Exhaled Smoke Research Articles

Lung cancer among patients with secondhand smoke exposure: A systematic review.

e22506 Background: Smoking tobacco is recognized as the leading cause of lung cancer. However, it is imperative to note that 10–15% of lung cancer patients have no history of smoking, and that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among non-smokers. Since passive smokers are exposed to many carcinogenic compounds in the exhaled smoke, it is naturally plausible that secondhand smoking (SHS) is a risk factor for lung cancer. However, current USPSTF screening guidelines for lung cancer with low dose CT (LDCT) do not include patients exposed to SHS. We performed a systematic review to highlight SHS as an etiology of lung cancer and insights for inclusion in cancer screening criteria. Methods: We utilized the PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to search for relevant literature using keywords ('low Dose CT,' 'secondhand smoke,' 'lung cancer'). The search strategy was designed to ensure a comprehensive retrieval of pertinent literature, minimizing the possibility of omitting articles due to insignificant spelling and/or semantic variations. Eligible studies had to be published between 2010 and 2023 and focused on examining the effect of SHS in populations at risk of lung cancer or those undergoing lung cancer screening. Articles not available in English were excluded from this systematic review. In total, 239 relevant articles were retrieved from all databases, narrowing down to 14 articles after the initial screening and further reducing to 4 articles after the second round of screening. Results: Three of the four articles included in our systemic review were conducted in Asia. A study by He et al. showed a substantial increase in the relative risk of lung cancer among SHS (RR 2.00; 95% CI, 0.62-6.40), with significant dose-response relationships between cumulative SHS exposure at home and work and the increased risk of cause-specific and total mortality. Another observational study on the use of LDCT in Japan has interestingly shown a shifting landscape of lung cancer demographics, with 49.6% of patients identified as never-smokers and 70.0% of the never-smoker lung cancer patients having SHS exposure. Secondhand smoking has also been reported to increase the risk of pulmonary nodules (HR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35) and pulmonary emphysema (OR 13.6; 95% CI, 1.70-106.1) in those with moderate-to-high SHS exposure, which was the population where lung cancer was more prevalent. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a critical gap in current healthcare recommendations, specifically addressing the absence of guidelines for LDCT screening in individuals with moderate-to-high SHS exposure despite established evidence linking SHS to a significant increase in the risk of lung cancer development. More studies are needed to formulate evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and detection in this population, given the expected mortality reduction benefit.

Biomonitoring of BTEX in primary school children exposed to hookah smoke.

Hookah smoking is one of the major indoor sources of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). This study aimed to investigate the potential exposure to BTEX among primary school children, particularly those exposed to hookah smoke. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Khesht, one of the southwestern cities in Iran, in mid-June 2020. Totally, 50 primary school children exposed to hookah smoke were chosen as the case group and 50 primary school children were selected as the control group. Urinary un-metabolized BTEX was measured by a headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Additionally, a detailed questionnaire was used to gather data and information from the students’ parents. The mean levels of urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene were 1.44, 5.87, 2.49, 6.93, and 7.17 μg/L, respectively in the exposed children. Urinary BTEX was 3.93-folds higher in the case group than in the controls (p<0.05). Household cleaning products, the floor on which the house was located, children’s sleeping place, and playing outdoors were found to be important factors in predicting urinary BTEX levels. Overall, it was found necessary to avoid indoor smoking to prevent the emission of BTEX compounds via exhaled mainstream smoke and to protect vulnerable non-smokers, especially children, from exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-19882-9.

