Characterization of VOC and Particle Emissions in Exhaled Air during Vaping

KATHERINE HOPSTOCK, Donald Blake, Sergey Nizkorodov, Rufus Edwards, University of California, Irvine

     Abstract Number: 62
     Working Group: Aerosol Exposure

Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) usage has steadily risen in popularity, predominantly amongst the youth, due to likely posing a lower health risk than traditional tobacco products. Despite this, there are gaps in knowledge on the hazards of second-hand exposure to exhaled breath emissions. Harmful compounds from direct exposure (inhaled vape stream) have previously been identified, however, the constituents of exhaled aerosol (particulate and vapor phase) have not been assessed. Using a Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), we have directly characterized the chemical composition and particle size of fresh exhaled vape emissions and inhaled vape stream. Flavor profiles (mint, watermelon, vanilla, apple, and mango) were varied amongst 5 repeat participant visits to test if major changes in gas-phase chemical composition would occur. Human volunteers’ puff topography was measured and utilized in concentration calculations. Notable compounds of health relevance recorded by PTR-ToF-MS present in e-cigarette vapor included formaldehyde, acrolein, butene, acetone, propanal, dimethyl sulfide, and nicotine. The data is consistent with previous suggestions that the majority of inhaled compounds deposit in the lungs with high efficiency regardless of the flavor type.