Renee Bittoun, an Australian nicotine addiction specialist, warns of the dangers of passive vaping.
- Scientist Renee Bittoun warns against passive vaping.
- Even if the rates are lower than with tobacco, the smoke from electronic cigarettes contains chemicals, fine and ultra-fine particles, various chemical compounds (glycerol, formaldehyde, etc.).
- The expert thus calls for the precautionary principle concerning passive vaping.
The electronic cigarette is often seen as a less harmful option for health than tobacco. However, the products and flavors used in these devices still raise questions. Renee Bittoun, professor of nicotine addiction at Avondale University and the University of Notre Dame in Australia, warns of the danger of passive vaping in an article published in the journal The Conversation in March 2023.
Chemicals in e-cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco. On the other hand, they harbor nicotine. This alkaloid “particularly vicious toxic, because colorless and odorless“can be quickly “absorbed through our airways, including the nose, mouth, bronchial tubes…and even the ears”warns the expert.
In addition, the cartridges of electronic devices contain chemicals. “There are those famous sweet-smelling aromas… as well as fine and ultra-fine particles, various chemical compounds (glycerol, formaldehyde, etc.) specific to vapers, even metals – but no tar or carbon monoxide. carbon”, she wrote. These substances are expired by users. The surroundings can then also breathe them in.
“The pulmonary defenses of smokers, vapers and their neighbors are overwhelmed in the event of repeated exposure”warns Renee Bittoun.
A study, carried out in 2017 and 2018 in 12 European countries, estimated that 16% of adults were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols in enclosed places such as bars, restaurants or offices.
Passive vaping has harmful effects on the lungs
Several studies have been initiated to better understand the effects of vaping in closed places such as cars. A 2019 study shows that “although lower than tobacco cigarettes, exhaled toxicant levels are described as ‘ambient air pollution’ which should be avoided to protect the health of non-smokers and non-vapers” .
The Australian professor also notes that work has brought to light “the harmful respiratory effects of passive vaping”. The impact on cardiovascular health is still being studied.
But for the expert, it is necessary to act before the end of these studies “we cannot wait years to measure all the effects of passive vaping, even less harmful than passive smoking”.
“Based on the precautionary principle in public health, the challenge is to inform non-vapers, in particular young non-vapers, today about the phenomenon – and their rights to live “without vaping”, as well as to breathe clean air”concludes the expert.
