Passive Exposure to E-cigarette Emissions: Minor Respiratory Effects

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The present work examined the effect of passive exposure to electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) emissions on respiratory mechanics and exhaled inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS A cross-over experimental study was conducted with 40 healthy non-smokers, 18-35 years old with normal physical examination and spirometry, with body mass index <30 kg/m 2 , who were exposed to e-cigarette emissions produced by a smoker, according to a standardized protocol based on two resistance settings, 0.5 ohm and 1.5 ohm, for e-cigarette use. All participants underwent a 30-minute control (no emissions) and two experimental sessions (0.5 and 1.5 ohm exposure) in a 35 m 3 room. The following Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) parameters were measured at pre and post sessions: impedance, resistance, reactance, resonant frequency (fres), frequency dependence of resistance (fdr=R5-R20), reactance area (AX), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Differences between pre and post measurements were compared using t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparisons between experimental sessions (registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03102684)