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Original article
Original article
e-cigarettes include climate conditions, air ow, room size, Physiological effects observed in clinical studies
number of users in the vicinity, type(s) and age of systems being Nine studies evaluated the physiological effects of e-cigarette
used, battery voltage, puff length, interval between puffs, and use. E-cigarettes are frequently marketed as safe products.
user characteristics (eg, age, gender, experience, health status). However, while the inhaled compounds associated with e-
Additionally, particle size affects the site and effects of pulmonary cigarettes may be fewer and less toxic than those from trad-
absorption; details of e-cigarette aerosol particle size and absorp- itional cigarettes, data to establish whether e-cigarette use as a
tion are unknown and likely vary depending on the product.2 whole is less harmful to the individual user than traditional
Glycol and glycerol vapour are components of most e- cigarettes are not conclusive. Studies reviewed noted the follow-
cigarettes. Used in the theatre industry and for aviation emer- ing observed physiologic effects associated with acute exposure
gency training, these are known upper airway irritants.3 Contact to e-cigarettes or e-cigarette aerosols:
with glycol mist may also dry out mucous membranes and eyes.4 mouth and throat irritation and dry cough at initial use,
Glycerin is used therapeutically to increase the efcacy of inha- though complaints decreased with continuing use1 19
lants; it has hydroscopic properties that draw water into bron- no change in heart rate, carbon monoxide (CO) level, or
chial secretions and reduces their viscosity. Glycerin and PG did plasma nicotine level20
not cause cytotoxic effects when human embryonic stem cells, decrease in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and
mouse neural stem cells, and human pulmonary broblasts were increase in respiratory impedance and respiratory ow resist-
exposed to several e-cigarette rell solutions.5 The repeated and ance similar to cigarette use21
potentially long-term inhalation of glycerol vapour associated no change in complete blood count (CBC) indices22
with e-cigarette use, however, differs from exposure levels in no change in lung function23 24
the entertainment industry; currently available data are not suf- no change in cardiac function as measured with
cient to determine long-term safety. echocardiogram25
Nicotine is readily absorbed through the airway, skin, mucous no increase in inammatory markers26
membranes and gastrointestinal tract. Acute exposure to inhaled A summary of additional details and results of seven of the
nicotine may cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Toxic reac- reviewed studies are presented in table 1.
tions associated with dermal nicotine exposure have been
described after spills of nicotine-containing liquids or occupa- Exposure risks for non-users
tional contact with tobacco leaves. Serious cases of nicotine poi- Five studies addressed exposure risks for non-users. E-cigarette
soning due to cigarettes are relatively rare; spontaneous vomiting rell cartridges may contain toxic amounts of nicotine. Nicotine
usually limits the absorption of swallowed tobacco.6 E-cigarettes, from the aerosol or the liquid can remain on surfaces for weeks to
however, may pose increased risk of nicotine toxicity due to the months, and may react with ambient nitrous acid to produce
availability of high nicotine concentrations in the cartridges.7 TSNAs, leading to inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure to
There are reports of completed and attempted suicide by intra- carcinogens.27 31 The primary indoor sources of ambient nitrous
venous injection and oral ingestion of liquid nicotine intended acid are gas appliances. Children are at risk of toxicity from rell
for e-cigarette cartridges.810 The level of nicotine exposure from cartridges; the avourings may increase appeal while the total
use of electronic cigarettes is highly variable. Studies have found nicotine content is potentially life-threatening. The cytotoxic
wide ranges in nicotine levels, variability in aerosolisation, effects of rell solution components may be more pronounced on
inaccurate product labelling, and inconsistent nicotine delivery embryonic cells.5 Aerosol from e-cigarettes is only released during
during product use. In one study, e-cigarette liquids were exhalation and content will vary depending on the users tech-
obtained in retail stores and via the Internet. Liquids tested con- nique or other conditions, such as temperature.28 An evaluation
tained between 14.8 and 87.2 mg/mL of nicotine and the mea- of e-cigarette aerosol showed traces of TSNAs, but the levels were
sured concentration differed from the declared concentration by 9450 times lower than in cigarette smoke, and generally compar-
up to 50%.1114 FDAs Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis con- able with amounts found in a prescription nicotine inhaler.29 30
ducted repeat testing of three different cartridges with the same However, these data may not reect real-world use of e-cigarettes,
label and found nicotine levels varying from 26.8 to 43.2 g where the human user is an intermediary between the aerosol and
nicotine/100 mL puff.15 In the absence of quality standards, e- the environment. Persistent residual nicotine on indoor surfaces
cigarette product consistency is a signicant concern. Product can lead to thirdhand exposure through the skin, inhalation and
labeling is also inconsistent and potentially misleading. ingestion long after the aerosol has cleared the room.31
To date, evaluations of other e-cigarette components have not
found serious health effects, but ndings must be interpreted Potential for reduced harm or cigarette smoking cessation
with caution due to limited data and lack of standardised testing Twelve studies and surveys evaluated the patterns of e-cigarette
methods. Analyses of avourings used in e-cigarettes have use including the reasons for initiating or continuing use and
shown brand-to-brand variability. Laugesen tested the Ruyan V8 the potential for e-cigarettes to facilitate smoking cessation.
