Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/625510
IAQA 18th Annual Meeting & Indoor Environment and Energy Expo (IE3) The views and opinions herein are those of the volunteer authors and may not reflect the views and opinions of IAQA. The information is offered in good faith and believed to be reliable but it is provided without warranty, expressed or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or any other matter. Studies have detected varying levels of nicotine content from labeled amounts, even from the same manufacturer, and the presence of volatile organic compounds, tobacco-related carcinogens, metals and chemicals such as formaldehyde. Depending on brand and sample, an e-cigarette possibly delivers several toxins.Some of the chemicals, particularly some flavoring agents, in e-cigarette aerosol are cytotoxic to human and rat cells, particularly human embryonic cells. Several chemicals that have been found in e- cigarette aerosol and e-liquid are on California's official list of known human carcinogens or reproductive toxicants,, including nicotine, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, nickel, lead, toluene. Vaping introduces particulates into the indoor environment that are of concern from both a size and concentration. Exhaled particles expose bystanders to ―passive vaping.‖ These studies show that e-cigarette aerosol is not a simple "water vapor" as is often claimed in the marketing. The e-cigarettes produce more particulates when compared to conventional cigarettes. The thresholds for human toxicity of potential toxicants in e-cigarette aerosol are not known, and the possibility of health risks to primary users of the products and those exposed passively to the product emissions must be considered. While several agencies and organizations have adopted restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes in public places, there is currently no U.S. federal law or regulation that explicitly bans the use of e- cigarettes on airplanes, railroads, buses, or other modes of transportation. The American Lung Association has issued a statement expressing its concern about the potential safety and health consequences of e-cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has concluded that the safety and efficacy of e- cigarettes are largely unknown and have not been fully studied. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that the safety and efficacy of these products has not been scientifically demonstrated and their potential health risks remain undetermined. Recommendations World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that consumers be strongly advised not to use electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, until they are deemed safe and effective and of acceptable quality by a competent national regulatory body. E-cigarettes should be prohibited anywhere the use of conventional cigarettes is prohibited