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 have identified the presence of toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes liquids and their aerosols. While active users of e-cigarettes (AE) are directly exposed to these chemicals, little is known about the extent of exposure in non-users who are passively exposed (PE) to e-cigarette aerosols. In this study, we analyzed saliva samples from active users and non-users who are either passively exposed (those who live or work with an active user) or not exposed to e-cigarette aerosols 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 to identify the VOCs present in saliva samples. Additionally, the VOCs detected from the participants were cross-referenced with lists of known carcinogens to determine their impact on human health. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was then implemented to categorize the three groups according to the VOCs identified. Preliminary findings reveal that passively exposed non-users possess VOCs in their saliva similar to active users, suggesting quantifiable secondhand exposure to carcinogenic compounds. The results are critical in expanding our knowledge of the health hazards connected with e-cigarettes as there is evidence of risk beyond direct use, demonstrating the basis for further regulation meant to safeguard both users and bystanders.