Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels in ETS emissions of a Marlboro Red cigarette in comparison to the 3R4F reference cigarette under open- and closed-door condition

Comparison Between Smoked Tobacco and Medical Cannabis Cigarettes Concerning Particulate Matter

Introduction: Cannabis is a widely used drug like tobacco and alcohol. In the meantime, it is also prescribed for medical treatment in some countries. Tobacco smoke contains chemical carcinogens and particulate matter (PM) that are both harmful to health. Method: In this study, we investigated PM levels in second-hand smoke (SHS) of hand-tamped cannabis cigarettes compared to cigarettes with tubing tobacco and the 3R4F reference cigarette. Results: It could be demonstrated that the largest proportion of the particle mass is attributable to particles with a diameter of less than 1μm and that every tested cigarette emitted more PM than the 3R4F reference cigarette. In addition, our data clearly revealed that cannabis smoke contains higher PM levels in SHS than tobacco cigarettes. Compared to the reference cigarette, the PM1 emissions of cannabis were 105% higher. Also, the cannabis mixed cigarettes had higher PM levels than the 3R4F cigarettes. For instance, the PM10 emissions were 93% higher. Also, the Gauloises Mélange tubing tobacco also reached higher PM concentrations than the 3R4F cigarette. Discussion: Regardless of negative health effects, cannabis is seen as a harmless drug in the public eye. We found strong indications for potential health risks by PM from cannabis products and, therefore, the public should be educated about a potential harm.

Impact of different ventilation conditions on tobacco smoke-associated particulate matter emissions in a car cabin using the TAPaC platform

Despite antagonizing attempts from the tobacco industry, passive inhalation of tobacco smoke is known to be cancerogenic and toxic to human health for decades. Nonetheless, millions of non-smoking adults and children are still victims of second-hand smoke. Accumulation of particulate matter (PM) in confined spaces such as the car are particularly harmful due to high concentrations. We here aimed to analyze the specific effects of ventilation conditions in the setting of a car. By the use of the measuring platform TAPaC (tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin), 3R4F reference cigarettes, Marlboro red, and Marlboro gold were smoked in a car interior with a volume of 3.709 m3. Seven different ventilation conditions (C1-C7) were analyzed. Under C1, all windows were closed. Under C2-C7, the car ventilation was turned on power level 2/4 with the air directed towards the windshield. Only the passenger side window was opened, where an outer placed fan could create an airstream speed of 15.9-17.4 km/h at one meter distance to simulate a driving car. C2: Window 10 cm opened. C3: Window 10 cm opened with the fan turned on. C4: Window half-opened. C5: Window half-opened with the fan turned on. C6: Window fully opened. C7: Window fully opened with the fan turned on. Cigarettes were remotely smoked by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter and a cigarette smoking device. Depending on the ventilation condition the cigarettes emitted different mean PM concentrations after 10 min under condition C1 (PM10: 1272-1697 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1253-1659 µg/m3, PM1: 964-1263 µg/m3) under C2, C4, and C6 (PM10: 68.7-196.2 µg/m3, PM2.5: 68.2-194.7 µg/m3, PM1: 66.1-183.8 µg/m3) C3, C5, and C7 (PM10: 73.7-139 µg/m3, PM2.5: 72-137.9 µg/m3, PM1:68.9-131.9 µg/m3). Vehicle ventilation is insufficient to protect passengers from toxic second-hand smoke completely. Brand-specific variations of tobacco ingredients and mixtures markedly influence PM emissions under ventilation conditions. The most efficient ventilation mode to reduce PM exposure was achieved by opening the passenger´s window 10 cm and turning the onboard ventilation on power level 2/4. In-vehicle smoking should be banned to preserve innocent risk groups (e.g., children) from harm.

TAPaC-tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin: establishment of a new measuring platform

Background

Particulate matter (PM) emission caused by tobacco combustion leads to severe health burdens worldwide. Second-hand smoke exposure is extraordinarily high in enclosed spaces (e.g., indoor rooms, car cabins) and poses a particular threat to the health of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, elderly, etc.). This study aimed to establish a new measuring platform and investigate PM emissions under four different ventilation conditions inside a car cabin without exposing any person to harmful tobacco smoke.

Methods

PM concentrations were measured during the smoking of 3R4F reference cigarettes in a Mitsubishi Space Runner (interior volume 3.709 m³). The cigarettes were smoked with a machine, eliminating exposure of the researchers. Cigarettes were extinguished 4.5 min after ignition, and PM measurements continued until 10 min after ignition.

Results

High mean PM concentrations were measured for cigarettes without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM₁₀: 1150 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 1132 µg/m³, PM₁: 861.6 µg/m³) and after 10 min (PM₁₀: 1608 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 1583 µg/m³, PM₁: 1133 µg/m³). 3R4F smoked under conditions with turned on ventilation resulted in reduction of PM compared to those smoked without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM₁₀:-47.5 to -58.4%, PM_2.5:-47.2 to -58%, PM₁:-39.6 to -50.2%) and after 10 min (PM₁₀:-70.8 to -74.4%, PM_2.5:-70.6 to -74.3%, PM₁:-64.0 to -68.0%). Cigarettes smoked without ventilation generated high PM peaks at 4.5 min (PM₁₀: 2207 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 2166 µg/m³, PM₁: 1421 µg/m³) and at 10 min (PM₁₀: 1989 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 1959 µg/m³, PM₁: 1375 µg/m³). PM peaks of cigarettes smoked under different ventilation modes varied at 4.5 min (PM₁₀: 630-845 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 625-836 µg/m³, PM₁: 543 - 693 µg/m³) and 10 min (PM₁₀: 124 - 130 µg/m³, PM_2.5: 124 - 129 µg/m³, PM₁: 118 - 124 µg/m³).

Conclusion

The new measuring platform provides a safer way for researchers to investigate PM emissions of cigarettes. These data are comparable to published research and show that smoking in a parked vehicle with the windows closed generates harmful PM emissions even when the vehicle ventilation is in operation. Future studies should be carried out using the new measuring platform investigating PM exposure and PM distribution of in-vehicle smoking under a wide range of conditions.

Do Budget Cigarettes Emit More Particles? An Aerosol Spectrometric Comparison of Particulate Matter Concentrations between Private-Label Cigarettes and More Expensive Brand-Name Cigarettes

Private-label cigarettes are cigarettes that belong to the retailer itself. Private-label cigarettes from discounters or supermarkets are cheaper than brand-name cigarettes, and their lower price has allowed them to garner an ever-increasing share of the tobacco product market, especially among lower socioeconomic groups. Particulate matter (PM), a considerable component of air pollution, is a substantial health-damaging factor. Smoking is the primary source of PM in smokers’ homes. In a 2.88 m3 measuring chamber, the PM emission fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 from three private-label cigarette brands and three brand-name cigarette brands with identical nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide content were measured and compared to those of a reference cigarette by laser aerosol spectroscopy. All cigarette brands emitted PM in health-threatening quantities. The measurement results ranged from 1394 µg/m3 to 1686 µg/m3 PM10, 1392 µg/m3 to 1682 µg/m3 PM2.5, and 1355 µg/m3 to 1634 µg/m3 PM1, respectively. Only one private-label brand differed significantly (p < 0.001) from the other cigarette brands, which were tested with slightly lower PM levels. All other brands differed only marginally (not significant, p > 0.05) from one another. Significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between private-label and brand-name cigarettes were found for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 when accounting for tobacco filling densities, and for PM1 when accounting for filter lengths. The especially health-hazardous fraction PM1 accounted for the largest proportion of PM emissions from the cigarettes tested. The results of this study suggest that- cheaper tobacco products are as harmful as more expensive ones, at least regarding PM emissions. This highlights the importance of anti-smoking campaigns, especially for lower socioeconomic groups, where smoking is more widespread. Governments should reduce the price gap between cheap and more expensive tobacco products by implementing specific tobacco taxes. In such a case, at increasing prices of tobacco products, a downward shift to private-label cigarettes would probably decrease.

