Comparing POD and MOD ENDS Users’ Product Characteristics, Use Behaviors, and Nicotine Exposure.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the use of two types of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), MODs and PODs. The study compares device/liquid characteristics, use behavior, and nicotine exposure between users of these products.

Key Points:

* The study included 48 MOD users and 37 POD users who completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, patterns of ENDS use, and ENDS features.
* Urine samples were collected to test for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, and ENDS liquid samples were collected to test for nicotine and salts.
* Puff topography was captured during an ad libitum bout at the end of the session.
* MOD users reported purchasing more liquid in the past month than POD users.
* Differences in characteristics of devices used by MOD and POD users included flavor type, nicotine concentration, and presence of the nicotine salt.
* User groups did not differ on urinary cotinine levels or puff topography.
* Despite different characteristics of MOD and POD ENDS, users of those products are exposed to similar amounts of nicotine.

Main Message:
The study suggests that despite the different characteristics of MOD and POD ENDS, users of those products are exposed to similar amounts of nicotine, likely due to using more liquid among MOD users. This finding highlights the importance of considering user behavior in the regulation of ENDS products, as simply regulating specific device types or nicotine concentrations may not be sufficient methods to limit nicotine exposure in ENDS users. The potential for behavioral compensation among experienced and long-term ENDS users in response to changes in ENDS product characteristics should also be taken into account in future studies and regulations.

Felicione NJ, Kaiser L, Leigh NJ, et al. Comparing POD and MOD ENDS Users’ Product Characteristics, Use Behaviors, and Nicotine Exposure. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2023;25(3):498-504. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntac211