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Ouellette RR, Morean ME, Lee J, Kong G. Use of ENDS devices and modifications to vape cannabis among adolescents and young adults who also vape nicotine. Addict Behav 2024; 157:108099. [PMID: 39003977 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are the most used tobacco product among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and are increasingly used to vape cannabis. It is unclear what vaping devices and ENDS modifications are used most frequently by AYAs who vape both nicotine and cannabis. METHODS AYAs (aged 14-29) reporting ENDS use in the past 30 days were recruited via Qualtrics (N = 1,011). We conducted three multivariable logistic regression models examining differences in likelihood of: 1) vaping cannabis in the past 30 days; 2) mixing cannabis and nicotine liquids; and 3) using nicotine devices to vape cannabis; based on type of vaping device used most often, controlling for age, socio-economic status, gender, race, frequency of ENDS use, and other cannabis use. RESULTS 40 % (n = 405) of AYAs reported vaping both nicotine and cannabis in the past 30 days. AYAs who used vape pens most often were more likely to have vaped cannabis concentrates in the past 30 days compared to individuals using disposable vapes (aOR = 2.72, 95 %CI = 1.75-4.21, p < 0.001). AYAs who used open systems most often (i.e., vape pens, mods, or e-hookah) were more likely than individuals using closed systems (i.e., disposable vapes, rechargeable pods or cigalikes) to combine nicotine and cannabis e-liquids (aOR = 2.03, 95 %CI = 1.43-2.89, p < 0.001) or use a nicotine device to vape cannabis (aOR = 1.66, 95 %CI = 1.17-2.34, p = 0.005). IMPLICATIONS Co-use of cannabis and nicotine via similar devices, particularly vape pens and other open-systems, warrants collaborative regulatory efforts to mitigate co-use of both substances, with a particular need for increased regulation of cannabis vaping products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Ouellette
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Meghan E Morean
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Juhan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Grace Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Churchill V, Fairman RT, Brown D, Massey ZB, Ashley DL, Popova L. "I Get the Flavors and It Makes Me Love Vaping More": How and Why Youth Users Modify Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1791-1797. [PMID: 37358211 PMCID: PMC10475604 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth in the United States are using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) at a high rate. Modifications to ENDS by youth can introduce additional health hazards which have not been previously considered. To better understand these risks, we need more information on what these modifications are, the motivations behind them, and the sources of information on modifications. AIMS AND METHODS Utilizing a trained moderator, in 2020-2021, we conducted one-on-one interviews with 19 youth ENDS users aged 16-17 living in the United States and analyzed their responses using a qualitative description approach. RESULTS The most prominent modification was to the e-liquid; youth indicated they mixed e-juices to create new flavors and added substances not intended for vaping, including illicit drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. Few youths from our sample were interested in achieving a specific nicotine level to vape, and modifications to the battery, coil and wick were less frequently mentioned. Some of these modifications were motivated by a desire to achieve specific experiences with their device. At other times, modifications were made due to necessity because of limited access to ENDS devices and supplies. YouTube and peers were the main sources of information about modifying. CONCLUSIONS Youth are making modifications that are both intended and unintended by the manufacturer. Adding illicit drugs and other substances not made for vaping is of particular concern. Understanding how youth modify ENDS and how that changes their use is important to guide regulatory policy intended to reduce harm to youth from ENDS use. IMPLICATIONS Youth from our study indicated that they make modifications to the ENDS devices, specifically to the e-liquid. These modifications are both intended by the manufacturer, such as changing the e-liquid and replacing coils, and unintended, such as adding substances not meant for vaping. Future policies aimed at reducing youth ENDS use should consider mandating better safeguards against modifications that appeal to youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Churchill
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert T Fairman
- Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Devon Brown
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - David L Ashley
- Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lucy Popova
- Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Austin-Datta RJ, Chaudhari PV, Cheng TYD, Klarenberg G, Striley CW, Cottler LB. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) use Among Members of a Community Engagement Program. J Community Health 2023; 48:338-346. [PMID: 36436165 PMCID: PMC9702843 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are relatively new and ENDS use data from community engagement programs may help us understand usage patterns and facilitate targeted longitudinal studies. Community members in Florida, USA, were asked about ENDS use, tobacco use, and health history/concerns by Community Health Workers. Among 7253 members recruited during 2014 to 2021 into our HealthStreet program, 1177 had ever used ENDS; the proportion increased from 12 to 27% from 2014 to 2021 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.5; Ever versus never used ENDS). Ever tobacco use was strongly associated with ENDS use; 69% of ever users were current tobacco users. Demographic determinants (sex, age, race) and food insecurity were strongest predictors of ENDS use. Most who had ever used ENDS were aged 18-25 (aOR 5.9; 95% CI 4.6-7.6; vs. aged 60 + years), White (aOR 3.7; 95% CI 3.2-4.3; vs. Black/African American), male (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-1.7; vs. female), and recently food insecure (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5-2.0; vs. not recently food insecure). Those with respiratory issues were more likely to have used ENDS compared to those without (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.6; aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.5). Members concerned about hypertension were less likely to have used ENDS (aOR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.9). In this relatively rural, micropolitan sample, tobacco use, socio-economic determinants, and certain health history/concerns were strongly associated with ENDS use. Community outreach approaches are needed to further understand these factors and implement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Austin-Datta
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Piyush Vilas Chaudhari
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ting-Yuan David Cheng
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Geraldine Klarenberg
- UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Catherine Woodstock Striley
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Linda B Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Smith MJ, MacKintosh AM, Ford A, Hilton S. Youth's engagement and perceptions of disposable e-cigarettes: a UK focus group study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068466. [PMID: 36948552 PMCID: PMC10040067 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence suggests that use of flavoured disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing. Considering the growing popularity and rapid evolution of e-cigarettes, we explored youth's perceptions and engagement with disposable e-cigarettes. DESIGN Twenty focus groups were conducted between March and May 2022, with 82 youths aged 11-16 living in the Central belt of Scotland. METHODS Youths were asked about smoking and vaping behaviours and disposable e-cigarettes and were shown vaping-related images and videos from social media which were used to stimulate discussion about different messages, presentations and contextual features. Transcripts were imported into NVivo V.12, coded thematically, and analysed. RESULTS Youths described disposable e-cigarettes as 'cool', 'fashionable' and enticing and viewed as a modern lifestyle 'accessory'. Tank models were perceived as being used by older adults. Youths stated that disposable e-cigarettes were designed in a way to target youths and the brightly coloured devices and range of flavourings encouraged youths to want to try the products, particularly sweet flavourings. Participants perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful compared with combustible cigarettes but noted the uncertainty of ingredients in disposable e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS Youths distinguish between e-cigarettes with varying characteristics and social perceptions of users. These findings provide evidence that disposable e-cigarettes are attractive to youths. Future research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to youth perceptions of disposable e-cigarettes. Policymakers should work together to design and implement policies and strategies to prevent youth uptake of vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Smith
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Allison Ford
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Shona Hilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Zhang Q, Jeon J, Goldsmith T, Black M, Greenwald R, Wright C. Characterization of an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Aerosol Generation Platform to Determine Exposure Risks. TOXICS 2023; 11:99. [PMID: 36850974 PMCID: PMC9967066 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Evaluating vaping parameters that influence electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) emission profiles and potentially hazardous exposure levels is essential to protecting human health. We developed an automated multi-channel ENDS aerosol generation system (EAGS) for characterizing size-resolved particle emissions across pod- and mod-type devices using real-time monitoring instruments, an exposure chamber, and vaping parameters including different ventilation rates, device type and age, e-liquid formulation, and atomizer setup. Results show the ENDS device type, e-liquid flavoring, and nicotine content can affect particle emissions. In general, pod-type devices have unimodal particle size distributions and higher number emissions, while mod-type devices have bimodal size distributions and higher mass emissions. For pod-type devices, later puff fractions emit lower aerosols, which is potentially associated with the change of coil resistance and power during ageing. For a mod-type device, an atomizer with a lower resistance coil and higher power generates larger particle emissions than an atomizer with a greater resistance coil and lower power. The unventilated scenario produces higher particle emission factors, except for particle mass emission from pod-type devices. The data provided herein indicate the EAGS can produce realistic and reproducible puff profiles of pod- and mod-type ENDS devices and therefore is a suitable platform for characterizing ENDS-associated exposure risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Chemical Insights Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, GA 30067, USA