Abstract WP226: Secondhand Smoking And Odds Of Stroke Among Non-smoking Indigenous Africans From Ghana And Nigeria: A Matched Case-control Study

Introduction: Second-hand smoking (SHS) is an emerging phenomenon in cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemiology, but whether SHS is associated with stroke is not clearly understood. We assessed the association between SHS and stroke risk in a cohort of West Africans in the Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) study. Hypothesis: SHS is not associated with stroke among indigenous West Africans from Ghana and Nigeria. Methods: 3131 stroke cases who had never smoked matched (for age and sex) with 3131 healthy smoke-free controls were identified in the multi-centre SIREN study in Ghana and Nigeria. Information on SHS was obtained through the collection of data on regular exposure to exhaled smoke or burning tobacco in an indoor environment. We assessed the relationship between SHS and stroke by estimating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant covariates at P &lt;0.05 in a two-sided test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.8±14.1years (males, 48.0%). History of exposure to SHS was present in 20.2% of the overall sample. The multivariable-adjusted OR for the association between SHS and all stroke events was 1.12 (0.93, 1.34), P = 0.210. When the association was stratified by stroke type, the multivariable-adjusted OR were 1.42 (1.03, 1.98) P = 0.033 for haemorrhagic stroke and 1.01 (0.80, 1.26) P = 0.935 for ischaemic stroke. Conclusion(s): SHS was independently associated with higher odds of haemorrhagic stroke, but not ischaemic stroke in this cohort of indigenous West Africans. Intervention(s) to reduce SHS might help lower the burden of stroke in this population, pending longitudinal studies to evaluate the causal effect of SHS on stroke.

Examining exhaled smoke after smoking

Examining exhaled smoke after smoking

Analysis of furans and pyridines from new generation heated tobacco product in Japan

BackgroundIn recent years, heated tobacco products (HTPs), which are widely used in Japan, have been sold by various brands using additives such as flavors. It has been reported that the components of mainstream smoke are different from those of conventional cigarettes. In this study, we established an analytical method for furans and pyridines in the mainstream smoke, which are characteristic of HTPs and particularly harmful among the generated components, and investigated the amount of component to which the smokers are exposed.MethodsWe established a simple analytical method for simultaneous analysis of gaseous and particulate compounds in the mainstream smoke of HTPs (IQOS, glo, ploom S) in Japan by combining a sorbent cartridge and glass fiber filter (Cambridge filter pad (CFP)). Both the sorbent cartridge and CFP were extracted using 2-propanol and analyzed via GC-MS/MS to determine the concentration of furans and pyridines generated from each HTP.ResultsThe results showed that the levels of target furans such as furfural, 2-furanmethanol, 2(5H)-furanone, and 5-methylfurfural tended to be higher in the mainstream smoke of glo than in standard cigarettes (3R4F). Pyridine, which is generated at a high level in 3R4F as a combustion component, and 4-ethenylpyridine (EP), which is a known marker of environmental tobacco smoke, were detected. Among these components, 2-furanmethanol and pyridine are classified as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Therefore, it is possible that they will contribute to the health effects caused by use of HTPs.ConclusionsUsing the new collection and analytical method for furans and pyridines in the mainstream smoke of HTPs, the level of each compound to which smokers are exposed could be clarified. By comprehensively combining information on the amount of ingredients and toxicity, it will be possible to perform a more detailed calculation of the health risks of using HTPs. In addition, the components detected in this study may be the causative substances of indoor pollution through exhaled smoke and sidestream smoke; therefore, environmental research on the chemicals generated from HTPs would be warranted in future studies.

Cannabis Consumption in Dispensaries: Public Health Implications of an Emerging Practice.

Cannabis Consumption in Dispensaries: Public Health Implications of an Emerging Practice.

Could the COVID-19 Positive Asymptomatic Tobacco Smoker be a Silent Superspeader?

There appears to be a connection between COVID-19 infection and an airborne microscopic pollutant called particulate matter which has been suggested to act as vector for viral transmission. The highest human exposure to particulate matter occurs during smoking and to a lesser extent to 2nd hand smoking. This article offers a hypothetical proposition that particulate matter derived from tobacco smoking may act as COVID-19’s vector for infection transmission. With a background smoking Chinese male population of more than 66% and more than 70% of Chinese nonsmokers exposed to 2nd hand smoke, the potential of exhaled smoke acting as a viral vector is significant. If this hypothesis is proven, measures such as face protection to reduce coronavirus-laden particulate matter transmission, measures of social distancing and legislation to protect nonsmokers from contracting the infection through 2nd hand smoking should be implemented. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Tobacco Smoking a Potential Risk Factor in Transmission of COVID-19 Infection.

Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) group of viruses. To date, April 25, 2020, more than 2.4 million humans are infected and more than a hundred thousand deaths have been reported from more than 200 countries from COVID-19. There is no evidence-based treatment for the infection and prevention of transmission using social distancing, isolation and hygiene measures is widely recommended. Tobacco smoking is rampant in communities around the globe and the addiction to tobacco results in deaths of more than 8 million individuals each year. As COVID-19 transmits through salivary droplets and causes severe lung pneumonia, tobacco smokers are also at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection due to poor lung function, cross-infection and susceptible hygiene habits. Smoking tobacco (cigarette, e-cigarettes or waterpipe) produces exhaled smoke, coughing or sneezing, aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 in the surroundings and contaminating surfaces. Therefore, smoking tobacco is a possible mode of transmission for the virus for both active and passive smokers. Smoking should be considered a risk factor for the disease transmission until further availability of evidence and measures to limit its direct and indirect effects should be implemented within the community.

Combustible and Electronic Tobacco and Marijuana Products in Hip-Hop Music Videos, 2013-2017

Hip-hop is the leading music genre in the United States and its fan base includes a large proportion of adolescents and young adults of all racial and ethnic groups, particularly minorities. The appearance of combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana products, especially brand placement and use by popular and influential artists, may increase the risk of tobacco and marijuana use and decrease perceptions of harm. To assess the prevalence of the appearance and use of combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana products, including brand placement, in leading hip-hop songs. Analysis of top 50 songs from 2013 to 2017 of Billboard magazine's weekly Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs with videos that included the appearance or use of combustible tobacco and marijuana products (manufactured cigarettes, cigars, hookah or waterpipe, pipe, hand-rolled tobacco and marijuana products, marijuana buds); appearance of exhaled smoke or vapor without an identifiable source product; appearance or use of electronic tobacco and marijuana products (eg, electronic cigarettes); tobacco or marijuana brand placement; appearance or use of combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana by main or featured artist. Data were collected from December 6, 2017, to June 4, 2018. Prevalence of (1) appearance or use of combustible tobacco and marijuana products, (2) appearance of smoke or vapor, (3) appearance or use of electronic tobacco and marijuana products, (4) tobacco or marijuana brand placement, and (5) appearance or use of combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana by main or featured artist. Probability of appearance or use of combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana products by quartile of viewership of videos. The proportion of leading hip-hop videos containing combustible use, electronic use, or smoke or vapor ranged from 40.2% (76 of 189) in 2015, to 50.7% (102 of 201) in 2016. For each year, the leading category of combustible use was hand-rolled products. The appearance of branded products increased from 0% in 2013 (0 of 82) to 9.9% in 2017 (10 of 101) for combustible products, and from 25.0% in 2013 (3 of 12) to 87.5% in 2017 (14 of 16) for electronic products. The prevalence of combustible or electronic product use or exhaled smoke or vapor increased by quartile of total number of views: 41.9% (8700 to 19 million views) among songs in the first quartile of viewership and 49.7% among songs in the fourth quartile of viewership (112 million to 4 billion views). Combustible and electronic tobacco and marijuana use frequently occurred in popular hip-hop music videos. The genre's broad appeal, use of branded products by influential artists, and rise of electronic product and marijuana use may contribute to a growing public health concern of tobacco and marijuana use.

