Secondhand Vape Exposure May Be Worse Than Firsthand Exposure for Respiratory Symptoms in Youth

Secondhand nicotine vape exposure may increase the risk for bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath in young adults, according to the results of a recent study.

To better understand the relationship between secondhand vape exposure and respiratory symptoms, the researchers analyzed data from the Southern California Children Health Study cohort. A total of 2097 young adults were included in the study and completed annual surveys from 2014 to 2019 about their respiratory symptoms. The researchers controlled for relevant confounders, including vaping, active and passive exposure to tobacco or cannabis, and demographic characteristics including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and parental education.

The results indicated that the prevalence of secondhand nicotine vape exposure increased from 11.7% in 2014 to 15.6% in 2019. The prevalence of several respiratory symptoms also increased during this study period, including wheeze (12.3% to 14.9%), bronchitic symptoms (19.4% to 26.0%), and shortness of breath (16.5% to 18.1%). Bronchitic symptoms were defined in the study as bronchitis within the previous 12 months, a daily cough for 3 consecutive months, or congestion and phlegm other than when accompanied by a cold.

After controlling for coexposures, associations were observed between secondhand vape exposure, bronchitic symptoms, and shortness of breath. In individuals who were not smokers or vapers, these associations were stronger. No associations were observed for wheezing after controlling for the relevant confounders.

“We observed associations of secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes in the home with bronchitis symptoms and shortness of breath, after accounting for coexposures to other tobacco and cannabis products. The study satisfies several criteria of causation …” the researchers concluded.

“However, these findings need to be replicated … to establish a causal association between secondhand nicotine vape exposure and respiratory symptoms. If causal, reduction of secondhand e-cigarette exposure in the home would reduce the burden of respiratory symptoms and would provide a compelling rationale for regulation of e-cigarette use in public places.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Islam T, Braymiller J, Eckel SP, et al. Secondhand nicotine vaping at home and respiratory symptoms in young adults. Thorax. Published online January 10, 2022. https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2022/01/05/thoraxjnl-2021-217041