Risk assessment of inhaled diacetyl from electronic cigarette use among teens and adults.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the potential hazards and risks associated with the use of diacetyl, a chemical commonly found in electronic cigarettes (e-Cigarettes). The study uses the United States Environmental Protection agency's (USEPa) risk assessment framework to systematically assess the literature on diacetyl and its effects on human health. The key points and main message of the text are summarized below.

Key Points:

* Diacetyl is a chemical commonly used in e-Cigarettes as a flavoring component and has been linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, a pathological inflammation resulting in fibrosis of the bronchioles leading to irreversible limitation of air flow in lungs.
* The study uses the USEPa's risk assessment framework, which consists of four main steps: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization.
* The study estimates the non-carcinogenic (systemic) risks using a hazard quotient (hq) approach upon exposure to diacetyl among teens and adults who use e-Cigarettes.
* Based on the NIOSh Benchmark Dose (BMD; 0.0175 mg/kg-day) and modeled average Daily Doses (aDDs; range 0.11 -5.2 mg/kg-day), the study estimated 12 different hq values, all of which were greater than 1 (range 6.2875 -297.1429), indicating a significantly higher non-carcinogenic risk from diacetyl exposures among the teens and adults who use e-Cigarettes.
* The study highlights the need to regulate e-Cigarettes to protect teens and adults from diacetyl exposures and risk of developing lung injuries, including bronchiolitis obliterans.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with the use of diacetyl in e-Cigarettes, particularly among teens and adults. The results of the study indicate a significantly higher non-carcinogenic risk from diacetyl exposures among the teens and adults who use e-Cigarettes. The study underscores the need for regulatory measures to protect users from the potential health hazards of diacetyl in e-Cigarettes. It is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with e-Cigarette use and the need for stringent regulations to ensure the safety and health of users.

White aV, Wambui DW, Pokhrel LR. Risk assessment of inhaled diacetyl from electronic cigarette use among teens and adults. The Science of the total environment. 2021;772:145486. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145486