Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices designed to vaporize a liquid solution, offering an alternative to traditional tobacco consumption. The identification, detection, and analysis of the compounds present in these devices are crucial for understanding their impacts on health and the environment. Numerous studies have identified a diverse range of compounds emitted by e-cigarettes, including well-known substances such as nicotine, thermal degradation products, and other toxicants that may be harmful or carcinogenic. Although e-cigarettes are often considered an alternative to conventional smoking, they are not without risks. Recent research has increasingly focused on assessing the health impacts of e-cigarettes, integrating findings from various scientific disciplines. Two primary analytical approaches are used for the sample preparation, identification, and quantification of these compounds. The first approach focuses on aerosol analysis, utilizing techniques such as headspace static extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The second approach is directed towards liquid analysis, employing liquid–liquid extraction techniques and liquid chromatography (LC) systems. Given the constant publication of new research in this area, a comprehensive review that consolidates information on identified compounds, sample preparation methods, and extraction and analysis techniques is necessary to integrate current knowledge and address emerging findings.

Many studies have investigated what could attract insects of medical importance and a crucial role has lately been attributed to human skin odors. Most of these researches have been concerned with mosquitoes, e.g., vectors of dengue and malaria. Little is known about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from human skin odors and their effects on leishmania vectors. The present study aimed to identify the VOCs from human skin that can be attractive to female anthropophilic phlebotomine sandflies. Forty-two VOCs were identified from skin odors of 33 male volunteers, seven of which were tested in wind tunnel assays employing field-captured phlebotomine sandflies (75.4% identified as Lutzomyia intermedia). Hexane and (E)-oct-3-en-1-ol (octenol) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. 2-Phenylacetaldehyde (hereafter called phenylacetaldehyde), 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (also known as sulcatone), nonadecane and icosane were found to activate female phlebotomine sandflies, but only phenylacetaldehyde, 6-methylhepten-5-en-2-one and icosane elicited attraction responses. These results suggest that phenylacetaldehyde, 6-methylhepten-5-en-2-one and icosane may be suitable candidates for attractiveness experimentation in the field which can be an important tool to develop strategies concerning human beings protection against phlebotomine sandflies bites and consequently against leishmaniasis.