Chemosensory tobacco product toxicology part 2: toxicological testing, assays, and state of the science

Abstract

The toxicologic impacts on the normative function of the chemosensory system and the loss of its contribution to organism protection and homeostasis remain an underrepresented area of interest in the published literature. The impact of chemical constituents in electronic nicotine delivery system e-liquids or aerosols on the chemosensory system is even less known, as are the effects on product selection and use behavior—and this may be an overlooked impact on the public health. This review is a snapshot of the current state of the science and opportunities for improving and increasing the volume of publications in chemosensory toxicology on the potential impacts of tobacco products. The proposed solutions rely on the determination of the scientific community to take advantage of an unexplored field of opportunity. Active research engagement and use of an integrative, risk-driven planning framework to address harmonization and data gaps in neurosensory research programs would support harmonization, improve scientific visibility in the published literature, and recruit additional investigators to this research community.