E-Cigarettes Can Expose Building Occupants to Nicotine and Other Airborne Pollutants

The use of cigarettes in the United States has been steadily dropping.  In 1965, approximately 42% of adults smoked cigarettes, but this number had fallen to about 18% by 2013.  As cigarette use continues to decrease, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been growing rapidly in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than a quarter of a million youth who had never smoked a cigarette used electronic cigarettes in 2013. This number reflects a three-fold increase, from about 79,000 in 2011, to more than 263,000 in 2013.

With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, exposure to aerosols from the devices are a growing concern for many.  In addition to nicotine, other substances may be inhaled by users and others.  Aerosolized flavorings along with propylene glycol, glycerin and other substances may be exposing people to airborne pollutants that could have health implications.

“Due to public health and exposure concerns, the use of e-cigarettes has caused a number of companies, institutions and government agencies to revisit their smoke-free policies,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Just last month, the St. Louis County Board approved a new ordinance that bans the use of e-cigarettes in public places, retail environments and the work environment.”

For those concerned about exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive testing services.   EMSL’s Nicotine Smoke Contamination Test Kit identifies residues left on surfaces.  Air testing is also available to detect ETS to help prevent people from being exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals. To obtain a nicotine test kit or to learn more, please visit: www.EMSLTestKits.com.

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about e-cigarettes and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/8GQ1P-n8r8I.

To learn more about nicotine and ETS testing or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail