Audrey Yu - Department of Public Health Department
E-cigarettes and vapes are becoming more and more popular, but there is still little data
on the potential health effects. A study by Su et al assesses the possible health risks of passive vaping and second-hand vaping. This study specifically analyzed the metals found in e-cigarette vapor including large quantities of iron, chromium, and aluminum and smaller quantities of other toxic metals. The study determined all non-cancer and cancer risks were within healthy limits, but the study would point out several factors that can increase these risks: decreased ventilation rate, a distance shorter than 6 meters away, and increased vapor concentrations would increase health risks.
As e-cigarettes and vapes become more widespread, it's important to understand how to be safe in private and public spaces. As mentioned above, the best way to reduce health risks from passive vaping is to be in areas with higher ventilation rates, stay at a distance of 6 meters or more, and avoid settings where there is a high concentration of vapor. This can be hard to avoid in social settings like clubs, bars, and lounges, but it can still be helpful to be aware of these risks. While the study did conclude that the health risk of passive vaping is within the normal range, it is still valuable to keep these health risks in mind.
References:
Su, W.-C., Lee, J., Zhang, K., Wong, S.-W., & Buu, A. (2023). Estimation of health risks caused by metals contained in e-cigarette aerosol through passive vaping. Toxics, 11(8), 684. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080684
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