Second-hand aerosol from tobacco and electronic cigarettes: Evaluation of the smoker emission rates and doses and lung cancer risk of passive smokers and vapers

Introduction:
This text presents a study on the exposure and health risks associated with second-hand smoke and aerosol from conventional and electronic cigarettes. The study measures the particle number, PM10, and black carbon concentrations, as well as particle size distributions in a naturally ventilated indoor environment during smoking and vaping activities. The particle emission rates of smokers and vapers are then evaluated, and the dose received by passive smokers and vapers is estimated using a Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model. The excess life cancer risk (ELCR) for passive smokers and vapers is also evaluated based on scientific literature data about carcinogenic compounds in cigarette-emitted particles.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated 40 m3 room, and measurements were taken for 10 volunteers during separate smoking and vaping sessions.
* The particle number, PM10, and black carbon concentrations, as well as particle size distributions, were measured in the room during the sessions.
* The particle emission rates of smokers and vapers were evaluated for different airborne particle metrics.
* The dose received by passive smokers and vapers was estimated using an MPPD model.
* Cumulative respiratory doses for passive smokers were up to 15-fold higher than for passive vapers.
* The ELCR for second-hand smokers was five orders of magnitude larger than for second-hand vapers.
* The study highlights the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and aerosol from conventional and electronic cigarettes, particularly for passive smokers.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of considering the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and aerosol from conventional and electronic cigarettes. The results show that passive smokers are at a higher risk of exposure to harmful particles and carcinogenic compounds compared to passive vapers. Therefore, it is essential to regulate smoking and vaping activities in indoor environments, especially in public places, to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and aerosol. The study also highlights the need for further research to understand the long-term health effects of exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol.

Avino, Pasquale, Mauro Scungio, Luca Stabile, Gino Cortellessa, Giorgio Buonanno, and Maurizio Manigrasso. “Second-Hand Aerosol from Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes: Evaluation of the Smoker Emission Rates and Doses and Lung Cancer Risk of Passive Smokers and Vapers.” Science of The Total Environment 642 (November 2018): 137–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.059.