Electronic cigarette use and indoor air quality in a natural setting

Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a study on the impact of electronic cigarette (ECIG) use on indoor air quality. The study took place in a natural setting, specifically at a two-day ECIG event in a hotel. The researchers measured the levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the event room, a hotel restaurant within the event hotel, and a nearby hotel's restaurant not hosting an ECIG event.

Key Points:

* The study found that ECIG use significantly increased PM 2.5 concentrations in the event room, reaching levels that were higher than those reported in hookah cafés and bars that allow cigarette smoking.
* PM 2.5 concentrations were measured using two TSI Sidepak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitors.
* Measurements were taken before, during, and after the ECIG event, as well as in hotel restaurants as controls.
* The event room was a large space (4023 m3), and during the event, 59 - 86 active ECIG users were present.
* The median PM 2.5 concentrations in the event room increased from a baseline of 1.92 - 3.20 μg/m3 to concentrations ranging from 311.68 μg/m3 to 818.88 μg/m3 while the event was ongoing.
* The average median concentrations of PM 2.5 in the event room over the six time points measured were 595.31 μg/m3.
* Approximately 17 hours after the ECIG event concluded, the median PM 2.5 concentration in the event room was 12.80 - 15.52 μg/m3.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates that indoor ECIG use can generate high concentrations of fine PM, which may present some degree of harm to bystanders. The authors suggest that regulatory bodies should consider establishing policies that prohibit ECIG use anywhere combustible cigarette use is prohibited, to protect non-users from involuntary inhalation of ECIG aerosols.

Soule, Eric K, Sarah F Maloney, Tory R Spindle, Alyssa K Rudy, Marzena M Hiler, and Caroline O Cobb. “Electronic Cigarette Use and Indoor Air Quality in a Natural Setting.” Tobacco Control 26, no. 1 (January 2017): 109–12. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052772.