Secondhand Electronic-Cigarette Aerosols and Indoor Air Quality

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that in 2021, 4.5% of adults aged 18 and over were electronic cigarette users. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently released data from the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) that showed 2.1 million youth also use e-cigarettes.

This means tens of millions of e-cigarettes are used daily. These devices work by producing an aerosol when a liquid is heated that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. While e-cigarette users inhale this aerosol, people nearby do as well when the user exhales. These aerosols can have a significant impact on a building’s indoor air quality (IAQ) if used indoors or near air intakes or entryways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarette aerosols may contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:

• Nicotine
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• Cancer-causing chemicals
• Heavy metals such as lead, tin and nickel
• Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency even warns that after a person stops vaping or smoking, some of the chemicals released can remain indoors for a long time,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These chemicals can build up on hard surfaces such as walls and tables, and embed in soft surfaces like clothing and carpets. In some cases, these chemicals can be released back into the air, leading to thirdhand exposure.”

Those concerned about possible exposure to nicotine, particulate matter (PM), metals, VOCs and other chemicals from e-cigarettes or environmental tobacco smoke can turn to EMSL Analytical for answers. Their environmental testing specialists provide laboratory services, sampling supplies and test kits for these and other respiratory hazards and surface contaminants. EMSL also offers air monitoring instruments to detect PM and other airborne pollutants. They even sponsored an educational video about secondhand e-cigarette aerosols and IAQ that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/XPuMI_5UBQ4

To learn more about this or other IAQ, environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . For access to indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail