Electronic Smoking Devices Among University Students: Usage Patterns and Chemical Composition of Inhaled Substances

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Electronic smoking device (ESD) use is increasing globally, particularly among young adults.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated risks of ESD use in academic settings is crucial for public health.
• Limited data exists on ESD use patterns and chemical exposures among university students in Brazil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of ESD use among university students in Bahia, Brazil.
• To identify behavioral patterns and motivations associated with ESD use.
• To analyze the chemical composition of e-liquids and aerosols for potential health risks.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 355 university students in Bahia, Brazil.
• Data collected included ESD usage patterns, motivations, and nicotine dependence levels.
• Chemical profiling of e-liquid and aerosol samples was performed using DI-SPME-GC-MS and in situ-SPME-GC-MS techniques.

Main Results:

• 25.6% of students reported previous ESD use, with 11% being daily users.
• Dual use of ESDs and conventional cigarettes was the most common pattern (61.5%).
• Chemical analysis identified 223 compounds in e-liquid and 185 in aerosol, including harmful substances like PAHs and phthalic acids, alongside solvents and terpenes.

Conclusions:

• ESD use, including dual use, is a significant behavior among university students in Bahia.
• The presence of toxic compounds in e-liquids and aerosols poses potential health risks.
• There is an urgent need for regulatory policies and preventive strategies targeting ESD use in academic environments.