e-cigarette for over 50 cigarette smoke toxicants with negative Marketing information frequently includes a stated or implied
results.16 Other evaluations have found low levels of claim that using e-cigarettes will help smokers quit or reduce
tobacco-specic nitrosamines (TSNA) and diethylene glycol, cigarette use. Supporting data, however, are quite limited.
though, in most cases, the levels were minimal and similar to Several small studies have demonstrated short-term reduction in
levels in a nicotine patch.17 Pellegrino et al evaluated particulate cigarette smoking while using e-cigarettes.3234 36 Smokers also
matter (PM) emissions from e-cigarettes and conventional cigar- report fewer withdrawal symptoms when using e-cigarettes
ettes. PM emissions from e-cigarettes slightly exceeded WHO while quitting.32 34 35 Many cigarette smokers also report attrac-
air quality guidelines, but were 15 times lower than emissions tion to e-cigarettes due to reduced cost, perceived reduced tox-
after use of traditional cigarettes.18 These data showing lower icity, and more freedom of use. Users acknowledge that
emissions from e-cigarettes could indicate less danger for e-cigarettes may not be completely safe and are addictive but
secondhand and thirdhand exposure, but without a standardised believe they are safer and less addictive than cigarettes.37 Studies
testing method the studies are not conclusive. attempting to show efcacy of e-cigarettes as a cessation therapy
Original article
Vansickel et al20 32 smokers Own brand cig Increased heart rate, plasma nicotine & CO
e-cig naive; two cigs (10 puffs) each 18 mg e-cig No measurable increase in heart rate, plasma nicotine or CO level
type 16 mg e-cig
Sham cig
Vardavas et al21 30 healthy adult smokers (e-cig Nicotine-containing e-cig Decrease in FeNO; Increase in respiratory impedance and respiratory flow
status unknown); resistance (similar to cigarette use)
Used e-cig for 5 minutes No-cartridge e-cig Control
Flouris et al 22 24
15 smokers # puffs adjusted for Active cig Increase in WBC, lymphocyte, granulocyte counts; cotinine increased; FEV1/
smoking history FVC decreased
Active e-cig CBC indices unchanged; cotinine increased; FEV1/FVC unchanged
Passive e-cig
Passive cig Increase in WBC, lymphocyte, granulocyte counts; cotinine increased; FEV1/
FVC unchanged
Chorti et al 23 15 cigarette smokers; Passive smoking Increased CO and cotinine
used one e-cig Smoke 2 usual brand cigs Decreased FEV1, FEV1/FVC, & FeNO; increased cotinine and CO
Active e-cig Lung function unchanged; cotinine increased
Passive e-cig Reduced FEV1/FVC; increased cotinine
Farsalinos et al25 22 ex-cigarette e-cig users Baseline cardiac echo, repeat No change in cardiac echo parameters
20 current cigarette users study after one cig or e-cig Measurable decrease in LV function
Tzatzarakis, et al26 10 smokers Active cig Increased interleukins and epidermal growth factor
Brief active e-cig session Active e-cig No increase in assessed inflammatory markers
10 never-smokers; 1 h exposure Passive cig Increased tumour necrosis factor alpha
Passive e-cig No increase in assessed inflammatory markers
CBC, complete blood count; CO, carbon monoxide; e-cig, electronic cigarette; FeNO, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FVC, forced vital capacity; LV,
left ventricle; WBC, white blood count.
have had mixed results, with generally low sustained cessation volume decreases. The average vacuums for 10 puffs for the
rates (self-reported or veried).19 36 3842 Adverse events, when tested e-cigarettes ranged from 25 to 153 mm H2O; all tested
reported, were not serious.37 3942 brands of e-cigarettes required a vacuum above that needed to
A summary of the reviewed surveys and studies is presented smoke conventional cigarettes.45 Aerosol density decreases as
in table 2. puff number increases, and the smoking characteristics vary con-
siderably within and between e-cigarette brands, making data
CONCLUSIONS comparison and interpretation difcult.46
Although e-cigarettes have potential advantages over traditional Another signicant issue related to health effects is the risk
cigarettes, there are many deciencies in the available data.1 associated with the use and abuse of nicotine rell bottles.
Differences in product engineering, components and potential Poison control centre reports of unintentional nicotine inges-
toxicities make it difcult to discuss e-cigarettes as a single tion, usually by children, are increasing. Of 79 total exposures,
device.43 E-cigarettes may be useful in facilitating smoking cessa- 2 were reported in 2009, 6 in 2010, 11 in 2011, 43 in 2012
tion, but denitive data is lacking. E-cigarettes may provide a less and 17 in the rst 3 months of 2013. Most (80%) of the expo-
harmful source of nicotine than traditional cigarettes, but evi- sures were unintentional.7 Finally, the likelihood that non-
dence of decreased harm with long-term use is not available. It is tobacco users will begin using e-cigarettes and transition to
encouraging that few serious adverse events have been reported other nicotine-containing products due to addiction develop-
related to e-cigarette use during the years the products have been ment should be thoroughly evaluated. Future studies assessing
available, but without a specic reporting mechanism, adverse the human health effects of e-cigarettes should include the
event data may not be comprehensive. There is continued effects of e-cigarettes on tobacco use patterns, quit attempts and
concern about the attractiveness of these products for tobacco- quit rates; preferred brands; satisfaction rates; and the effects of
naive individuals. The novelty of the new technology and the secondhand and thirdhand exposures to exhaled aerosol.
variety of avouring options may be appealing to younger users. E-cigarettes have the potential for signicant impact on public
Signicant gaps exist in the health-effects data for e- health. The regulation of e-cigarettes varies from country to
cigarettes.2 Product standards including criteria for ingredients, country. Of the 33 countries that responded to a 2011 WHO
quality and manufacturing have not been developed. There are survey about regulation and availability of e-cigarettes within
limited data on the effects of recurrent long-term exposures to their country, 13 reported no availability, 16 reported they were
aerosolised nicotine, avourings and PG. The effects of an available (nine unregulated, seven with some type of regulation),
aerosol delivery system on the quantity of nicotine consumed by and four were unsure.47 Although the sale, use and advertising
users are unknown. Health effects may be inuenced by the of e-cigarettes are permitted in the USA, some individual states
learning curve for e-cigarette use; many of the currently pub- have imposed restrictions. As noted by Trtchounian and Talbot,
lished studies were conducted in e-cigarette-naive subjects, the effects of policies, regulations, healthcare costs and any
which may inuence study results.44 Studies have shown large health benet for users or the general population will be dif-
individual differences in nicotine levels in subjects using the cult to assess unless e-cigarettes are a regulated product.48 At
same product. Stronger pufng is required for most e-cigarettes, this time, data are not sufcient to conrm a long-term benet
and the puff strength needs to increase as cartridge liquid for users or a public health benet for the population at large.
Original article
Etter 32 Internet survey of 81 ever-users of e-cigs; 37% Reasons for e-cig use were to quit smoking (53%), Self-selected sample of internet users
dual cigarette and e-cig users health (49%), cost (26%), freedom to use in
smoke-free places (21%), and to avoid disturbing
others (20%)
Siegel et al 33 Online survey of all first-time purchasers of Reported six-month point prevalence of smoking Low response rate; only 1 brand;
particular e-cigs over 2-week period; abstinence of 31%; 66.8% reported a reduction in self-reported abstinence rate
222 respondents (response rate 4.5%) cigarette smoking
Etter and Self-selected Internet survey of 3587 visitors to Reasons for e-cig use were: less perceived toxicity Self-selected sample; respondents may have
Bullen34 e-cigarette websites; 70% former smokers; Of (84%), to quit smoking or avoid relapsing (77%), adjusted answers to justify opinions on
current smokers 60% responded trying to quit tobacco craving (79%), withdrawal symptoms cessation or safety
and 84% trying to reduce (67%), and decreased cost (57%)
Bullen et al 35 40 e-cig-naive smokers randomized to use Smoking desire and withdrawal symptoms were Small sample size; limited to smokers not
nicotine-containing e-cig, nicotine-free e-cig, most effectively alleviated after the usual cigarette intending to quit; subjects e-cig nave
Nicorette nicotine inhaler, or usual cigarette but the 16 mg e-cig and the Nicorette inhaler had
similar results and both of these were more
effective than the placebo e-cig
Popova and Survey of 1836 current or recently (<2 years) Of the smokers, 38% had tried an alternative Internet survey; all results self-reported;
Ling36 former smokers tobacco product, most commonly e-cigarettes. Use unable to link use of specific product(s) with
of alternative tobacco products was associated with cessation
making a quit attempt but not with successful
quitting
Goniewicz et al 37 On-line recruiting of Polish e-cig users; 179 of Self-reported results: 66% had quit smoking; Internet survey; subjects recruited from
203 survey completers provided usable data additional 25% reported on-line groups; not a general population;
<5 cigarettes per day (CPD); 82% believed e-cigs self-reported results
not completely safe but better than cigarettes.
