Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are a hot trend worldwide, with consumers viewing them as an alternative to smoking traditional tobacco products. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don't contain tobacco. However, their increasing prevalence has raised concerns about their impact on indoor air quality.
What are electronic cigarettes?
An e-cigarette has a battery-operated heating element that turns the solution in its cartridge into a vapor, which the user inhales. This solution contains:
- Water
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable glycerin
- Nicotine
- Flavorings
- Formaldehyde (included in some brands)
Do electronic cigarettes affect air quality?
At the moment, there are limited studies that have been carried out on the impact of e-cigarettes on air quality. The few that have taken place have found that e-cigarettes may release nicotine, glycerol, propylene glycol, and chemicals including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. Places with a high concentration of e-cigarette users can expose people to poor air quality.
There are conflicting results of the effects of e-cigarette emissions in smaller indoor environments. A study done by environmentalists concluded that the emissions from e-cigarettes are minute and don't pose any health risk to humans. However, according to a study by the Bavaria Health and Food Safety Authority, the detectable levels of chemicals, particulate matter, metals, and nicotine released by e-cigarettes can put the health of both users and non-users at risk.
Clearly, there's a need for more IAQ studies involving human volunteers to be conducted. However, the evidence available so far shows that it's necessary to have proper ventilation to avoid any potential air quality issues from the use of electronic cigarettes.
If you'd like to boost the indoor air quality of your Fort Wayne home, contact the home comfort experts at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.