Passive Electronic Cigarette Vapor Exposure in Children: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is prevalent among adults of childbearing age.
• Users often perceive passive e-cigarette vapor exposure as less harmful than conventional cigarette smoke.
• There is a need to understand the risks associated with passive e-cigarette vapor exposure in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the risks of passive electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor exposure in children.
• To synthesize emerging evidence on the health effects of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol on pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies published between 2010 and 2024.
• Inclusion criteria focused on children (0-18 years), animal models, or in vitro studies assessing passive e-cigarette vapor exposure.
• Data sources included PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus; two independent reviewers screened studies.

Main Results:

• Thirty-three studies were included, with emerging evidence primarily from animal models.
• Passive e-cigarette vapor exposure is associated with adverse respiratory, immunological, physical growth, and neurological effects.
• Air assessments revealed increased particulate matter, nicotine, metals, and volatile organic compounds; parental e-cigarette use often occurs in the home.

Conclusions:

• Passive e-cigarette vapor exposure may pose significant health risks to children.
• Methodological limitations exist in the current evidence base, necessitating more rigorous studies.
• Parents should be informed about potential harms and advised to minimize children's exposure to e-cigarette vapor.