flavored, candy-flavored and dessert-flavored products.

    Lead author Donal O’Shea, professor of chemistry and head of the department, said the findings are concerning. “Our findings indicate a significantly different profile of chemical hazards compared to what we are familiar with from traditional tobacco smoking. It is plausible that we are on the cusp of a new wave of chronic diseases that will emerge 15 [years] to 20 years from now due to these exposures.”

    Murphy countered that the effects of overheating e-liquids have been studied extensively. “This can lead to the production of carbonyls, for example, but these compounds make the vapor so caustic as to be un-inhalable,” she wrote in response to the RCSI study. “Newer e-cigarette devices are designed with built-in temperature control systems.”

    She warned that “scary headlines” could prompt smokers thinking of switching to less harmful e-cigarettes to stick with conventional cigarettes instead.

    “Vaping has proven to be the most popular quit aid, and we need to focus less on problems and more on solutions to ensure that vapers continue to get the flavors they need to successfully quit cigarettes in the safest way possible,” said Murphy.

  • Avail Vapor to Carry Bantam Vape E-liquids in Stores

    Avail Vapor to Carry Bantam Vape E-liquids in Stores

    Bantam Vape announced that its e-liquid products are now available for purchase through Avail Vapor’s specialized brick-and-mortar locations, as well as on its e-commerce website, www.availvapor.com. Avail will offer a wide selection of Bantam’s products including Sour Strawberry and Kiwi Berry, according to a press release.

    “Bantam is known for our artisanal flavors that are built from scratch using only high-quality ingredients, as well as our commitment to compliance and transparency,” said Bantam director of sales Michelle Gottlich. “Joining with an established leader in the vaping category like Avail poses an exciting opportunity as we continue to expand our retail and online presence; and most importantly, gives our consumers greater access to our products.”

    All of Bantam’s flavors are backed by science, manufactured in certified clean rooms and undergo rigid testing and analysis, “resulting in smooth, clean-tasting e-liquids, making Bantam Vape your coil’s best friend,” the release states. Additionally, the brand’s premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is queued for formal scientific review.

    “We recognize that Bantam, like Avail, is dedicated to providing consumers with products that echo our principals of exceptional quality and flavors,” said Justin Murphy, Avail’s vice president of retail operations and marketing. “We are excited to stock the variety of flavors, nicotine level options and reliable quality of merchandise that the Bantam brand offers.”