60% believed e-cigs addictive but less than
cigarettes.
Polosa et al 38 Six-month pilot study of 7.4 mg nicotine e-cigs; 67.5% completed the program. Thirteen of 40 Small study; no control arm; 32.5% did not
40 subjects not interested in quitting; CC subjects had self-reported 50% reduction in CPD at come to final follow-up visit; self-reported
smoking allowed though use of e-cigs 24 weeks. Nine subjects (22.5%) self-reported results; technical difficulty with e-cig (older
encouraged; subjects completed diary quitting by the end of the study; six of them were product)
still using the e-cigs. eCO measured to verify
reduction or abstinence
Polosa et al 19 24-month prospective observational continuation 23 completed all follow-up visits. At 24 months, Same as above; 42.5% failed to attend final
of above study; >50% reduction in CPD was self-reported in 11 of follow-up visit; assessment of withdrawal
e-cigs not provided after first 6 months but the 40 participants, with a median decrease from symptoms not rigorous; cannot make direct
subjects could purchase 24 to 4 CPD. Smoking abstinence was self-reported comparison with other cessation products
in 5 of 40 participants. eCO measured to verify
reduction or abstinence. No serious AEs reported;
predominant complaints were mouth and throat
irritation and dry cough; withdrawal symptoms
uncommon
Caponnetto 12-month prospective trial; 300 smokers not 75% of the subjects returned at week 12, 70.3% at Cannot compare with other cessation
et al 39 intending to quit received e-cigs (cartridges week 24, and 61% at week 52. No significant programs since subjects not intending to
contained 7.2 mg, 5.4 mg, or 0 mg nicotine); changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or weight quit; self-reported results; 40% did not
study product provided for 12 weeks; were found over the study duration. Smokers in all attend final follow-up visit; technical issues
double-blind, controlled, randomized three groups reduced diary (self)-recorded CPD by with e-cig (older model product)
more than 50%; this was associated with reduction
in measured eCO levels and was not related to
cartridge nicotine content. The subject-reported
abstinence rate at 52 weeks was 8.7%. Of the
quitters, 26.9% reported still using e-cigarettes; no
significant AEs
Caponnetto 14 smokers with schizophrenia; Sustained 50% reduction in self-reported CPD (14 Small uncontrolled study; assessment of
et al 40 52 week follow-up; study product provided for to 7). Two of 14 self-reported sustained abstinence withdrawal symptoms not rigorous
12 weeks; maximum 4 cartridges/day at 52 weeks. eCO measured to verify reduction or
abstinence. AEs included nausea, throat irritation,
headache, and dry cough
Bullen et al 41 657 adult smokers wanting to quit were given Self-reported abstinence rates at 6 months were Study size not optimal for statistical analysis;
nicotine e-cigs, patch, or placebo e-cigs; product 7.3% for nicotine e-cig users, 5.8% for patch users, more dropouts in patch group; low
was supplied for 13 weeks; subjects were and 4.1% for placebo e-cig users; eCO measured to abstinence rates possibly due to inadequate
followed for 6 months verify abstinence; nicotine replacement
no difference in AEs
Farsalinos et al 42 Personal interviews of 111 former smokers who 81% used e-cig with >15 mg/mL nicotine; few May not reflect general population; majority
completely switched to e-cigs for >1 month non-serious AEs (cough, throat irritation) male subjects
Self-reported abstinence verified by blood
carboxyhaemoglobin
AE, adverse event; CC, conventional cigarette; eCO, exhaled carbon monoxide; e-cig, electronic cigarette.
Original article
Priscilla Callahan-Lyon
These include:
References This article cites 41 articles, 10 of which you can access for free at:
http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/23/suppl_2/ii36#BIBL
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Notes