Children's exposure to nicotine in vaping homes: study reveals risks
Children living in homes where adults use e-cigarettes are exposed to significantly less nicotine through aerosols than those living with traditional cigarette smokers, a new study finds. However, vaping still exposes children to nicotine and may pose other risks.
According to researchers, to completely protect children from nicotine, they should not smoke or vape in their presence.
Study context
The study was conducted partly in response to the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes and the increase in their use in homes. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the study examines nicotine exposure levels in children living in homes with smokers or vapers.
Methodology and results
The researchers analyzed data from 1 children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an ongoing government study of the health and nutrition of children and adults in the United States. Parents or guardians reported tobacco use in the home. Of the children, more than 777 were exposed to tobacco smoke, 270 to e-cigarette vapor, and 45 were not exposed to either substance.
Nicotine levels were determined from blood samples collected between 2017 and 2020. Although new vaping devices have been introduced since then, the authors believe their study provides a general understanding of nicotine exposure in the home.
Comparison of nicotine exposure
Children exposed to tobacco smoke had the highest nicotine levels. This is because these products allow for dual exposure: when the smoker exhales and between puffs, when a lit cigarette rests in an ashtray. In contrast, vapers absorb 99% of the nicotine inhaled, but some is still released when exhaling.
Children not exposed to any indirect aerosol had the lowest nicotine levels. Those exposed to e-cigarettes had 84% lower nicotine absorption than children living with tobacco smokers.
Conclusion and recommendations
The study authors conclude that any form of vaping or smoking at home should be avoided. While nicotine itself has a limited risk profile, the increased exposure to nicotine from vapor suggests that children are also being exposed to other potentially harmful substances contained in e-cigarettes.
Dr. Terry Gordon, a professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, stresses that e-cigarette users should be reminded to be careful around others, especially children.
Future prospects
Scientists continue to struggle to fully understand the effects of secondhand aerosols from e-cigarettes. As with cigarette smoke, it could take years to determine the long-term effects. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist and volunteer spokesperson for the American Lung Association, cautions about the potential risks to children, comparing the current uncertainty to the early years of research on secondhand cigarette smoke.