Novel in vitro method for measuring the mass fraction of bioaccessible atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using simulated human lung fluids

The bioaccessibility of organic pollutants is a key factor in human health risk assessments. We developed a novel in vitro method for determining the mass fraction of bioaccessible atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using an air-washing device containing simulated human lung fluid. The experimental parameters were optimized based on the deposition fractions (DFs) of PAHs in human lung fluids. The DFs were measured for PAHs based on the mass of compounds in the mainstream and exhaled cigarette smoke. The mass fractions of bioaccessible PAHs were measured by passing the mainstream cigarette smoke through the air-washing device, and they were calculated via a simple mass balance equation based on the PAHs in the fluid and mainstream cigarette smoke. The DFs of individual PAHs ranged from 20.5% to 78.1%, and the bioaccessible mass fractions varied between 45.5% and 99.8%. The octanol-water partition coefficients (KOW) significantly influenced both the DFs and bioaccessible mass fractions of PAHs, and the optimized in vitro method could be used to estimate the bioavailable atmospheric PAHs. This in vitro method can potentially be used to measure the mass fraction of bioaccessible atmospheric PAHs and to assess the health risk related to human exposure to airborne PAHs.

The particles around us

The particles around us

Analysis of Cigarette Smoke Deposition Within an In Vitro Exposure System for Simulating Exposure in the Human Respiratory Tract

Summary For the risk assessment of airborne chemicals, a variety of in vitro direct exposure systems have been developed to replicate airborne chemical exposure in vivo. Since cells at the air-liquid interface are exposed to cigarette smoke as an aerosol in direct exposure systems, it is possible to reproduce the situation of cigarette smoke exposure in the human respiratory system using this device. However it is difficult to know whether the exposed cigarette smoke in this system is consistent with the smoke retained in the human respiratory tract. The purpose of this study is to clarify this point using the CULTEX® RFS module which is a recently developed direct exposure system. For this purpose, solanesol and acetaldehyde were respectively chosen as the particulate and gas/vapor phase representatives of smoke constituents, and their deposition and balance per unit area of cell culture surface of the RFS module were measured (dosimetry). We also conducted human retention studies to compare with the dosimetry data. By comparing inhaled smoke and exhaled smoke under three inhalation conditions, we estimated the regional retention and balance of each representative per unit surface area of the respiratory tract (mouth, bronchi, and alveoli separately). The deposition of solanesol and acetaldehyde per unit area of cell culture surface in the RFS module decreased dependent on the dilution flow rate and ranged from 0.26-0.0076%/cm2 in our experimental conditions. The ratio of deposited acetaldehyde to deposited solanesol ranged from 0.96-1.96 in the RFS module. The retention of solanesol and acetaldehyde per unit surface area in the mouth and the bronchi ranged from 0.095-0.0083%/cm2 in this study. The retention per unit surface area of alveoli was far lower than in the other two regions (0.0000063%/cm2). The ratio of retained acetaldehyde to retained solanesol ranged from 0.54-1.97. From these results, we concluded that the CULTEX® RFS module can simulate in vivo cigarette smoke exposure in terms of the exposed particulate and gas/vapor phase chemical balance. We also found that the exposure in this module could replicate the retention in the mouth and the bronchi.

Effect of Knowledge, Peer Group, Family, Cigarette Price, Stipend, Access to Cigarette, and Attitude, on Smoking Behavior

Background : Passive smokers inhale 75% of ambient smoke and 50% of exhaled smoke. A cigarette contains 4.000 poisonous chemical agents, at least 69 of which are carcinogenic. Therefore ambient tobacco smoke is detrimental to health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of knowledge, peer group, family, cigarette price, stipend, access to cigarette, and attitude, on smoking behavior. Subje cts and Me thod : This was an analytic and observational study with cross sectional design. This study was conducted at School of Health Polytechnics, Surakarta, Central Java. A total of 105 male students was selected for this study. The dependent variable smoking status. The independent variables knowledge, peer group, family, cigarette price, stipend, access to cigarette, and attitude. The data were collected by a set of questionnaire, and were analyze by logistic regression model. Results : High smoking peer group (OR= 3.21; 95% CI=1.18- 8.72; p= 0.022), high stipend (OR= 3.66; 95% CI= 1.28-10.49; p= 0.016), convenient access to cigarette (OR= 3.02; 95% CI= 1.04 to 8.73; p= 0.042) increased the likelihood of smoking. High knowledge about tobacco smoking (OR= 0.35; 95% CI=0.13-0.95; p = 0.039) and non-smoking family (OR= 0.16; 95% CI=0.03 to 0.70; p= 0.015) decreased the likelihood of smoking. High price of cigarette (OR= 0.86; 95% CI= 0.23 to 3.19; p= 0.819) and possitive attitude (OR= 0.88; 95% CI= 0.33 to 2.36; p= 0.795) did not show statistically significant effect on smoking. Conclusion : Smoking peer group, stipend, access to cigarette increase the probability of smoking. Knowledge about tobacco smoking and non-smoking family decrease the probability of smoking. K eywords : knowledge, peer group, family, cigarette price, stipend, access to cigarette, attitude, smoking behavior Correspondence : R. Asto Soesyasmoro.School of Health Polytechnics, Surakarta. Email: asto_monti@yahoo.co.id. Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (2016), 1(3): 201-210 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2016.01.03.07

