Comparison of End Tidal Carbon Monoxide Levels between Conventional Cigarette, Electronic Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Product among Asiatic Smokers

Abstract

Background

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are noncombustible tobacco products which have been found to generate aerosols containing lower levels of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs) in comparison to conventional cigarettes. Objective: This quasi experimental study measured and compared the end tidal carbon monoxide (eCO) levels of participants after use of ENDS, HTPs and conventional cigarettes. Methods: In total 45 smokers, each smoking at least 10 conventional cigarettes per day for 5 years participated in the study. Based on their preference, participants used only one of the tobacco products (ENDS, HTPs, or conventional cigarette) and were briefed about the product use based on manufacturer’s instructions. The eCO levels were obtained at baseline, followed by 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 min respectively after the product use. Results: There was significant increase in eCO levels for conventional cigarettes as compared to other modes. Peak eCO levels of 20.2 ± 0.86 ppm, 8.8 ± 1.56 ppm and 6.0 ± 1.36 ppm was achieved at 30 min, 15 min and 10 min for conventional cigarettes, ENDS and HTPs respectively. However, the levels were significantly lower in ENDS and HTPs. Conclusion: Even though ENDS and HTPs may have produced significantly lower eCO than conventional cigarettes, the significantly increasing levels over time from baseline which was not shown before is a cause of concern. As of now, their use as an alternate to cigarettes needs to be considered under regulatory framework.

Keywords:

• Electronic nicotine delivery systems
• heated tobacco products
• conventional cigarettes
• noncombustible tobacco products
• Carbon monoxide

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by International Medical University – Joint Committee on Research and Ethics. We thank our colleagues from the Joint Committee on Research and Ethics who provided insight and expertise that immensely benefited the research, although they may not reach an agreement with all of the conclusions of this paper. I would like to thank all of the participants that agreed to spare their time to help make this research a success.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by International Medical University under grant no. BDen Project 4.13/JCM-177/2019.