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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
10:44
Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
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Skin contamination as pathway for nicotine intoxication in vapers
Giovanni Maina1, Carlotta Castagnoli2, Giordana Ghione2
1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126 Torino, Italy.
Summary
Electronic cigarette e-liquids can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing health issues. Promptly washing skin after exposure significantly reduces nicotine absorption, highlighting the importance of decontamination for vapers and children.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Growing concerns exist regarding the health effects of electronic cigarettes, but findings on nicotine absorption through the skin remain inconclusive.
- Electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) pose a risk of dermal exposure, necessitating an understanding of nicotine's percutaneous absorption.
- Nicotine exposure from e-liquids is a significant public health consideration, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro percutaneous absorption of nicotine from two different e-liquid formulations.
- To quantify nicotine absorption following prolonged skin contact and assess the impact of immediate decontamination.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of skin cleaning in reducing transdermal nicotine uptake.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Franz cell diffusion systems to simulate in vitro skin exposure to nicotine e-liquids (1.8% nicotine).
- Analyzed nicotine concentration in receptor solutions via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry over 24 hours.
- Compared nicotine absorption in cells with continuous exposure versus those where the e-liquid was removed and skin was washed after 10 minutes.
Main Results:
- Significant nicotine absorption (54.9±29.5 and 30.2±18.4 μg/cm²) occurred with prolonged skin contact for both e-liquids.
- Washing the skin after 10 minutes drastically reduced nicotine absorption (4.7±2.4 and 3.5±1.3 μg/cm²).
- Skin cleaning effectively minimized both the rate of transdermal absorption and intradermal nicotine deposition.
Conclusions:
- Dermal contamination with e-liquids can lead to systemic nicotine absorption, posing potential health risks to vapers.
- Immediate skin cleaning is crucial for significantly reducing nicotine uptake following accidental exposure.
- Caution is advised regarding dermal exposure to e-liquids, especially in children, due to potential health implications.
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