| | - Jennifer Jeon
- Chemical Insights Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, GA 30067, USA
| | - Travis Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University/IEStechno, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Marilyn Black
- Chemical Insights Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, GA 30067, USA
| | - Roby Greenwald
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Christa Wright
- Chemical Insights Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Marietta, GA 30067, USA
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Li Y, Ashley DL, Popova L. Users’ Modifications to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Content Analysis of YouTube Video Comments. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2022; 2. [PMID: 35992739 PMCID: PMC9387347 DOI: 10.2196/38268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: User modifications can alter the toxicity and addictiveness of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs). YouTube has been a major platform where ENDS users obtain and share information about ENDS modifications. Past research has examined the content and characteristics of ENDS modification videos. Objective: This study aims to analyze the video comments to understand the viewers’ reactions to these videos. Methods: We identified 168 YouTube videos depicting ENDS modifications. Each video’s top 20 most liked comments were retrieved. The final sample included 2859 comments. A content analysis identified major themes of the comment content. Results: Most comments were directed to creators and interacted with others: 952/2859 (33.30%) expressed appreciation, 135/2859 (4.72%) requested more videos, 462/2859 (16.16%) asked for clarification, and 67/2859 (2.34%) inquired about product purchases. In addition, comments mentioned viewers’ experiences of ENDS modifications (430/2859, 15.04%) and tobacco use (167/2859, 5.84%); about 198/2859 (6.93%) also indicated intentions to modify ENDSs and 34/2859 (1.19%) mentioned that they were “newbies.” Moreover, comments included modification knowledge: 346/2859 (12.10%) provided additional information, 227/2859 (7.94%) mentioned newly learned knowledge, and 162/2859 (5.67%) criticized the videos. Furthermore, few comments mentioned the dangers of ENDS modifications (136/2859, 4.76%) and tobacco use (7/2859, 0.24%). Lastly, among the 15 comments explicitly mentioning regulations, 13/2859 (0.45%) were against and 2/2859 (0.07%) were supportive of regulations. Conclusions: The results indicated acceptance and popularity of ENDS modifications and suggested that the videos might motivate current and new users to alter their devices. Few comments mentioned the risks and regulations. Regulatory research and agencies should be aware of online ENDS modification information and understand its impacts on users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Li
- Department of Communication Studies, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
- Department of Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - David L Ashley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lucy Popova
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Alqahtani MM, Massey ZB, Fairman RT, Churchill V, Ashley DL, Popova L. General and Device-Specific Reasons for ENDS Use: A Qualitative Study with Adult ENDS Users. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116822. [PMID: 35682417 PMCID: PMC9180821 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A scientific consensus on the public health impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) remains elusive. This is partly due to the wide variation in product characteristics often lumped together under one category. Research is needed to better understand what ENDS device type characteristics motivate their use by adults. METHODS Nine focus groups of 32 current ENDS users who were 18+ years old, had used ENDS in the previous 30 days, and had been using ENDS for more than two months were held either in person or online between February and June 2020. RESULTS Participants' reasons for their choice of ENDS characteristics included both general, applying to all ENDS products, and specific, relating to particular ENDS devices. Health benefits and the lack of offensive odor were commonly identified as important reasons for using ENDS in general. Flavor and product discreteness were both general and device-specific determinants of ENDS use. Conversely, nicotine delivery, cloud size, battery properties, aesthetics, ease of use, and cost were device-specific drivers of participants' choice. CONCLUSIONS The reasons that adults choose to use ENDS are complex and sometimes related to both ENDS as a category and as specific ENDS product types. Regulations and public communication campaigns should reflect their ultimate objective and consider both general and specific motivations when attempting to achieve public health objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alqahtani
- School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zachary B. Massey
- School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Robert T. Fairman
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; (R.T.F.); (V.C.); (D.L.A.)
