Exposure to Nicotine and Selected Toxicants in Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: a Longitudinal Within-Subjects Observational Study

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study that investigates the effects of switching from tobacco cigarettes to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on nicotine delivery and exposure to selected carcinogens and toxicants. The study is a longitudinal within-subjects observational study that measures changes in urine biomarkers of exposure to tobacco smoke carcinogens and toxicants before and after switching to e-cigarettes. The study aims to provide evidence on the potential harm reduction benefits of e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study enrolled 20 cigarette smokers who were asked to switch to e-cigarettes for two weeks.
* Urine samples were collected before and after switching to e-cigarettes and analyzed for 17 biomarkers of exposure to tobacco smoke carcinogens and toxicants.
* after switching to e-cigarettes, nicotine exposure remained unchanged, while exposure to selected carcinogens and toxicants was substantially reduced.
* The greatest percentage reductions in biomarkers levels were observed for metabolites of 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and acrylonitrile.
* Total NNaL, a metabolite of NNK, declined by 57% and 64% after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively.
* 3-hydroxyfluorene levels declined by 46% at week 1 and 34% at week 2.
* The study provides evidence that switching from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes can reduce exposure to harmful constituents.
* The study highlights the potential of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction device.

Main Message:
The study provides evidence that switching from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes can reduce exposure to harmful constituents, including carcinogens and toxicants. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may effectively reduce exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances among smokers who switched to these products. The study supports the potential of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction device, and further research is needed to assess the effects of e-cigarettes on reduction in disease risk among dual users, as well as smokers who substituted their regular cigarettes with these products.

Goniewicz, Maciej L., Michal Gawron, Danielle M. Smith, Margaret Peng, Peyton Jacob, and Neal L. Benowitz. “Exposure to Nicotine and Selected Toxicants in Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: a Longitudinal Within-Subjects Observational Study.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 19, no. 2 (February 2017): 160–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw160.