Electronic cigarette nicotine delivery can exceed that of combustible cigarettes: a preliminary report

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the relationship between nicotine concentration in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquid and plasma nicotine concentration in experienced e-cigarette users. The study also looked at puff topography, or how users puff on e-cigarettes, to see if it was influenced by liquid nicotine concentration. The results have implications for e-cigarette regulation and public health.

Key Points:

* The study included 16 experienced e-cigarette users who completed four sessions, each with a different nicotine concentration (0, 8, 18, or 36 mg/mL) in the e-cigarette liquid.
* Participants used the e-cigarette for two 10-puff bouts separated by 60 minutes, and venous blood was sampled to determine plasma nicotine concentration.
* Puff duration, volume, and peak flow were measured.
* Results showed a relationship between e-cigarette liquid nicotine concentration and user plasma nicotine concentration.
* Nicotine delivery from some e-cigarettes may exceed that of a combustible cigarette.
* Puff topography data revealed few reliable differences across conditions.
* The rationale for this higher level of nicotine delivery is uncertain.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates a relationship between e-cigarette liquid nicotine concentration and user plasma nicotine concentration in experienced e-cigarette users. Nicotine delivery from some e-cigarettes may exceed that of a combustible cigarette, which could have implications for e-cigarette regulation and public health. The reason for this higher level of nicotine delivery is unclear, and further research is needed to understand the potential health impacts of e-cigarette use.

Ramôa, Carolina P, Marzena M Hiler, Tory R Spindle, Alexa A Lopez, Nareg Karaoghlanian, Thokozeni Lipato, Alison B Breland, Alan Shihadeh, and Thomas Eissenberg. “Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Delivery Can Exceed That of Combustible Cigarettes: A Preliminary Report.” Tobacco Control 25, no. e1 (April 2016): e6–9. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052447.