Environmental Electronic Vape Exposure from Four Different Generations of Electronic Cigarettes: Airborne Particulate Matter Levels

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) were introduced into the market in 2006 and their technological features have evolved substantially over time. Currently, there are four different generations of e-cigs that are broadly considered less harmful than the use of combusted tobacco products although passive exposure to aerosols often occurs in public spaces and indoor environments. The study aim was to evaluate the levels of airborne particulate matter (PM) emitted during the use of all the four generations of e-cigs, testing different use modalities. PM₁₀, PM₄, PM_2.5 and PM₁ were measured through a Dusttrak ™ II Aerosol Monitor, for a total of 20 independent experiments. All tested e-cigs devices produced PM during their use, and PM₁₀ was almost made of PM₁ size fraction. In addition, we observed a progressive increase in PM emission from the first to the fourth generation, and an upward trend of PM₁ emitted by the fourth generation e-cig with an increase in the operating power. The results showed that, whatever the model adopted, passive vaping does occur. This finding supports the need for legislative interventions to regulate the e-cigs use in public places and other enclosed environments, in order to protect the health of any subject who is potentially exposed.

Keywords: electronic cigarettes; environmental electronic vape exposure; particulate matter.

Figure 1

Comparison between the levels of PM₁ and PM₁₀ released during the vaping session of 4e-cig_0.15Ω-150W_N (a) and the following decay phase (b).

Figure 2

PM₁ concentrations (μg m⁻³) during all monitored vaping sessions.

Figure 3

PM₁ concentrations (μg m⁻³) emitted by the fourth generation e-cig as a function of operating power (Watt), both for e-liquid with nicotine (a) and e-liquid nicotine-free (b).