Identifying Biomarkers Indicative of Active and Passive Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols

Identifying Biomarkers Indicative of Active and Passive Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols

Alvin Sherman Library

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have grown in popularity as they are portrayed as a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, recent studies revealed the presence of toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes liquids and their aerosols. It is expected that active e-cigarette users are being exposed to these chemicals, however, little is known about secondhand exposure to non-users. In this work, we analyzed biological specimens from active users and non-users, especially those who live or work with an active user, to determine whether their samples contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indicative of exposure to e-cigarette aerosols. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection was used first to identify VOCs present in e-cigarette aerosol and liquid. Then, saliva samples of active users and non-users were analyzed for the presence of those volatile organic compounds. Additionally, the VOCs detected from e-cigarettes were cross-referenced with lists of known carcinogens to determine their impact on human health. The study revealed that non-users do possess some of the same VOCs detected in active users, which can be associated with potential health risks. The results are critical in expanding our knowledge of the health hazards connected with e-cigarettes and a basis for further regulation meant to safeguard users and nonusers from the negative consequences of aerosol exposure.