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Electronic cigarettes: an evaluation of exposure to chemicals and fine particulate matter (PM) for an Italian brand
Ann Ig. 2012 Jul-Aug;24(4):279-88.
Pellegrino RM, Tinghino B, Mangiaracina G, Marani A, Vitali M, Protano C, Osborn JF, Cattaruzza MS.
Abstract
The "electronic (e-)cigarette" generates intense scientific debate about its use. Its popularity is increasing worldwide as a method to reduce/quit smoking, and to smoke indoors when restrictions on smoking tobacco are present. WHO recommends caution, until its effectiveness in helping smokers is clarified, and the possible harm evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the content of the aromatic liquid mixture and its vapour and the Particulate Matter (PM) emissions of an Italian brand of e-cigarette and to compare its PM emissions with a conventional cigarette. Propylene glycol (66%) and glycerine (24%) were main components in the liquid, while the flavouring substances were less than 0.1%. The same substances were detected in the vapour in similar proportions. Fine and ultrafine PM emissions were higher for the conventional versus the e-cigarette (e.g.: PM10=922 vs 52 microg/m3; PM1=80 vs 14 microg/m3). The e-cigarette seems to give some advantages when used instead of the conventional cigarette, but studies are still scanty: it could help smokers to cope with some of the rituals associated with smoking gestures and to reduce or eliminate tobacco consumption avoiding passive smoking. However, the e-cigarette causes exposure to different chemicals compared with conventional cigarettes and thus there is a need for risk evaluation for both e-cigarettes and passive steam exposure in smokers and non smokers.
Annali di Igiene
If anyone obtains a full text version of this in English, please send to me at smokefree@compuserve.com
I can't find the article at the indicated journal website, which I cannot read anyhow because its in Italian.
Don't know how they measured particulate matter (PM) emitted from burning cigarettes, as their stated findings are far lower than other studies' findings on the active phase of inhaling a cigarette, and lower than some studies on PM in secondhand smoke (which have been measured at up to 1,500 microg/m3 in smoky bars, and up to 2,500 microg/m3 in automobiles where someone is smoking).
For comparison, outdoor air typically contains 15-20 microg/m3 of PM, while smokefree indoor air typically contains 20-25 microg/m3 of PM.
Ann Ig. 2012 Jul-Aug;24(4):279-88.
Pellegrino RM, Tinghino B, Mangiaracina G, Marani A, Vitali M, Protano C, Osborn JF, Cattaruzza MS.
Abstract
The "electronic (e-)cigarette" generates intense scientific debate about its use. Its popularity is increasing worldwide as a method to reduce/quit smoking, and to smoke indoors when restrictions on smoking tobacco are present. WHO recommends caution, until its effectiveness in helping smokers is clarified, and the possible harm evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the content of the aromatic liquid mixture and its vapour and the Particulate Matter (PM) emissions of an Italian brand of e-cigarette and to compare its PM emissions with a conventional cigarette. Propylene glycol (66%) and glycerine (24%) were main components in the liquid, while the flavouring substances were less than 0.1%. The same substances were detected in the vapour in similar proportions. Fine and ultrafine PM emissions were higher for the conventional versus the e-cigarette (e.g.: PM10=922 vs 52 microg/m3; PM1=80 vs 14 microg/m3). The e-cigarette seems to give some advantages when used instead of the conventional cigarette, but studies are still scanty: it could help smokers to cope with some of the rituals associated with smoking gestures and to reduce or eliminate tobacco consumption avoiding passive smoking. However, the e-cigarette causes exposure to different chemicals compared with conventional cigarettes and thus there is a need for risk evaluation for both e-cigarettes and passive steam exposure in smokers and non smokers.
Annali di Igiene
If anyone obtains a full text version of this in English, please send to me at smokefree@compuserve.com
I can't find the article at the indicated journal website, which I cannot read anyhow because its in Italian.
Don't know how they measured particulate matter (PM) emitted from burning cigarettes, as their stated findings are far lower than other studies' findings on the active phase of inhaling a cigarette, and lower than some studies on PM in secondhand smoke (which have been measured at up to 1,500 microg/m3 in smoky bars, and up to 2,500 microg/m3 in automobiles where someone is smoking).
For comparison, outdoor air typically contains 15-20 microg/m3 of PM, while smokefree indoor air typically contains 20-25 microg/m3 of PM.
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