| | - Victoria Churchill
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; (R.T.F.); (V.C.); (D.L.A.)
| | - David L. Ashley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; (R.T.F.); (V.C.); (D.L.A.)
| | - Lucy Popova
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; (R.T.F.); (V.C.); (D.L.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Device Types and Flavors Used by Youth in the PATH Study, 2016-2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095236. [PMID: 35564630 PMCID: PMC9101111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The evolving electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketplace and recent regulatory actions may influence youth ENDS device preferences. Using data from Waves (W) 4, 4.5, and 5 (2016–2019) of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, this study estimated the prevalence of open and closed system primary ENDS use by youth (12–17 years) current (past 30-day) ENDS users, and compared demographics, tobacco use characteristics, and patterns of ENDS use, including flavors, by device type. Among current ENDS users, closed system use was significantly higher than open system use in W4.5 (68.3% vs. 31.7%) and W5 (60.5% vs. 39.5%). In W5, closed system users were more likely to have a regular ENDS brand, believe their ENDS had nicotine, and use tobacco and mint or menthol flavors in the past 30 days compared to open system users. In W5, users of closed systems were less likely to use fruit, non-alcoholic drink, and candy, desserts, or other sweets flavors in the past 30 days than users of open systems. Youth were more likely to use closed over open system ENDS in 2017–2019. Differences were observed between device types, particularly with flavor use, reflecting recent changes in flavored product availability.
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"It's Cool, Modifying and All, but I Don't Want Anything Blowing Up on Me:" A Focus Group Study of Motivations to Modify Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211735. [PMID: 34831491 PMCID: PMC8619023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Modifications to electronic nicoti ne delivery systems (ENDS) can pose health risks to users. This study explored users’ motivations for modifying ENDS devices and how perceived risks of modifications influenced modification behaviors as product availability and device characteristics changed over time. Method: We conducted nine focus groups (February–June 2020) with 32 current ENDS users (18+, used ENDS in the past 30 days, and had been using ENDS for more than 2 months). Results: Participants primarily modified ENDS devices to improve their experiences, such as experimenting with flavor, controlling nicotine levels, or using cannabis products with ENDS. Another reason for modifying was routine maintenance to ensure a satisfactory experience, including maintaining coils and keeping batteries charged. The broader availability of ENDS products shifted modification behaviors over time, with newer devices making some modifications (e.g., coil replacement) easier and making more intricate modifications (e.g., building coil from scratch) less common. Participants were aware of modification dangers and cited perceived risk as the reason for avoiding certain modifications, such as battery alterations. Conclusions: Modifications of ENDS are ongoing and evolving among users and should be considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory decision-makers as product authorization reviews are conducted and product standards are developed.
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Abstract
Vaping, the inhalation of heated aerosols, received widespread attention during the outbreak of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) or vaping-associated acute lung injury cases in 2019. E-cigarette use is now widely recognized as a potential cause of acute lung injury. Vaping is often perceived by physicians as referring exclusively to the use of e-cigarette devices. However, inhalation of nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol-containing aerosol through alternate methods such as "dabbing" and "dripping" are increasingly common. However, the health impact of these alternate methods remains poorly understood. The use of alternate methods and devices may go unrecognized because of lack of clinician familiarity with them. In this review, we discuss e-cigarettes devices, electronic-liquid components, the expanded spectrum of methods used to consume aerosolized substances, and the potential for lung injury.
