Evidence from a mouse model on the dangers of thirdhand electronic cigarette exposure during early life.

Introduction:
This text discusses the dangers of thirdhand exposure to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) residue during early life, as revealed through a novel mouse model. The study found that toxicants found in thirdhand e-cigarette vapor are biologically relevant and can have detrimental effects on children and other high-risk groups.

Key Points:

* The study exposed mice to e-cigarette vapor using a human e-cigarette machine and assessed the effects on their health after 8 days.
* Thirdhand e-cigarette vapor, with or without nicotine, was found to impair the development of the spleen and brain in mice.
* Thirdhand e-cigarette vapor without nicotine decreased several cytokines in the serum, while nicotine-containing vapor elevated CCL11 (eotaxin).
* Thirdhand e-cigarette vapor, with nicotine, caused hyporesponsiveness in the lungs of mice.
* The study also found that thirdhand e-cigarette vapor, without nicotine, suppressed the immune system by inhibiting several chemokines.
* Propylene glycol, a chemical found in e-cigarette vapor, was identified as a potential harmful chemical in the towel used in the study.
* The study concludes that thirdhand exposure to e-cigarettes is as dangerous as thirdhand cigarette exposure.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that thirdhand exposure to e-cigarettes is a significant health concern, particularly for children and other high-risk groups. The study found that both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-cigarette vapor can have detrimental effects on the health of mice, including impaired organ development, suppressed immune system, and lung hyporesponsiveness. These findings highlight the need for further research into the health effects of thirdhand exposure to e-cigarettes and the development of appropriate regulations to protect public health.

Chen h, Li G, allam VSRR, et al. Evidence from a mouse model on the dangers of thirdhand electronic cigarette exposure during early life. ERJ open research. 2020;6(2). doi:10.1183/23120541.00022-2020