Preliminary results about the breath of passive smokers and vapers based on the use of portable air monitoring devices

Introduction:
This text reviews a scientific study that compares the effects of traditional smoking and electronic cigarette (EC) use on indoor air quality and the breath of passive smokers and vapers. The study used portable air monitoring devices to evaluate carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (C02), particulate materials (PM), formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air and breath of active and passive smokers and vapers. The results highlight the differences in air quality and breath composition between traditional smoking and EC use.

Key Points:

* The major part of PMs liberated in classical smoking and ECs vaping corresponds to the lowest size, which is the most dangerous for human health.
* However, the number of smallest PMs formed during vaping is around 5000 ± 1000 µg m-3, three times lower than that formed during smoking, 18,600 ± 600 µg m-3.
* Passive exposure to classical cigarette smoking affects significantly the CO and VOCs levels in exhaled breath of passive smokers, increasing from <LOD and 488 ppb to 1300 ppb and 614 ppb, respectively.
* On the contrary, CO and VOC values after vaping remain constant before and after secondhand exposure in the breath of passive vapers and correspond to values under the limit of detection and 470 ppb, respectively.
* The presence of PMs in the breath of passive smokers was 1269 ± 295 µg m-3, as comparison with 21 ± 7 µg m-3 determined in the breath of passive vapers.
* Regarding C02, only the smoke of classical cigarettes increased the concentration in relation to ambient air or human breath.
* The study did not find studies about the effects of the aforementioned factors on the concentration of CO2 on passive smokers.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of monitoring indoor air quality and its effects on the breath of exposed people. While traditional smoking has a significant impact on air quality and the health of passive smokers, ECs are not innocuous and emit harmful agents, such as formaldehyde. However, the exposure to EC vapors does not affect the breath composition of passive vapers as smoking does. Therefore, it is essential to regulate vaping activities to minimize the potential harm to bystanders. The study also emphasizes the need for additional research to evaluate the effects of other gases and vapors emitted during smoking and vaping.

Casanova-Cháfer, J., D. Gallart-Mateu, S. Armenta, and M. De La Guardia. “Preliminary Results about the Breath of Passive Smokers and Vapers Based on the Use of Portable Air Monitoring Devices.” Microchemical Journal 126 (May 2016): 454–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2016.01.004.