Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a quasi-experimental study that compares the end tidal carbon monoxide (eCO) levels of participants after using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (hTPs), and conventional cigarettes. The study aims to provide insight into whether ENDS and hTPs could be better alternatives to cigarette smoking or contribute to tobacco harm reduction (ThR).
Key Points:
* The study involved 45 smokers who were currently smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years.
* End tidal carbon monoxide (eCO) levels were used as a marker of combustion products and were measured at baseline and at 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 minutes after product use.
* Three types of tobacco products were used: conventional cigarettes, ENDS (aspire aVP aIO Kit with Liquideo Evolution e-liquid), and hTPs (iqOS device with Marlboro heat Sticks).
* Participants were instructed to take two rounds of 10 puffs each with a 30-second inter-puff interval, followed by eCO measurements at specified time points.
* The results showed that eCO levels increased significantly after using conventional cigarettes compared to ENDS and hTPs.
* The peak eCO levels were 20.2 ± 0.86 ppm for conventional cigarettes, 8.8 ± 1.56 ppm for ENDS, and 6.0 ± 1.36 ppm for hTPs.
* although eCO levels were significantly lower for ENDS and hTPs, they still increased from baseline, which is a cause for concern.
Main Message:
The study highlights that while ENDS and hTPs may produce significantly lower eCO levels than conventional cigarettes, their increasing levels over time from baseline is a cause for concern. Therefore, their use as an alternate to cigarettes needs to be considered under regulatory framework. The study underscores the importance of regulating these products to minimize potential health risks, especially since their long-term effects are still not fully understood.
Citation
Nga JDL, hakim SL, Bilal S. Comparison of End Tidal Carbon Monoxide Levels between Conventional Cigarette, Electronic Cigarette and heated Tobacco Product among asiatic Smokers. Substance use & misuse. 2020;55(12):1943-1948. doi:10.1080/10826084.2020.1781180
