Cigarettes vs. e-cigarettes: Passive exposure at home measured by means of airborne marker and biomarkers

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining passive exposure to nicotine from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) compared to conventional cigarettes in a real-world setting. The study measures airborne nicotine and biomarkers (saliva and urine cotinine) in the homes of non-smokers living with conventional smokers, e-cigarette users, and in control homes with no smoking or e-cigarette use.

Key points:

* The study found that airborne markers were statistically higher in conventional cigarette homes than in e-cigarette homes (5.7 times higher).
* However, concentrations of both biomarkers among non-smokers exposed to conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes were statistically similar (only 2 and 1.4 times higher, respectively).
* The levels of airborne nicotine and cotinine concentrations in the homes with e-cigarette users were higher than control homes (differences statistically significant).
* There was no statistically significant difference in salivary cotinine concentrations between non-smokers exposed to e-cigarettes' vapour at home and non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) from conventional cigarettes.
* The study included 54 non-smoker volunteers from different homes, and the fieldwork was conducted between November 2011 and February 2012.
* Airborne nicotine concentrations were measured using a sampling device with a filter treated with sodium bisulfate, and biomarkers (saliva and urine cotinine) were analyzed by gas chromatography with detection by mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with multiple reactions monitoring.
* The study found that non-smokers passively exposed to e-cigarettes absorb nicotine.

Main message:
The study suggests that passive exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes is lower than conventional cigarettes, but non-smokers living with e-cigarette users are still exposed to higher levels of nicotine than those living in control homes. The study also shows that non-smokers passively exposed to e-cigarettes absorb nicotine, indicating the potential for health risks. The results of this study can inform regulatory decisions regarding e-cigarettes and their use in public places.

Ballbè, Montse, Jose M. Martínez-Sánchez, Xisca Sureda, Marcela Fu, Raúl Pérez-Ortuño, José A. Pascual, Esteve Saltó, and Esteve Fernández. “Cigarettes vs. e-Cigarettes: Passive Exposure at Home Measured by Means of Airborne Marker and Biomarkers.” Environmental Research 135 (November 2014): 76–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.09.005.