Comparison of select analytes in exhaled aerosol from e-cigarettes with exhaled smoke from a conventional cigarette and exhaled breaths.

Exhaled aerosols were collected following the use of two leading U.S. commercial electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and a conventional cigarette by human subjects and analyzed for phenolics, carbonyls, water, glycerin and nicotine using a vacuum-assisted filter pad capture system. Exhaled breath blanks were determined for each subject prior to each product use and aerosol collection session. Distribution and mass balance of exhaled e-cigarette aerosol composition was greater than 99.9% water and glycerin, and a small amount (<0.06%) of nicotine. Total phenolic content in exhaled e-cigarette aerosol was not distinguishable from exhaled breath blanks, while total phenolics in exhaled cigarette smoke were significantly greater than in exhaled e-cigarette aerosol and exhaled breaths, averaging 66 µg/session (range 36 to 117 µg/session). The total carbonyls in exhaled e-cigarette aerosols were also not distinguishable from exhaled breaths or room air blanks. Total carbonyls in exhaled cigarette smoke was significantly greater than in exhaled e-cigarette aerosols, exhaled breath and room air blanks, averaging 242 µg/session (range 136 to 352 µg/session). These results indicate that exhaled e-cigarette aerosol does not increase bystander exposure for phenolics and carbonyls above the levels observed in exhaled breaths of air.

Particle Size Distribution of Mainstream and Exhaled Cigarette Smoke and Predictive Deposition in Human Respiratory Tract

The particle size distribution of cigarette smoke is an important factor in predicting the deposition fraction of the inhaled particles in various regions of the respiratory tract. Mainstream cigarette smoke is a direct concern for smokers, while the exhaled and side stream smoke contribute to passive (second hand) smoking. The particle size distribution of tobacco smoke for mainstream and exhaled smoke has been studied in this work. This study investigates how smoking behavior, including puff volume and number of puffs, affect the particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke. Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) was used to measure the particle size distribution of mainstream and exhaled cigarette smoke. The values of count median diameter (CMD) mobility size for the first four consecutive puffs were found to be 193 nm, 198 nm, 194 nm and 186 nm. As the volume of a puff increases from 35 mL to 85 mL, the CMD shifted slightly towards the higher particle size ranges, because of increased probability of coagulation and other combination processes. For the exhaled cigarette smoke, the growth factor was found to be 1.5 ± 0.3 with respect to mainstream cigarette smoke. The experimental results of particle size distributions were used in a Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model to predict deposition patterns in the human respiratory tract. The MPPD model results show the deposition fractions for mainstream cigarette smoke were 0.163, 0.152 and 0.298 for the head, trachea and bronchi (TB) and pulmonary region, and those for exhaled cigarette smoke were 0.273, 0.064 and 0.134 respectively. The total calculated deposition fraction for mainstream and exhaled cigarette smoke was found to be 0.613 and 0.471, respectively.

