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Updated: May 2, 2026

Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: comparison between first and new-generation devices.
Konstantinos E Farsalinos1, Alketa Spyrou1, Kalliroi Tsimopoulou1
1Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
Newer electronic cigarette (EC) devices deliver more nicotine than older ones, but still less than tobacco cigarettes. Higher nicotine concentrations are needed for ECs to effectively substitute smoking.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nicotine Delivery Systems
- Tobacco Harm Reduction
Background:
- Electronic cigarettes (ECs) offer a smoking substitute with varying nicotine delivery capabilities.
- Nicotine delivery efficiency is crucial for EC addiction potential and smoking cessation efficacy.
- First-generation (cigarette-like) and new-generation (high-capacity) EC devices differ in design and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma nicotine levels between first-generation and new-generation EC devices.
- To evaluate the nicotine delivery profile of ECs relative to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
- To determine optimal nicotine concentrations for ECs to serve as effective smoking substitutes.
Main Methods:
- Experienced EC users vaped either a first-generation or new-generation device with 18 mg/ml nicotine liquid for 1 hour.
- Plasma nicotine levels were measured during and after vaping.
- Nicotine delivery was compared between EC device types and to smoking a single tobacco cigarette.
Main Results:
- New-generation EC devices resulted in 35-72% higher plasma nicotine levels compared to first-generation devices.
- Both EC devices delivered significantly less nicotine (one-third to one-fourth) than a single tobacco cigarette after 5 minutes.
- Despite improved efficiency, new-generation ECs delivered nicotine more slowly than tobacco cigarettes.
Conclusions:
- Current 18 mg/ml nicotine concentrations in EC liquids may be insufficient for effective smoking substitution.
- Higher nicotine concentrations, approximately 50 mg/ml, are recommended to mimic tobacco cigarette nicotine delivery.
- Optimizing nicotine delivery is essential for enhancing the efficacy of ECs as smoking cessation tools.
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