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Bracken-Clarke D, Kapoor D, Baird AM, Buchanan PJ, Gately K, Cuffe S, Finn SP. Vaping and lung cancer - A review of current data and recommendations. Lung Cancer 2021; 153:11-20. [PMID: 33429159 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2020.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide and, while tobacco smoke remains the primary cause, there is increasing concern that vaping and E-cigarette use may also increase lung cancer risk. This review concentrates on the current data, scholarship and active foci of research regarding potential cancer risk and oncogenic mechanisms of vaping and lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a literature review of current and historical publications on lung cancer oncogenesis, vaping device/e-liquid contents and daughter products, molecular oncogenic mechanisms and the fundamental, potentially oncogenic, effects of electronic cigarette smoke/e-liquid products. RESULTS E-cigarette devices and vaping fluids demonstrably contain a series of both definite and probable oncogens including nicotine derivatives (e.g. nitrosnornicotine, nitrosamine ketone), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals (including organometal compounds) and aldehydes/other complex organic compounds. These arise both as constituents of the e-liquid (with many aldehydes and other complex organics used as flavourings) and as a result of pyrolysis/complex organic reactions in the electronic cigarette device (including unequivocal carcinogens such as formaldehyde - formed from pyrolysis of glycerol). Various studies demonstrate in vitro transforming and cytotoxic activity of these derivatives. E-cigarette device use has been significantly increasing - particularly amongst the younger cohort and non-smokers; thus, this is an area of significant concern for the future. CONCLUSION Although research remains somewhat equivocal, there is clear reason for concern regarding the potential oncogenicity of E-Cigarettes/E-Liquids with a strong basic and molecular science basis. Given lag times (extrapolating from tobacco smoke data) of perhaps 20 years, this may have significant future public health implications. Thus, the authors feel further study in this field is strongly warranted and consideration should be made for tighter control and regulation of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhruv Kapoor
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Marie Baird
- School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul James Buchanan
- DCU Cancer Research, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; National Institute of Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathy Gately
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College School of Medicine and St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Cuffe
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Finn
- Department of Pathology, St James' Hospital and Trinity College School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
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Massey ZB, Li Y, Holli J, Churchill V, Yang B, Henderson K, Ashley DL, Huang J, Popova L. Modifications to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Content Analysis of YouTube Videos. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17104. [PMID: 32348288 PMCID: PMC7298628 DOI: 10.2196/17104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As user modification can alter the addictiveness and toxicity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), more research is needed to understand the types, motivations, risks, and information sources that lead to these product alterations. YouTube has been identified as a major platform where ENDS users obtain and share information about ENDS products and modifications. However, a comprehensive study of ENDS modification videos on YouTube is lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the content of YouTube videos depicting modifications of ENDS. METHODS YouTube was searched in March 2019 to identify videos depicting ENDS modifications. Search terms were derived from interviews with ENDS users and current literature. We used 28 search phrases that combined the words vape and vaping with modification-related key terms (eg, custom build, modification, and dripping). The final sample included 168 videos. RESULTS Videos were 1 to 108 min long (median 9.55). Presenters were largely male (117/168, 69.6%), white (94/168, 56.0%), and older than 25 years (94/168, 56.0%). Most videos gave how to instructions (148/168, 88.1%), but few offered warnings (30/168, 17.9%) or mentioned commercial alternatives to modifications they presented (16/168, 9.5%). The ENDS devices most often featured were drippers (63/168, 37.5%) and refillable tanks (37/168, 22.0%). The most often modified ENDS components were coils (82/168, 48.8%) and e-liquids (34/168, 20.2%), which included adding other substances, such as cannabis, to the e-liquids (6/168, 3.6%). Most videos portrayed ENDS modifications positively (106/168, 63.1% positive; 60/168, 35.7% neutral; and 2/168, 1.2% negative) and were either neutral or positive in their overall portrayal of ENDS devices (78/168, 46.4% positive; 89/168, 53.0% neutral; and 1/168, 0.6% negative). CONCLUSIONS This study identified several concerning trends in popular YouTube videos on ENDS modifications, including lack of warnings, the addition of marijuana derivatives to e-liquids, and the positive portrayal of ENDS devices and modifications. By identifying the types of modifications (coil and e-liquid being the most prevalent), this study sets an agenda for research on the effects of modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary B Massey
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yachao Li
- Department of Communication Studies and Department of Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - Jessica Holli
- Research and Training Institute, John Snow Incorporated, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Victoria Churchill
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Communication, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, United States
| | - Katherine Henderson
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David L Ashley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jidong Huang
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lucy Popova
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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