The Health Risks of Electronic Cigarette Use to Bystanders

Bibliographic Data

ID15510489
AuthorsWouter F Visser (0000-0003-1129-262X, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Walther Klerx (0000-0003-1971-2385, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Hans Cremers (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Hans W J M Cremers (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Health Protection, Anthonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands), Ramon Ramlal (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Paul L Schwillens (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Reinskje Talhout (0000-0002-5310-9064, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume16
Issue9
Pages1525-1525
Publication date2019-04-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16091525
PMID31052162
OpenAlexW2943334811
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited15

This works aimed to assess the health risks of e-cigarette use to bystanders. The exhaled breath of 17 volunteers was collected while they were vaping, and the levels of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), and heavy metals were analyzed. Increased levels of nicotine, propylene glycol, TSNAs and copper were found in the exhaled breath of the volunteers. From these measurements, bystander exposure was estimated for two different scenarios: (1) A non-ventilated car with two e-cigarette users and (2) a ventilated office with one e-cigarette user. Our results show that bystanders may experience irritation of the respiratory tract as a result of exposure to propylene glycol and glycerol. Systemic effects of nicotine should also be expected if nicotine-containing e-liquid is used, including palpitations, and an increase of the systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, due to the presence of TSNAs in some e-liquids, an increased risk of tumors could not be excluded for the 'car' scenario. While e-cigarette use can clearly have effects on the health of bystanders, the risks depend on the rate of ventilation, dimensions of the room, and vaping behavior of the e-cigarette user. The presence of TSNAs in e-liquids can be avoided, which will prevent the most serious effect identified (increased risk of tumors)

Business · Electronic cigarette · Environmental health · Internet privacy · Occupational safety and health · Computer Science · Medicine · Smoking Behavior and Cessation

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