Analysis: one of the most noticeable byproducts of vaping is the increase in particulate matter pollution and poor indoor air quality.
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Over the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems. The range of products may have different names such as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, mods and tank systems. These devices typically have a power source (battery), a reservoir for the flavored solution which usually contains nicotine, and a spray nozzle or atomizer. The power source is used to heat the solution in the atomizer, which creates vapour which is then dispersed through a nozzle, creating a "cloud" that the user can inhale.
This dispersion is referred to as an aerosol – tiny liquid drops, and solid particles dispersed in a gas. The aerosol contains nicotine and can also contain other chemicals like glycerin, propylene glycol, aldehydes, and metals, chemicals that are known to have adverse health effects. The quantity and content of the aerosols depends on the device, how it is used and the specific liquid used.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Prof Des Cox from CHI Crumlin, Dr Garrett McGovern from the Priority Medical Clinic on the Government's ban on vaping products for under 18s
Both users and bystanders can inhale this aerosol so people in the vicinity can be exposed to secondhand "e-smoke." Apart from immediately getting inhaled, the smoke can get absorbed onto indoor surfaces like furniture, carpets, curtains, clothing, and bedding. Later, these chemicals can get resuspended into the air and inhaled by people. They can also be absorbed through the skin when someone comes in contact with these surfaces. The chemicals absorbed onto clothing can also be gradually absorbed through skin when they are worn. These routes of exposures are collectively termed as thirdhand smoke.
There is an increasing effort being devoted to researching the health impact of vaping products and significant gaps still exist in our understanding of their long-term impact on users and people who are passively exposed. This is due to multiple factors such as these products are in use for a comparatively shorter duration of time compared to cigarettes and the products being offered keep rapidly evolving as do the policies governing the use of these products.
By comparison, the impact of cigarette smoking and of secondhand smoke from cigarettes on public health is much better understood. This has led to much stricter policy and guidance on their use. But policies related to vaping products, especially their use indoors, are lax, vary across countries and have fewer restrictions. There are over 80 countries where there are no age restrictions on purchase of vaping products and over 70 where there are no regulations on them.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, should disposable vapes be banned?
E-cigarettes are accepted to be a safer option for delivering nicotine, when compared to the usual cigarettes, with less accompanying toxicants. But the aerosols generated by these devices can still adversely impact indoor air quality, like cigarette smoke.
One of the most conspicuous impacts of vaping on indoor air quality is particulate matter (PM) pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an important air pollutant, responsible for 4 million deaths every year, globally. PM2.5 concentrations in a hotel meeting room during a vaping event were observed to be at similar levels as those found in hookah cafes and bars where indoor smoking is permitted.
At another vaping convention, the PM levels were found to be 12 times the regulation values. At the same event, nicotine concentrations in the air were found to be similar to ones you would encounter in bars and nightclubs where smoking is allowed.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today With Claire Byrne, lead, nickel and chemicals harmful to brain development found in used vapes
The PM pollution from vapes depends on the type of device, the type of liquid used and user behavior. While the levels of PM concentrations due to vaping are likely to be lower than from combustion cigarettes, the levels get higher than outdoor levels and the mean values could reach several times the safe limits prescribed by WHO. In a worrying finding, a study in a vape shop observed that use not only affected PM concentrations in the shop, but also in neighbouring establishments.
In addition to PM, vaping also lead to an increase of ultrafine particulate matter (UFP) levels indoors, the same as cigarettes. The health impacts of UFPs are still being investigated and are considered to be quite significant as they can penetrate deeper into our body that fine particulate matter and affect multiple organ systems.
The thirdhand exposure due to vaping is estimated to be similar to that from cigarettes. In addition to PM and nicotine, vaping also releases chemicals like propylene glycol, glycerin, aldehydes (including formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen). Some of these chemicals have known adverse health impacts. Some of the volatile organic compounds released as part of the vaping aerosol, including those generated from flavoring agents, can have secondary reactions indoors with other pollutants like ozone, resulting in production of toxic secondary pollutants.
The health impacts are still being investigated and are considered to be quite significant as they can penetrate deep into our body and affect multiple organ systems
We are still learning how vaping affects overall indoor air quality. Longer-term studies, in natural settings, are needed to further our understanding of the exposure risks from these pollutants and the resulting public health impact.
To eliminate the risks from vape use indoors, the only full proof option would be banning their use in indoor settings, like as happened with cigarettes, and even around outdoor areas close to ventilation intakes for buildings. To reduce exposures in indoor spaces where vaping is permitted, ventilation and filtration-based solutions would be advisable.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
