Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Volume 159, Issue -, Pages 313-320Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.014
Keywords
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Funding
- Cigarette Restitution Fund (State of Maryland) [PHPA-G2034]
- American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation and Addiction Center [1P50HL120163]
- Alfonso Martin Escudero Foundation
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Background: Nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) are components of e-cigarette heating coils. Whether e-cigarettes increase metal internal dose, however, is unknown. We assessed the association of e-cigarette use patterns and of e-liquid and aerosol metal concentrations with Ni and Cr biomarker levels in e-cigarette users from Maryland. Methods: We recruited 64 e-cigarette users from December 2015 to March 2016. We collected urine, saliva, and exhaled breath condensate (EBC), data on e-cigarette use, and samples from their e-cigarette device (dispenser e liquid, aerosol, and tank e-liquid). Results: Median Ni and Cr levels were 0.73 and 0.39 mu g/g creatinine in urine, 2.25 and 1.53 mu g/L in saliva, and 1.25 and 0.29 mu g/L in EBC. In adjusted models, tertiles 2 and 3 of aerosol Ni concentrations were associated with 16% and 72% higher urine Ni and 202% and 321% higher saliva Ni compared to the lowest tertile. Tertile 3 of aerosol Cr levels were associated with 193% higher saliva Cr. An earlier time to first vape in the morning and more frequent coil change were associated with higher urine Ni. Tertile 2 of e-liquid consumption per week and voltage were associated with higher saliva Ni levels than tertile 1. Conclusion: Positive associations of Ni and Cr aerosol concentrations with corresponding Ni and Cr biomarker levels indicate e-cigarette emissions increase metal internal dose. Increased e-cigarette use and consumption were also associated with higher Ni biomarker levels. Metal level standards are needed to prevent involuntary metal exposure among e-cigarette users.
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