Pilot study to determine differences in breath odour between cigarette and e-cigarette consumers.

Introduction:
This text is a scientific report of a pilot study that aimed to determine differences in breath odor between cigarette smokers (CSs), e-cigarette consumers (ECs), and non-smokers (NSs). The study used organoleptic assessment by trained judges to evaluate the breath of 33 healthy subjects.

Key Points:

* The study used organoleptic assessment by trained judges to evaluate the breath of 33 healthy subjects.
* The breath of CSs had significantly higher smoke intensity values compared to ECs and NSs, both at baseline and following product use.
* The breath of CSs was more unpleasant than NSs or ECs after product use.
* The breath of ECs and NSs was comparable both before and after product use.
* The aerosol formed from tobacco burning in a cigarette is thought to cause the lingering smoke malodour associated with smokers’ breath.
* E-cigarettes produce aerosols with significantly fewer compounds than a cigarette.
* The data support the hypothesis that inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols results in breath odor that differs to CSs.
* Other analytical methods have also demonstrated significant differences in breath compounds between CSs, ECs, and NSs.

Main Message:
The study found that the breath of CSs had a stronger smoke odor and increased breath unpleasantness compared to ECs and NSs. The breath of ECs and NSs was comparable, suggesting that e-cigarette use does not affect the breath of consumers by inducing a noticeable malodor. The data support the hypothesis that inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols results in breath odor that differs from CSs. The findings suggest that there may be cosmetic benefits for CSs who quit smoking or switch to exclusive use of e-cigarettes, but further studies are required to understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on breath odor.

Dalrymple a, Coburn S, Brandt M, hardie G, Murphy J. Pilot study to determine differences in breath odour between cigarette and e-cigarette consumers. Scientific reports. 2022;12(1):2204. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-06047-4