Dissection and Analysis of Disposable Atomizers

Disposable EC/EH units were cut at the level of the mouthpiece to reveal the intact atomizing unit [2 (link),3 (link)]. The Poly-fil fibers were removed using forceps, exposing the sheath and wires. For each disposable unit, the following were recorded: type of activation, flavor, nicotine concentration (Table 1), the lab inventory letter code assigned to each unit, whether the Poly-fil was centrifuged after dissection, the amount of fluid recovered upon centrifugation, fluid color, integrity of the wire, condition of the solder and wick, and evidence of use before purchase. Cartomizer dissections were photographed using a Canon SLR digital camera, and individual components were imaged using the Nikon SMZ 745 stereomicroscope.