E-cigarettes can release airborne contaminants that may affect both the people using them and those nearby. That’s one of the conclusions of a white paper (PDF) that’s just been released by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) – one which reviews current scientific information and evaluates the impacts of chemicals used in e-cigarettes as well as those emitted from them. The resource was developed by AIHA's Indoor Environmental Quality Committee and Risk Committee.
"Scientific evidence is growing that supports the concern that emissions from e-cigarettes contain potentially hazardous chemicals that can impact both the user and bystanders," says Dr. Cheri Marcham, team leader of the group of industrial hygienists who researched and developed the white paper. "It's important that users and the public are aware that the emissions from these devices are not just water vapor, but instead contain a myriad of potentially harmful chemicals."