Assessment of indoor air quality at an electronic cigarette (Vaping) convention

Abstract

E-cigarette (vaping) conventions are public events promoting electronic cigarettes, in which indoor use of e-cigarettes is allowed. The large concentration of people using e-cigarettes and poor air ventilation can result in indoor air pollution. In order to estimate this worst-case exposure to e-cigarettes, we evaluated indoor air quality in a vaping convention in Maryland (MD), USA. Real-time concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) and real-time total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), CO 2 and NO 2 concentrations were measured. Integrated samples of air nicotine and PM 10 concentrations were also collected. The number of attendees was estimated to range from 75 to 600 at any single observation time. The estimated 24-h timeweighted average (TWA) PM 10 was 1800 μg/m 3 , 12-fold higher than the EPA 24-h regulation (150 μg/m 3 ). Median (range) indoor TVOCs concentration was 0.13 (0.04-0.3) ppm. PM 10 and TVOC concentrations were highly correlated with CO 2 concentrations, indicating the high number of people using e-cigarettes and poor indoor air quality. Air nicotine concentration was 125 μg/m 3 , equivalent to concentrations measured in bars and nightclubs. E-cigarette aerosol in a vaping convention that congregates many e-cigarette users is a major source of PM 10 , air nicotine and VOCs, impairing indoor air quality. These findings also raise occupational concerns for e-cigarette vendors and other venue staff workers. IntoductionElectronic cigarettes (also called Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that deliver an aerosol with or without nicotine and flavorings, instead of burning tobacco [1]. E-cigarette use is rapidly increasing worldwide [2]. According to CDC reports from 2014, 12.6% of adults (40.2 million) had ever tried an e-cigarette and about 3.7% of adults (11.8 million)were currently using e-cigarettes every day or some days in the United States [3]. Among the current users, 2.4 million were middle-aged and high school-aged students [4]. Estimated global sales of e-cigarettes reached $2 billion in 2014 and is projected to increase to $10 billion in 2017 [5]. E-cigarettes have been heavily promoted through vape shop advertisements, social media, and "vaping conventions". Vaping conventions, or vape expos, are public events that promote the newest device trends and flavors, and provide information on e-cigarette products. These events attract a large number of e-cigarette enthusiasts, vendors, and local residents, and allow (and promote) e-cigarette use inside the venues. Williams [6] reported that 90 vaping conventions were held in 37 different locations in the US from 2010 to 2015 (average of 15 per year). As part of the attraction, entertainment events, such as "cloud competitions" and several trick competitions (artistic plumes) are scheduled during the day. These competitions reward those who can generate the largest, densest or most artistic plume with free merchandise [7].Growing evidence indicates that inhaled e-cigarette aerosol i...

A Summary of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Evaluating the Impact of E-Cigarette Exposure on Living Organisms and the Environment

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The epidemiology of lung cancer

“…More recently, questions of second hand exposure to e-cigarette vapor have arisen. While some studies of simulated indoor air quality with ENDS have found no significant levels of chemicals in the environment (122), a non-simulated real life evaluation of indoor air quality at a vaping convention found high levels of air nicotine, particulate matter, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and carbon dioxide in the air that raises concerns for workers and others exposed to second hand vapor (123). Serum cotinine levels in non-smokers from e-cigarette vapor were comparable to those exposed to second hand cigarette smoke in a recent study (124).…”

Influence of electronic cigarette vaping on the composition of indoor organic pollutants, particles, and exhaled breath of bystanders

“…The indoor aerosol size distributions generated by vaping (Schripp et al 2013;Schober et al 2014) as well as the composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (McAuley et al 2012;Schober et al 2014;O'Connell et al 2015) have also been considered in these approaches. Other studies have been concerned with the nicotine concentrations (McAuley et al 2012;Schripp et al 2013;Czogala et al 2014;Ballbè et al 2017;Schober et al 2014;O'Connell et al 2015;Maloney et al 2015;Chen et al 2018).…”