Exhaled air dispersion and removal is influenced by isolation room size and ventilation settings during oxygen delivery via nasal cannula

We compared the exhaled air dispersion distances during oxygen delivery via nasal cannula to a human-patient simulator (HPS) in two different isolation rooms. Airflow was marked with intrapulmonary smoke for visualization. Oxygen flow was gradually increased from 1 to 5 L/min, with the HPS sitting at 45°. The leakage jet plume was revealed by laser light-sheet and images captured by high-definition video. Smoke concentration in the plume was estimated from the light scattered by smoke particles. The experiments were conducted at a double-door, negative pressure isolation room with a dimension of 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m, pressure of -7.4 Pa and 16 air exchanges/h (ACH) (room A). Results were compared with experiments repeated in a smaller isolation room with a dimension of 2.7 × 4.2 × 2.4 m, pressure of -5 Pa and 12 ACH (room B). Room A: an exhalation jet spread almost horizontally outward from the nostrils of the HPS to 0.66 m and 1 m towards the end of bed when oxygen flow was increased from 1 to 5 L/min respectively. Room B: there was interaction between the downward ceiling ventilation current and the exhaled air from the HPS, leading to deflection of exhaled smoke towards the head of the HPS at an oxygen flow rate of 1 L/min. As oxygen flow was increased gradually to 5 L/min, more room contamination with smoke was noted. Substantial exposure to exhaled air occurs within 1 m towards the end of the bed from patients receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. Room dimension and air exchange rate are important factors in preventing contamination in isolation rooms.

Environmental and occupational allergies

Airborne allergens are the major cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Daily exposure comes from indoor sources, chiefly at home but occasionally at schools or offices. Seasonal exposure to outdoor allergens, pollens, and molds is another important source. Exposure to unusual substances at work causes occupational asthma, accounting for about 5% of asthma in adults. Indoor and outdoor air pollutants trigger airway inflammation and increase the severity of asthma. Diesel exhaust particles increase the production of IgE antibodies. Identification and reduction of exposure to allergens is a very important part of the management of respiratory allergic diseases. The first section of this chapter discusses domestic allergens, arthropods (mites and cockroaches), molds, and mammals (pets and mice). Indoor humidity and water damage are important factors in the production of mite and mold allergens, and discarded human food items are important sources of proliferation of cockroaches and mice. Means of identifying and reducing exposure are presented. The second section discusses outdoor allergens: pollens and molds. The particular plants or molds and the amount of exposure to these allergens is determined by the local climate, and local pollen and mold counts are available to determine the time and amount of exposure. Climate change is already having an important effect on the distribution and amount of outdoor allergens. The third section discusses indoor and outdoor air pollution and methods that individuals can take to reduce indoor pollution in addition to eliminating cigarette smoking. The fourth section discusses the diagnosis and management of occupational asthma.

The Influence of a Humectant on the Retention by Humans of Solanesol from Cigarette Smoke (Part 2, Glycerin)

Abstract Two common humectants are used as additives in the cigarette manufacturing process, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin. The humectants may influence the deposition of cigarette smoke in the human respiratory tract by affecting the hygroscopic properties and growth of smoke particles. This study examines the influence of glycerin addition on the retention of solanesol by smokers. The influence of PG addition has been previously reported (7). The first cigarette used in the study (control) was a commercially available brand containing no additives in the blend (with a measured level of glycerin of 0.19%). The other cigarette (test) had an identical tobacco blend to the control, but had 2.3% added glycerin. The construction of the cigarette with 2.3% glycerin (test) was selected to match as closely as possible the ‘tar’ (as measured by Federal Trade Commission regimen), pressure drop (open and closed), and nicotine level of the commercial cigarette (control). Twelve smokers evaluated both products. The sample collection was performed using three cigarettes smoked within one hour. Each human subject smoked the control cigarette and then the test cigarette in two separate sessions. The exhaled smoke was collected using a vacuum assisted procedure designed to avoid strain in exhaling, and solanesol was analyzed using an high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The cigarette butts from the smokers were collected and also analyzed for solanesol. The results obtained for the cigarette butts from the smokers were used to calculate the level of solanesol in the smoke delivered to the human subject, based on calibration curves. These curves were generated separately by analyzing the solanesol in smoke and in the cigarette butts obtained by machine smoking under different puffing regimes. Knowing the levels of delivered amount of solanesol and that in the exhaled smoke it was possible to calculate the retention of this compound from mainstream smoke for the two cigarette types. The amount of solanesol retained by the smoker (per cigarette) was on average 314.8 µg/cig with 18.9% relative standard deviation for the commercial cigarette, and 302.6 µg/cig with 20.3% relative standard deviation for the cigarette with 2.3% added glycerin. The retention % of solanesol from the commercial cigarette showed an average of 69.5% with 9.4% relative standard deviation, and the cigarette with 2.3% added glycerin showed an average retention of 69.4% with 10.5% relative standard deviation. Applying the paired t-test to the data it was found that there were no significant differences in the retention amount of solanesol, or in the retention % of solanesol for the two cigarettes. No correlation was found between the amount of solanesol delivered to the smoker (in µg/cig) and the solanesol retention % by the smoker.

