Editorial: Characteristics and Composition of Aerosol Generated by Electronic Cigarettes: What Is the Impact on Human Health?

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) has become popular in recent years. The popularity can be attributed to any number of reasons ranging from harm reduction (i.e., elimination of the harmful products inhaled from the combustion of tobacco while still maintaining nicotine addiction) to availability of a myriad of palatable flavors. Regardless of the reasons for this surge in popularity, ECIG use has become a public health concern. Less is known about vaping (i.e., inhalation of ECIG-generated aerosol) and its effects on human health as compared to conventional smoking. Furthermore, what is known remains inconclusive due to the lack of experimental standardization. To better understand how ECIG-generated aerosol interacts with biological systems, and consequently, how it affects human health, it is imperative that the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the inhaled aerosol be investigated in a standardized manner. Of particular interest is the overall effect the addition of nicotine and/or flavors to the ECIG-liquids (E-liquids) have on human health. Hence, the objective of this Research Topic is to bring forward a collection of research articles assessing the potential impact the physical and chemical nature of E-liquids and ECIG-generated aerosols have on human health. The result of this effort is a collection of 12 papers authored by 43 researchers, globally. This collection consists of three reviews, eight original research articles and one commentary, each addressing specific issues associated with the physical and chemical characteristics of E-liquids and ECIG-generated aerosols and how they potentially impact human health. Below is a brief description of the works presented in this E-book.