AIHA cautions against indoor use of electronic cigarettes
New white paper examines potential exposures
The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) has described the potential exposures and health risks associated with the use of electronic cigarettes in a new report. The report reviewed current scientific information and evaluated the effects of chemicals used in e-cigarettes and emitted from them. The report indicated that although e-cigarettes may be “safer” for the user than tobacco cigarettes, they can emit airborne contaminants that may affect both the user and people nearby.
“Vaping has been promoted as a smoking cessation tool that has no smoke,” said Cheryl (Cheri) L. Marcham, PhD, CIH, CSP, CHMM, project team leader on the white paper. “However, research indicates that emissions from vaping may contain nicotine and other contaminants whose health effects have not been thoroughly studied.”