Summary
Introduction:
This article discusses the importance of choosing appropriate dose metrics in the risk assessment of individual components in tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols. The authors propose a pragmatic approach based on the Margin of Exposure (MoE) method to improve prioritization and risk assessment of these components.
Key Points:
* Traditional risk assessment is often based on external human exposure estimates compared to an external exposure estimate related to no or limited toxicity.
* The choice of an appropriate dose metric depends on the type of effect and should consider temporal characteristics of the exposure scenario.
* Using average daily exposure estimates in the smoking scenario can lead to erroneous risk evaluations due to peak air concentrations that can be two to three orders of magnitude higher than calculated average daily inhaled concentrations.
* The proposed MoE approach provides the opportunity to weigh smoking-related exposure characteristics during the final step of the risk evaluation.
* The authors recommend considering temporal determinants in the final step of the MoE approach, as illustrated by two cases, glycerol and benzene.
Main Message:
The choice of an appropriate dose metric and inclusion of temporal determinants are important aspects in the risk assessment of individual smoke components. The proposed MoE approach allows for a more accurate assessment of health risks associated with tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure. By considering temporal characteristics, regulatory agencies can better evaluate and prioritize the risks associated with individual components in these complex mixtures.
Citation
Bos PMJ, Soeteman-hernández LG, Talhout R. Risk assessment of components in tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols: a pragmatic choice of dose metrics. Inhalation toxicology. 2021;33(3):81-95. doi:10.1080/08958378.2021.1909678
