Differences in Exposure to Nicotine, Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines, and Volatile Organic Compounds among Electronic Cigarette Users, Tobacco Smokers, and Dual Users from Three Countries.
Introduction:
This article discusses a study on differences in exposure to nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and volatile organic compounds among electronic cigarette users, tobacco smokers, and dual users from three countries. The study aimed to compare patterns of tobacco product use and nicotine and toxicant exposure among cigarette-only smokers, e-cigarette-only users, dual users, and non-users across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
Key Points:
* The study found that e-cigarette-only users had lower levels of toxicant biomarkers but higher levels of nicotine biomarkers compared with cigarette smokers.
* Dual users had higher levels of toxicant biomarkers than e-cigarette-only users, but similar levels to cigarette-only smokers.
* E-cigarette users in Poland, who predominantly used refillable tank devices, exhibited greater levels of nicotine and toxicant biomarkers compared with e-cigarette users in the US and UK.
* Despite smoking fewer cigarettes, dual users from Poland exhibited similar levels of nicotine biomarkers compared with UK dual users but higher than US dual users.
* Country-level differences in e-cigarette devices used and smoking behaviors may contribute to differences in biomarker levels among users of the same products residing in different countries.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering country-level differences in e-cigarette devices used and smoking behaviors when evaluating exposure to nicotine and toxicants among users. The findings suggest that the type of e-cigarette device used and smoking intensity may significantly impact biomarker levels in e-cigarette users and dual users. Therefore, regulatory measures should take these factors into account to ensure the safe use of e-cigarettes and protect public health.
Citation
Smith DM, Shahab L, Blount BC, et al. Differences in Exposure to Nicotine, Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines, and Volatile Organic Compounds among Electronic Cigarette Users, Tobacco Smokers, and Dual Users from Three Countries. Toxics. 2020;8(4). doi:10.3390/toxics8040088
Smith DM, Shahab L, Blount BC, et al. Differences in Exposure to Nicotine, Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines, and Volatile Organic Compounds among Electronic Cigarette Users, Tobacco Smokers, and Dual Users from Three Countries. Toxics. 2020;8(4). doi:10.3390/toxics8040088
