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Metal Concentration Assessment in the Urine of Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: A Pilot Study

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Prokopowicz

    (Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas, 6, Kossutha St., 40-844 Katowice, Poland)

  • Andrzej Sobczak

    (Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 4 St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland)

  • Jerzy Szdzuj

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 34 Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Grygoyć

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 34 Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland)

  • Leon Kośmider

    (Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellonska 4 St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland)

Abstract

Background : E-cigarettes (ECs) seem to be a less harmful alternative for conventional cigarettes, however, very little is still known about the exposure to some elements, which are the components of this device and may contaminate the nicotine liquid. The aim of this study is to assess whether e-cigarette users are more exposed to 12 elements detected in aerosol than non-smokers and conventional cigarette smokers, using their concentrations in urine as exposure biomarkers. Methods: A cross-sectional, group-based survey was carried out using 90 volunteers classified into groups of non-smokers, EC-only users, dual EC users-cigarette smokers and cigarette-only smokers. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), Cr, Ni, Co, Ag, In, Mn, Ba, Sr, V, Sb, Cd and Pb levels were measured in spot urine samples. Among the selected groups, a comparison was made using the analysis of covariance and correlations with EC usage pattern were assessed by multiple linear regression. Results: Element concentrations in urine of EC-users were not significantly different from the levels found in non-smokers and smokers. Only in the case of Ba, Ni and Sb was a significant correlation found in relation to some e-cigarette usage patterns. Conclusion: Transfer of the investigated elements to the EC aerosol was not found to be a substantial source of exposure in EC users who quitted smoking.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Prokopowicz & Andrzej Sobczak & Jerzy Szdzuj & Katarzyna Grygoyć & Leon Kośmider, 2020. "Metal Concentration Assessment in the Urine of Cigarette Smokers Who Switched to Electronic Cigarettes: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1877-:d:332276
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Naudia Gray & Mary Halstead & Nathalie Gonzalez-Jimenez & Liza Valentin-Blasini & Clifford Watson & R. Steven Pappas, 2019. "Analysis of Toxic Metals in Liquid from Electronic Cigarettes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-10, November.
    2. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Vassilis Voudris & Konstantinos Poulas, 2015. "Are Metals Emitted from Electronic Cigarettes a Reason for Health Concern? A Risk-Assessment Analysis of Currently Available Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Zachary R. Dunbar & Ananth Das & Richard J. O’Connor & Maciej L. Goniewicz & Binnian Wei & Mark J. Travers, 2018. "Brief Report: Lead Levels in Selected Electronic Cigarettes from Canada and the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Brian Rastian & Chase Wilbur & Daniel B. Curtis, 2022. "Transfer of Metals to the Aerosol Generated by an Electronic Cigarette: Influence of Number of Puffs and Power," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Charlotta Pisinger & Sofie K. Bergman Rasmussen, 2022. "The Health Effects of Real-World Dual Use of Electronic and Conventional Cigarettes versus the Health Effects of Exclusive Smoking of Conventional Cigarettes: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-23, October.

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