Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a study on the impact of e-cigarette use on indoor air quality and thirdhand exposure (Tha) in vape shops. The study measured various air pollutants, such as CO2, NO2, PM2.5, aldehydes, nicotine, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNas), during opening and closing hours in five selected vape shops. additionally, the study examined nicotine and TSNa levels on vape shop surfaces and on materials placed in the shops for 14 days.
Key Points:
* The study found that indoor e-cigarette use led to secondhand and Tha exposures, with thirdhand exposures comparable or higher than those induced by cigarette smoking.
* The deposited nicotine concentrations on glass, paper, clothing, and fur ball surfaces were strongly correlated with the median number of active vapers present in a vape shop per hour.
* NNK levels on material surfaces were significantly associated with surface nicotine levels, while NNa showed weak correlation.
* The observed air exchange rates in vape shops were much lower than the reported average air exchange rate in US retail stores, and ventilation systems in vape shops should be isolated or equipped with filtration systems to prevent the spread of nicotine and other harmful chemicals to nearby stores.
* The observed indoor CO2 concentrations depended on the number of occupants and air exchange rates, while higher ventilation rates resulted in higher indoor NO2 concentrations.
* The study suggests that improved ventilation and cleaning practices are necessary to protect customers, employees, and bystanders in vape shops.
Main Message:
The study adds new evidence that e-cigarette use can cause secondhand and Tha exposures, highlighting the need for appropriate indoor air policies and cleaning practices in vape shops. The findings can inform Occupational Safety and health administration, state authorities, and other government agencies regarding indoor air policies related to e-cigarette use, particularly in vape shops. It is crucial to ensure that vape shops maintain suitable ventilation systems and cleaning practices to protect customers, employees, and bystanders from the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use. additionally, the study demonstrates that nicotine can deposit or be adsorbed on baby's clothes and toys, and that tobacco-specific nitrosamines can form and retain on baby's clothes, highlighting children's exposure to environmental e-cigarette aerosol and Tha at home is of particular concern.
Citation
Son Y, Giovenco DP, Delnevo C, Khlystov a, Samburova V, Meng q. Indoor air quality and Passive E-cigarette aerosol Exposures in Vape-Shops. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22(10):1772-1779. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa094
