Esther Marco and Joan Grimalt carried out the research on behalf of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona. The paper, titled ‘A rapid method for the chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds [VOCs] in exhaled breath of tobacco cigarette and electronic cigarette smokers’,
The key findings were:
- A method for the rapid analysis of VOCs in exhaled breath of smokers was developed.
- The method provides consistent results between VOCs in cigarette smoke and breath.
- The method is useful for the VOC analysis of disposable or rechargeable e-cigarettes.
- Tobacco cigarettes deliver higher pollutants and nicotine burdens than e-cigarettes.
- e-Cigarettes leads to strong absorptions of propylene glycol and glycerin in smokers.
The researchers concluded: “Comparison of the concentrations between smoke and equivalent exhaled breath of the smokers illustrated the incorporation of higher burdens of VOCs in the tobacco cigarette smokers than in the e-cigarette smokers.”
Farsalinos has previously looked at VOCs. “Such levels are not only harmless but have absolutely no biological effect, even according to the strictest regulatory definitions,” he said when commenting on the low levels found. “Considering the possibility that allowing e-cigarette use in public places may motivate smokers to switch to e-cigarette use, there is no scientific basis for any bans on e-cigarette use in public places.”
In welcoming the new study, Farsalinos writes: “The study adds to a previous publication finding no carbonyls (aldehydes) exhaled after taking e-cigarette puffs. Moreover, it shows the absence of several toxic compounds not only in exhaled breath but also in the aerosol, which is relevant to the safety of e-cigarettes compared to the huge emissions in tobacco cigarette smoke.”
Since passing comment, Farsalinos has gone on to add a caveat: “The study mentioned (and I missed that) that the exhaled breath was evaluated 30 minutes after vaping or smoking. Obviously, this cannot be accepted as a way of evaluating second-hand exposure to e-cigarettes.”
“In any case, my comment is valid in terms of second-hand vaping due to the results of cigarette smoke, e-cigarette aerosol, indoor air and exhaled breath analysis of VOCs,” he added. “In conclusion, the study findings related to exhaled breath after smoking and after e-cigarette use are related only to long-term (at least 30 minute) retention of VOCs in the lungs. The analysis of indoor air, normal exhaled breath, cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol are still valid and related to the conclusions I presented.”
One more chalk mark against the absence of second-hand vape and still nothing from detractors proving it exists – but it certainly won’t be the last time we hear about it.
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous vape companies to develop content for their websites.
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