Nicotine Intake in Adult Pod E-cigarette Users: Impact of User and Device Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Tobacco Control Research
• Addiction Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Pod-mod e-cigarettes are widely used, raising questions about nicotine intake.
• Understanding factors influencing nicotine consumption is crucial for public health policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine user behavior, e-cigarette dependence, and device characteristics influencing nicotine intake among pod-mod users.
• To assess the relationship between total nicotine equivalents (TNE) and various usage patterns and user factors.

Main Methods:

• 100 pod-mod e-cigarette users in the San Francisco Bay Area completed questionnaires and provided urine samples.
• Urine samples were analyzed for total nicotine equivalents (TNE) and NNAL (a marker for combustible cigarette use).
• Statistical analyses examined associations between TNE and e-cigarette use frequency, intensity, dependence, nicotine strength, and NNAL levels.

Main Results:

• Nicotine intake (TNE) was associated with higher frequency and intensity of e-cigarette use, and greater e-cigarette dependence.
• Combustible cigarette use (NNAL levels) was also significantly associated with TNE.
• E-liquid nicotine strength and flavor did not significantly impact urinary TNE levels.

Conclusions:

• Nicotine intake among pod-mod users is primarily driven by consumption patterns and dependence, not nicotine concentration.
• Current nicotine levels in e-liquids may not be a primary determinant of nicotine exposure in experienced adult users.
• Findings may inform regulatory decisions regarding nicotine standards for e-cigarettes.