Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among electronic cigarette users

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) from combustible products is linked to disease and hinders smoking cessation.
• Limited data exists on ETS exposure among e-cigarette users.
• Understanding ETS exposure in this population is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the exposure of e-cigarette users to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) from combustible tobacco products.
• To compare ETS exposure levels across different smoking behaviors, including exclusive e-cigarette use and dual use.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nationally representative Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Surveys (2013-2015) data from 28,765 individuals.
• Ordered logistic regression used to examine the association between ETS exposure frequency and smoker types (tobacco only, dual, e-cigarette only, former, never).
• Stratified analysis conducted by age group (15-54 and 55+).

Main Results:

• Young to middle-aged (15-54) dual users of tobacco and e-cigarettes exhibit higher ETS exposure than tobacco-only smokers.
• Young to middle-aged exclusive e-cigarette users show higher ETS exposure than never smokers, though less than tobacco smokers.
• Older adults (55+) who use e-cigarettes (dual or exclusive) face ETS exposure risks comparable to tobacco smokers.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette users are identified as a population at high risk for environmental tobacco smoke exposure.
• The findings underscore the need for policies addressing both e-cigarette user behaviors and their surrounding environments.
• Interventions are recommended to reduce ETS exposure among e-cigarette consumers.