The Immediate Physiological Effects of E-Cigarette Use and Exposure to Secondhand E-Cigarette Vapor

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Vaping continues to grow as an alternative to smoking and as a recreational activity for people of all ages, including minors. The billion-dollar industry offers users a plethora of flavors, nicotine concentrations, e-juice combinations, and devices. While some studies suggest vaping is beneficial for certain ailments and as a smoking cessation tool, many studies report concerning health outcomes associated with vape use. Recent FDA regulations have banned certain vaping products following an increase of vaping-related lung injuries reported in 2019. Health care providers need to better understand the physiological effects of vaping-specific products and the impact of secondhand vapor. The specific aims of the present study were to understand the immediate effects on heart rate, breathing frequency, blood pressure, blood sugar, ${\mathbf{\text{S}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{pO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}}$ , pulmonary function, and oral temperature following e-cigarette use and secondhand vapor exposure.

METHODS:

A total of 149 volunteers participated in this study; 76 subjects vaped mint-flavored e-cigarettes with 5% nicotine for 20 min while seated next to 73 nonvaping subjects who agreed to be exposed to the vapor. Health variables including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing frequency, blood glucose, FVC, ${\mathbf{\text{S}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{pO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}}$ , and oral temperature were obtained prior to vaping or exposure to vapor and again after 20 min.

RESULTS:

Subjects who vaped had significantly higher heart rate, breathing frequency, and oral temperature, and significantly lower blood oxygenation levels (ie, ${\mathbf{\text{S}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{pO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}}$ ) after vaping for 20 min. Nonvaping subjects exposed to vapor had significantly higher oral temperature after 20 min of exposure. Blood sugar and FVC were not significantly affected by vaping or exposure to vapor.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vaping with mint-flavored e-cigarettes with 5% nicotine for 20 min resulted in significant immediate physiological changes. Exposure to e-cigarette vapor significantly increased oral temperature within the same amount of time.