Cigarettes pose a greater threat.
A recent study has found that secondhand smoke from cigarettes poses a significantly greater risk to children in terms of nicotine exposure compared to secondhand vapor from vaping devices. Blood tests conducted on nearly 1,800 U.S. children aged 3 to 11 revealed that those exposed to indoor vaping absorbed less than one-seventh the amount of nicotine compared to children exposed to indoor smoking.
The research, conducted by experts from the University College London Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, highlights that while vaping emits similar levels of nicotine as smoking, it contains far fewer toxins and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. Lead researcher Harry Tattan-Birch emphasized that nicotine absorption from secondhand vapor is markedly lower compared to secondhand smoke, as evidenced by real-world data rather than laboratory simulations.
Senior researcher Lion Shahab underscored the findings, suggesting that concerns regarding secondhand vaping might be exaggerated, with exposure to harmful substances likely being very minimal. Despite this, Shahab cautioned against indoor vaping around children, advocating for environments free from both smoking and vaping to protect children’s health.
The study’s analysis of cotinine levels in children’s blood samples between 2017 and 2020 confirmed that those exposed to indoor vaping absorbed 84% less nicotine than those exposed to indoor smoking. However, children with no exposure to either source absorbed 97% less nicotine, indicating the substantial impact of avoiding both smoking and vaping in indoor settings.
Researchers explained that the lower nicotine absorption from vaping can be attributed to differences in how nicotine is released into the air: smokers emit nicotine when exhaling and from the lit end of cigarettes, whereas e-cigarettes release nicotine primarily through exhalation.
While acknowledging the lower health risks associated with secondhand vaping compared to smoking, researchers emphasized the importance of indoor air policies that discourage vaping. Such policies help prevent the normalization of e-cigarette use and promote environments that prioritize children’s health and well-being.
Discussion about this post