Summary
Introduction:
This document is a summary of a research study examining the prevalence and duration of exposure to secondhand aerosol (SHA) from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among non-users in 12 European countries. The study also explores the sociodemographic factors associated with SHA exposure. The key points and main message of the study are summarized below.
Key Points:
* The study found that 16.0% of e-cigarette non-users were exposed to SHA in any indoor setting at least weekly, ranging from 4.3% in Spain to 29.6% in England.
* The median duration of SHA exposure among those who were exposed was 43 minutes per day.
* 'Other indoor settings' (eg, bar and restaurant) was reported as the place where most e-cigarette non-users were exposed (8.3%).
* SHA exposure was more likely to occur in certain groups of non-users: men, younger age groups, those with higher level of education, e-cigarette past users, current smokers, those perceiving SHA harmless and living in countries with a higher e-cigarette use prevalence.
* The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the population aged ≥15 years in 12 European countries.
* SHA exposure was self-reported and measured by asking non-users about their exposure in various indoor settings.
* The study controlled for potential confounders such as sex, age, level of education, e-cigarette use status, and smoking status.
Main Message:
The study found that SHA exposure is prevalent among e-cigarette non-users in indoor settings in 12 European countries. Exposure was more likely to occur in certain groups, including men, younger age groups, those with higher level of education, e-cigarette past users, current smokers, those perceiving SHA harmless, and living in countries with a higher e-cigarette use prevalence. The study suggests that governments should consider extending their tobacco smoke-free legislation to e-cigarettes to protect bystanders, particularly vulnerable populations such as young people.
Citation
Amalia B, Liu X, Lugo A, et al. Exposure to secondhand aerosol of electronic cigarettes in indoor settings in 12 European countries: data from the TackSHS survey. Tobacco control. 2021;30(1):49-56. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055376
