How 'ice' cooling agents in e-cigarettes change the vaping experience
The abuse liability, topography and toxicology of ice flavors and non-menthol synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarette products
This project compares e-liquids with and without synthetic 'ice' cooling chemicals to see how they change appeal, puffing behavior, and exposure to harmful chemicals in young adult vapers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you vape, this study will have participants try e-liquids that either include or omit synthetic cooling agents called WS-3 and WS-23 while using a common e-cigarette device. It uses a single-blind randomized crossover design with 120 young adult vapers aged 21–29 so each person tries different flavored liquids (mango, tobacco, with and without “ice”). Researchers will measure how much people like the products, sensory effects, demand, and detailed puffing patterns, and then use a puff-playback method to estimate exposure to toxicants. The team also examines markers of toxicity to understand whether these cooling agents increase harm compared with the same flavors without them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are current young adult e-cigarette users aged 21–29 who can come to the study site and tolerate short vaping sessions.
Not a fit: People who do not use e-cigarettes, are under 21, or cannot attend in-person testing are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could help people who vape and regulators understand whether synthetic cooling agents make vaping more appealing or more toxic, guiding safer product rules and personal choices.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown menthol changes vaping behavior and appeal, but work specifically on these synthetic cooling agents is new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tackett, Alayna Pauline — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Tackett, Alayna Pauline
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.