Comparison of Select analytes in Exhaled aerosol from E-Cigarettes with Exhaled Smoke from a Conventional Cigarette and Exhaled Breaths

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study that compares the composition of exhaled aerosols from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and conventional cigarettes. The study also examines the distribution and mass balance of water, glycerin, and nicotine in exhaled e-cigarette aerosols. additionally, the study measures the levels of phenolic and carbonyl compounds in exhaled aerosols and compares them to exhaled breath blanks.

Key Points:

* The study used a vacuum-assisted collection system to collect exhaled aerosols from human subjects using cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
* The system incorporates a replaceable mouthpiece into which subjects exhale aerosol or breaths.
* The vacuum pumps were calibrated daily to aspirate 200 mL/min.
* The tube connecting the pad holder to the vacuum pump was vented to prevent aspiration through the pads when the subjects were not exhaling into the collection system.
* Subjects were required to abstain from tobacco product use for a minimum of one hour prior to the collection sessions.
* Exhaled carbon monoxide levels were verified for the subjects prior to each session with a piCO+ Smokerlyzer.
* The study measured the levels of phenolic and carbonyl compounds in exhaled aerosols and compared them to exhaled breath blanks.
* The study found that exhaled e-cigarette aerosol does not increase bystander exposure for phenolics and carbonyls above the levels observed in exhaled breaths of air.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates that the composition of exhaled aerosols from e-cigarettes is significantly different from that of conventional cigarettes. The majority of exhaled e-cigarette aerosols are water and glycerin, while exhaled cigarette smoke contains a significant amount of nicotine and particulate matter from combustion processes. additionally, the study found that exhaled e-cigarette aerosol does not increase bystander exposure for phenolics and carbonyls above the levels observed in exhaled breaths of air. These findings suggest that the use of e-cigarettes may be a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes for both users and bystanders.

Long, Gerald. “Comparison of Select analytes in Exhaled aerosol from E-Cigarettes with Exhaled Smoke from a Conventional Cigarette and Exhaled Breaths.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public health 11, no. 11 (October 27, 2014): 11177–91. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111111177.