Metal Concentration assessment in the Urine of Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: a Pilot Study.

Introduction:
This article presents the results of a study that assessed the levels of certain metals in the urine of e-cigarette users and compared them to those of non-smokers and conventional cigarette smokers. The study also examined the correlation between e-cigarette usage patterns and metal levels in urine. The study aimed to determine if e-cigarette use increases the exposure to these metals.

Key Points:

* The study involved 88 participants who were divided into four groups: non-smokers, e-cigarette users, dual users (who smoked both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes), and conventional cigarette smokers.
* The levels of 12 metals were measured in spot urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETaaS).
* The study found that e-cigarette users had similar levels of metals in their urine as non-smokers and conventional cigarette smokers. a significantly higher level of urinary Sb was observed in dual users compared to non-smokers.
* a positive correlation was found between the number of puffs and barium, nickel, and antimony levels in urine among e-cigarette users.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette use does not significantly increase exposure to the metals studied compared to non-smokers and conventional cigarette smokers. however, the correlation between e-cigarette usage patterns and metal levels in urine indicates a possible association between e-cigarette use and increased exposure to certain metals, particularly barium, nickel, and antimony. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to better understand the potential health effects of e-cigarette use. Overall, the study highlights the importance of monitoring e-cigarette emissions and their potential health impacts.

Prokopowicz a, Sobczak a, Szdzuj J, Grygoyć K, Kośmider L. Metal Concentration assessment in the Urine of Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: a Pilot Study. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(6). doi:10.3390/ijerph17061877