Secondhand Exposure to Aerosols From Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Asthma Exacerbations Among Youth With Asthma

Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a study examining the relationship between secondhand exposure to aerosols from electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and asthma exacerbations among youth with asthma. The study uses data from the 2016 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey to analyze the association between secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and past 12-month asthma attack status in youth with asthma.

Key Points:

* The study found that 21% of youth with asthma reported having an asthma attack in the past 12 months, and 33% reported secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure.
* After adjusting for covariates, the study found that secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure was associated with higher odds of reporting an asthma attack in the past 12 months (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.47).
* The study controlled for demographic characteristics, cigarette use, cigar use, hookah use, ENDS use, past 30-day secondhand smoke exposure, and past 30-day secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure.
* The study found that asthma exacerbations were more prevalent among female, non-Hispanic other, current cigarette users, and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
* Asthma exacerbations were less prevalent among youth aged 14 to 17 years and Hispanic/non-Hispanic black subjects.
* The study's sample included students attending public schools in Florida, and data were based on self-reported surveys.
* The study did not establish a temporal sequence between secondhand exposure to ENDS aerosols and asthma exacerbations, and causality cannot be established.

Main Message:
The study suggests that secondhand exposure to ENDS aerosols may be related to asthma symptoms in youth. Therefore, physicians may need to counsel youth with asthma regarding the potential risks of exposure. Future research is necessary to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure and asthma control. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and regulation of ENDS use and exposure to ENDS aerosols, particularly among vulnerable populations such as youth with asthma.

Bayly, Jennifer E., Debra Bernat, Lauren Porter, and Kelvin Choi. “Secondhand Exposure to Aerosols From Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Asthma Exacerbations Among Youth With Asthma.” Chest 155, no. 1 (January 2019): 88–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2018.10.005.