Examining Heavy Metal Exposure and Respiratory Health in Young Adult Electronic Cigarette Users

Examining Heavy Metal Exposure and Respiratory Health in Young Adult Electronic Cigarette Users

This study investigates heavy metal exposure in young adults who use electronic cigarettes.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Identify and quantify heavy metals (HM) concentration in the saliva of e-cigarette users.

II. Examine changes in pulmonary functioning and HM concentration pre/post vaping.

III. Examine the association between vaping intensity and HM concentration in the saliva of e-cigarette users.

OUTLINE: This is an observational study.

Participants vape their own electronic cigarette device as much or as little as they like over 30 minutes on study. Participants also undergo saliva sample collection, spirometry to measure respiratory function, and complete questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-29 years
• Established electronic cigarette (EC) user (participant uses ECs on a daily/weekly basis [used on ≥ 5 days in past 30-days] for the past 3 months)
• Willing to abstain from nicotine for at least 12 hours before the laboratory visit
• Willing to not eat food or drink water/beverages for at least 30 minutes before the laboratory visit [required for salivary collection]
• Utilize 4th generation EC products (pod-mod or disposable EC products; e.g., JUUL, Hyde)
• Must be able to read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recently COVID-19+ (defined as a positive test in the past 30 days) or a recent COVID-19 hospitalization (within the past 6 months)
• Attempting to quit the use of ECs
• Is pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant and/or breastfeeding [will be verified using a urine pregnancy test]
• Self-reported severe or significant psychological and/or psychiatric conditions [e.g., not currently receiving treatment/medication; only past and/or stable conditions will be allowed]
• A history of cardiac events and/or distress within the past 3 months
• Diagnosed with a chronic, serious lung disease or current infection (e.g., pneumonia, pulmonary edema)
• Are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a severe motor disability