title: Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: comparison between first and new-generation devices.
abstract: A wide range of electronic cigarette (EC) devices, from small cigarette-like (first-generation) to new-generation high-capacity batteries with electronic circuits that provide high energy to a refillable atomizer, are available for smokers to substitute smoking. Nicotine delivery to the bloodstream is important in determining the addictiveness of ECs, but also their efficacy as smoking substitutes. In this study, plasma nicotine levels were measured in experienced users using a first- vs. new-generation EC device for 1 hour with an 18 mg/ml nicotine-containing liquid. Plasma nicotine levels were higher by 35-72% when using the new- compared to the first-generation device. Compared to smoking one tobacco cigarette, the EC devices and liquid used in this study delivered one-third to one-fourth the amount of nicotine after 5 minutes of use. New-generation EC devices were more efficient in nicotine delivery, but still delivered nicotine much slower compared to tobacco cigarettes. The use of 18 mg/ml nicotine-concentration liquid probably compromises ECs' effectiveness as smoking substitutes; this study supports the need for higher levels of nicotine-containing liquids (approximately 50 mg/ml) in order to deliver nicotine more effectively and approach the nicotine-delivery profile of tobacco cigarettes.
authors.affiliation: Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Farsalinos
authors.affiliation: Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
authors.forename: Alketa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spyrou
authors.affiliation: Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
authors.forename: Kalliroi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsimopoulou
authors.affiliation: Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stefopoulos
authors.affiliation: Abich s.r.l., Biological and Chemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, Via 42 Martiri, 213/B-28924 Verbania (VB), Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Romagna
authors.affiliation: Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Voudris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis; D004581:Electronics; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009538:Nicotine / Q000378:metabolism*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D014026:Nicotiana
chemical_list: D009538:Nicotine; D002248:Carbon Monoxide