Particulate metals and organic compounds from electronic and tobacco-containing cigarettes: comparison of emission rates and secondhand exposure

Introduction:
This article compares the environmental impact and exposure to chemical agents from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and normal cigarettes. The study quantifies the degree of exposure and emission rates of inorganic elements and organic compounds from both types of cigarettes.

Key Points:

* E-cigarettes have a 10-fold decrease in total exposure to particulate elements compared to normal cigarettes.
* Specific metals, such as Ni and ag, still display a higher emission rate from e-cigarettes, likely originating from other components of the e-cigarette device or indoor sources.
* Organic species have lower emission rates during e-cigarette consumption compared to normal cigarettes.
* The non-detectable emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Pahs) from e-cigarettes contrasts with substantial emission from normal cigarettes.
* With the exception of Ni, Zn, and ag, e-cigarette consumption results in a significant decrease in secondhand exposure to all metals and organic compounds.
* Implementing quality control protocols during e-cigarette manufacturing could minimize metal emissions and improve safety.

Main Message:
The study highlights that, while e-cigarettes carry lower health risks compared to normal cigarettes due to aerosolization instead of combustion, there are still concerns about potential adverse health effects from e-cigarette consumption. The research emphasizes the need for regulatory supervision and quality control during e-cigarette manufacturing to minimize emissions of potentially harmful substances and improve overall safety.

Saffari, arian, Nancy Daher, ario Ruprecht, Cinzia De Marco, Paolo Pozzi, Roberto Boffi, Samera h. hamad, et al. “Particulate Metals and Organic Compounds from Electronic and Tobacco-Containing Cigarettes: Comparison of Emission Rates and Secondhand Exposure.” Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts 16, no. 10 (2014): 2259–67. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4EM00415a.