A Comparative Health Risk Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes and Conventional Cigarettes

Introduction:
This article is a comparative health risk assessment of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and conventional cigarettes (CCs). The authors use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health risk assessment model and a literature review to determine and profile hazards, estimate hazard exposures, and calculate the overall health risks of ECs and CCs. The focus is on the toxicants reported in CC smoke that most strongly associate with adverse health effects.

Key Points:

* Four hazards in EC emissions and seven hazards in CC emissions had maximum exposure levels higher than the guideline levels.
* Two hazards in EC emissions and five hazards in CC emissions had average exposure levels higher than the guideline levels.
* ECs should be a safer nicotine-delivery product than CCs based on the conditions of use.
* The study used the U.S. EPA health risk assessment model and a literature review to estimate and compare the health risks of ECs and CCs.
* The authors focused on the toxicants reported in CC smoke that most strongly associate with adverse health effects.
* Four hazards in EC emissions and eight hazards in CC emissions were detected and quantified.
* The study estimated the risk of certain behaviors/exposures of a specific population by identifying uncertainties, monitoring exposure to specific hazards, and evaluating the characteristics of hazards.
* The assessment consisted of five steps: scope planning, hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterisation.

Main Message:
The main message of this article is that ECs should be a safer nicotine-delivery product than CCs based on the conditions of use. The study found that ECs have lower levels of hazardous substances compared to CCs. However, it is important to note that the use of ECs still poses some health risks and further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of EC use. Overall, the study provides valuable information for regulators, policymakers, and the public in making informed decisions about the use of ECs.

Chen, Jinsong, Chris Bullen, and Kim Dirks. “A Comparative Health Risk Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes and Conventional Cigarettes.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 4 (April 5, 2017): 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14040382.