Summary
Introduction:
This article investigates passive vaping due to sub-ohm electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) by measuring aerosol number size distribution during volunteer-vaping sessions. The study compares the first commercialized cig-a-like/cartomizers to sub-ohm fourth-generation e-cigs and examines passive vaping exposure.
Key Points:
* The study used a first-generation and fourth-generation e-cig with different coils and liquids.
* aerosol measurements were taken in a test room with a controlled air exchange rate, temperature, and humidity.
* a fast mobility particle sizer and an optical particle sizer were used to measure aerosol size number distributions.
* The main characteristics of the coils used with the fourth-generation e-cig were presented, including their resistance, wire diameter, total surface area, number of coils, number of aerosol exit holes, power, and heat flux.
* a set of 14 experimental tests were performed and repeated in triplicate, and each test consisted of a vaping session using different devices, liquids, and electrical parameters.
* The vaping sessions were carried out by the same vaping volunteer, and the devices, the e-liquids characteristics, the operative conditions, and the relevant codes of the experiments were summarized.
* aerosol measurements were carried out in a 53 m3 test room, and the room air ex-change rate, temperature, and relative humidity were measured and controlled.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding passive vaping exposure due to sub-ohm electronic cigarettes. By comparing the first commercialized cig-a-like/cartomizers to sub-ohm fourth-generation e-cigs, the study demonstrates the differences in aerosol emissions and passive vaping exposure. The results show that the use of sub-ohm e-cigs can lead to higher aerosol emissions and passive vaping exposure, which can have negative effects on public health. Therefore, it is essential to regulate the use of e-cigs in public indoor environments and educate vapers about the health threats associated with indoor use of e-cigs for both active and passive smokers.
Citation
Manigrasso M, Protano C, Vitali M, avino P. Passive Vaping from Sub-Ohm Electronic Cigarette Devices. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2021;18(21). doi:10.3390/ijerph182111606
