The respiratory impacts of primary and secondhand exposure to electronic nicotine delivery systems in young adults: a prospective cohort study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasingly used among young adults, yet their respiratory effects, especially from secondhand exposure, remain unclear. This study evaluated changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms associated with primary and secondhand ENDS exposure among healthy young adults over six months.
METHODS: A longitudinal cohort of 32 participants aged 19-45 years was enrolled: 12 primary ENDS users (vapers), 10 secondhand exposed participants, and 10 unexposed controls. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted in months 1, 3, and 6, measuring Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratios. Respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaires. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests compared spirometry results, while Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's tests analyzed symptom data. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age, sex, race, and body mass index assessed longitudinal trends.
RESULTS: At baseline, mean FEV1/FVC ratios were lower in vapers (0.86 ± 0.05) and secondhand participants (0.85 ± 0.05) than controls (0.91 ± 0.05). Mixed-effects models showed reduced FEV1/FVC ratios among secondhand participants (p = 0.042). Vapers reported higher symptom scores than controls (p = 0.025) and secondhand participants (p = 0.048) at baseline, with similar trends at month 3. They also experienced greater changes in symptom scores from month 1 to 3 (p = 0.039) and month 1 to 6 (p…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 32 participants or records.
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