Summary
Introduction:
This article presents a study on the characterization of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) aerosol generation using a custom-made automated ENDS aerosol generation system (EaGS). The study aimed to investigate the influences of various parameters on calculated particle emission factors, including ENDS device type, e-liquid flavoring, atomizer setting, and puff fraction (atomizer ageing). The researchers used an exposure chamber setup and online particle measuring instruments to monitor emitted particle concentration and size distribution for ultrafine, fine, and coarse sizes under simulated ventilated and unventilated environments.
Key Points:
* The study used two types of ENDS devices: pod-type and mod-type.
* The researchers investigated the influence of e-liquid flavoring on particle emissions and found that different flavors can affect particle emissions.
* The study also examined the effect of atomizer format and found that different coil resistances and power setups can affect particle emissions.
* The researchers classified puff fraction into initial, middle, and late fractions and found that there is a slight decrease in particle number and mass emissions with increased puff fraction.
* The study compared particle emissions in ventilated and unventilated environments and found that ventilation reduces ENDS particle levels.
* The researchers observed a decrease in particle emissions with later puff fractions, which could be due to the coil resistance increasing with ageing or the coil and e-liquid temperature.
* The study found that the experimental condition, such as dilution, had an impact on measured and calculated emission factors for the same vaping condition.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of evaluating mediators of exposure, such as ventilation, in determining the human health impacts of ENDS exposures. The researchers emphasize that secondhand vaping exposures are an understudied but important component in determining the relative safety of products that are touted as safer than tobacco cigarettes. The study also demonstrates that various parameters, including e-liquid preference, device format and age, and atomizer format, can affect particle emissions from ENDS devices. The researchers recommend standardizing emission characterization protocols to facilitate comparisons between studies and recommend vape-free or smoke-free environments to protect public health.
Citation
Zhang q, Jeon J, Goldsmith T, Black M, Greenwald R, Wright C. Characterization of an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) aerosol Generation Platform to Determine Exposure Risks. Toxics. 2023;11(2). doi:10.3390/toxics11020099