Comparison of carcinogen, carbon monoxide, and ultrafine particle emissions from narghile waterpipe and cigarette smoking: Sidestream smoke measurements and assessment of second-hand smoke emission factors

The lack of scientific evidence on the constituents, properties, and health effects of second-hand waterpipe smoke has fueled controversy over whether public smoking bans should include the waterpipe. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare emissions of ultrafine particles (UFP, <100 nm), carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), volatile aldehydes, and carbon monoxide (CO) for cigarettes and narghile (shisha, hookah) waterpipes. These smoke constituents are associated with a variety of cancers, and heart and pulmonary diseases, and span the volatility range found in tobacco smoke. Sidestream cigarette and waterpipe smoke was captured and aged in a 1 m 3 Teflon-coated chamber operating at 1.5 air changes per hour (ACH). The chamber was characterized for particle mass and number surface deposition rates. UFP and CO concentrations were measured online using a fast particle spectrometer (TSI 3090 Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer), and an indoor air quality monitor. Particulate PAH and gaseous volatile aldehydes were captured on glass fiber filters and DNPH-coated SPE cartridges, respectively, and analyzed off-line using GC–MS and HPLC–MS. PAH compounds quantified were the 5- and 6-ring compounds of the EPA priority list. Measured aldehydes consisted of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, methacrolein, and propionaldehyde. We found that a single waterpipe use session emits in the sidestream smoke approximately four times the carcinogenic PAH, four times the volatile aldehydes, and 30 times the CO of a single cigarette. Accounting for exhaled mainstream smoke, and given a habitual smoker smoking rate of 2 cigarettes per hour, during a typical one-hour waterpipe use session a waterpipe smoker likely generates ambient carcinogens and toxicants equivalent to 2–10 cigarette smokers, depending on the compound in question. There is therefore good reason to include waterpipe tobacco smoking in public smoking bans.

California, and: Meet Me in Venice

California, and: Meet Me in Venice Michael Rutherglen (bio) California There you are at the bed’s west edge, bent toward the song, your back like a strayed wave heaving for the horizon. I’m slumped to your wall, veins hauled tight as bridge cable over the bay, imagining a crowd of gulls arced past noon. The singer asks will you take me as I amstrung out on another— and there you are, turning, needle full of sundown, sunk toward my spine, that notched and readied fault that climbs me. [End Page 133] Meet Me in Venice When the breath, when the will, when the light frays. When it is the first hour of the night, dissonance surging in an isolate life: the crowds downtown, the oceanic static of traffic. When the sent song gutters, losing its way, it is the first hour of the night, and solitude is centered everywhere and has no circumference. When summer has been flat glass giving back nothing but sublimate glare. When love is an accident of substance, and no substance itself. When it is a name inconsequent of anything, one ligature in a calligraphy of exhaled smoke. When the ways give way: I can say: laughter swaying up from boats below the bridges, the streets riding at anchor, noon’s beatitude, evening’s reliquary. It is not so far. [End Page 134] Michael Rutherglen Michael Rutherglen is from Charlottesville, Virginia. He is the recipient of a 2008 Ruth Lilly Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation. Copyright © 2009 University of Nebraska Press