Secondhand Vape Exposure (Passive Vaping): Harms and Health Risks

Posted on October 16, 2023

Secondhand Vape Exposure (Passive Vaping): Harms and Health Risks

Secondhand vape exposure or passive vaping has been identified as a new public risk as a result of the increased popularity of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes.

Understanding the Secondhand Vape Exposure (Passive Vaping)

Secondhand vape exposure or passive vaping is the inhalation of e-cigarette vapors by individuals other than active vapers. It occurs when non-smokers or non-vapers unintentionally inhale the aerosols released by e-cigarettes used by others. Secondhand exposure to vapor differs from the secondhand smoke exposure from cigarettes.

According to the report by the Action on Smoke and Health (ASH) reported that the majority of the toxic substances found in tobacco smoke do not exist in e-cigarette vapors, and any that are present are extremely low levels, often below 1%.

How do E-cigarettes function?

E-cigarettes operate by heating liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) containing nicotine, flavorings, and other components. When heating, this E-liquid produces an aerosol that user inhale, it produces an aerosol that consumers inhale. This aerosol can also be spread into the surroundings, potentially reaching those who aren't actively engage with the device.

Health and harm risk

Toxic substances in secondhand cigarette smoke can lead to many health problems like heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, cardiovascular illness, and pregnancy related health concerns, these are well-known issues linked to breathing in smoke from regular cigarettes. However, we are not sure about the health risks of being around e-cigratte. Research is still studying to understand the potential dangers of being exposed to the aerosols produced by e-cigrattes.

Studies have identified secondhand nicotine vaping as a significant concern within passive vaping electronic nicotine delivery devices vaporizes the chemical into ultrafine particles. When bystanders unintentionally inhale these particles through secondhand vape exposure, it can increase the risk of bronchitis symptoms.

Nevertheless, according to the assessment from Public Health England and the National Health Service, passive exposure to vape aerosol causes no significant health risks.

What is Secondhand Vape Exposure?

According to the American Thoracic Society, Secondhand Vape Exposure is defined as individuals inhaling the aerosols emitted from electronic cigarettes. They also talk about something called third hand vape exposure, this happen when the tiny droplets from vaping settle on the things like carpets, walls, furniture, clothing, hair, and even toys.

The main concept of secondhand vape exposure is the unintended inhalation of nicotine, which increases the risk of bronchitis symptoms (Bronchitis, cough, and phlegm) as reported by Dr. Talat Islam, Assistant Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

A study done by the author Dr.Islam and published in the BMJ Thorax journal in 2022 indicated that 811 of the 2090 participants (38.8%) reported bronchitis symptoms throughout the study, indicating that secondhand vape exposure to nicotine was related to an elevated risk of bronchitis symptoms and shortness of breath in young people.

Is Passive Vaping the Same as Passive Smoking?

No, in the opinion of experts, passive vaping is different from passive smoking since e-cigarettes don't produce smoke, which is the main cause of the negative health effects associated with passive smoking, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and issues with reproduction in pregnant women.

Is Secondhand Vape Smoke Harmful?

Maybe, The American Thoracic Society emphasizes the fact that vaping aerosols include dangerous substances that onlookers may breathe in. On the other hand, Cancer Research UK claims that secondhand vapors from e-cigarettes are unlikely to be dangerous and that as of March 27, 2023, there is "no good evidence" to support this claim.

Can you Get Nicotine from passive Vaping?

Yes, passive vaping can expose people to nicotine, but only in minimal amounts. The National Health Services points out those e-cigarettes produce minimal nicotine into the air, providing a much smaller risk to bystanders than regular tobacco cigarettes do.

Is Passive Vaping for Asthma?

Yes, passive vaping can expose them to moderate amounts of nicotine. The National Health Service (NHS) highlights that compared to traditional tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes produce significantly less nicotine in the air and provide a much lower danger to bystanders.

Can Passive Vaping Cause a Sore Throat?

Passive vaping could increase the chance of getting a sore throat due to throat irritation. Although a sore throat is a common problem for those who actively use e-cigarette, there is currently not much research to support this association.

Is Passive Vaping Harmful during pregnancy?

Yes, passive vaporization while pregnancy may severely harm the unborn kid. The risk of miscarriage, early birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems rises with vaporized nicotine exposure. Therefore, it is highly advised to stay away from secondhand vapors exposure when pregnant.

Due to potential hazards to the fetus, Dr. Elizabeth Rogers, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, suggests full abstinence from all types of nicotine during pregnancy.

Is Vaping Safe around babies and Kids?

Vaping is considered to be risky near infants or young children due to the increased danger of exposure to harmful compounds, including nicotine, which can result in accidentally consumption.

Vaping is considered to be risky near infants or young children. Due to the increased danger of exposure to harmful compounds, including nicotine, which can result in accidentally consumption, experts universally oppose vaping next to them.

To avoid accidental consumption, John Hopkins All Children's Hospital suggests keeping e-cigarettes and vaping equipment safely kept and out of reach of kids. It's best to get in touch with your local poison control center if you think a child may have inhaled secondhand vapors from an e-cigarette or liquid nicotine.