High particulate matter burden by cigarillos: A laser spectrometric analysis of second-hand smoke of common brands with and without filter

Although the global tobacco market of cigarillos is substantial, little is known about their particulate matter (PM) emissions. For exposure risk assessment of cigarillos, the PM fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 of eight cigarillo brands (four with filters) and a reference cigarette were measured. For this purpose, second-hand smoke was generated by an automatic smoke pump in a measuring chamber with a volume of 2.88 m³. The mean particle concentrations of the cigarillos ranged from 2783 μg/m³ to 6686 μg/m³ for PM10, from 2767 μg/m³ to 6585 μg/m³ for PM2.5, and from 2441 to 4680 μg/m³ for PM1. Mean concentrations of the reference cigarette for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 4400 μg/m³, 4335 μg/m³, and 3289 μg/m³, respectively. Filter-tipped cigarillos showed between 5% and 38% lower PM10 and PM2.5 levels, respectively, and between 4% and 30% lower PM1 levels. Our findings show generally high PM emissions for all investigated tobacco products. Therefore, the declaration of PM amounts to government authorities should be mandatory for all tobacco products. Policymakers should ensure that corresponding information will be provided in the future.

Mainstream smoke constituents and in vitro toxicity comparative analysis of 3R4F and 1R6F reference cigarettes

A new Kentucky reference cigarette, 1R6F, has been manufactured to replace the depleting 3R4F reference cigarette. The 3R4F Kentucky reference cigarettes have been widely used as monitor or comparator cigarettes for mainstream smoke analysis and in vitro and in vivo toxicological data of cigarettes and novel tobacco products. Both reference cigarettes were analyzed in the same laboratory during the same period of time with the goal of performing a comparison of 3R4F and 1R6F. On the basis of the results obtained from aerosol chemistry and in vitro assays, we consider that the 1R6F reference cigarette is a suitable replacement for the 3R4F reference cigarette as a comparator/monitor cigarette. Its specific use as a comparator for novel tobacco products was checked on the basis of a comparative test with the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 as an example.

Particulate matter emissions of different brands of mentholated cigarettes

Inhaling particulate matter (PM) in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) endangers the health of nonsmokers. Menthol, an additive in cigarettes, attenuates respiratory irritation of tobacco smoke. It reduces perceptibility of smoke and therefore passive smokers may inhale ETS unnoticed. To investigate a possible effect of menthol on PM concentrations (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁), ETS of four mentholated cigarette brands (Elixyr Menthol, Winston Menthol, Reyno Classic, and Pall Mall Menthol Blast) with varying menthol content was analyzed. ETS was generated in a standardized way using an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter (AETSE), followed by laser aerosol spectrometry. This analysis shows that the tested cigarette brands, despite having different menthol concentrations, do not show differences with regard to PM emissions, with the exception of Reyno Classic, which shows an increased emission, although the menthol level ranged in the midfield. More than 90% of the emitted particles had a size smaller than or equal to 1 µm. Regardless of the menthol level, the count median diameter (CMD) and the mass median diameter (MMD) were found to be 0.3 µm and 0.5 µm, respectively. These results point out that there is no effect of menthol on PM emission and that other additives might influence the increased PM emission of Reyno Classic.

IMPLICATIONS

Particulate matter (PM) in ETS endangers the health of nonsmokers and smokers. This study considers the effect of menthol, an additive in cigarettes, on PM emissions. Does menthol increase the amount of PM? Due to the exposure to secondhand smoke nearly 900,000 people die each year worldwide. The aim of the study is to measure the particle concentration (L^-1), mass concentration (µg m^-3), and dust mass fractions shown as PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ of five different cigarette brands, including four with different menthol concentrations and one menthol-free reference cigarette, in a well-established standardized system.

A silk fibroin based green nano-filter for air filtration

Fibrous air filters fabricated by electrospinning have proved to be an effective approach among the various strategies for PM2.5 removal. However, in the electrospinning process, the large amounts of toxic organic solvents usually evaporate into the atmosphere and disposing of these used polymer-based air filters would leave further pollution in the environment. Here, we report on the fabrication of a silk fibroin based nanofiber air filter with robust filtration performance via a green electrospinning process. Silk worm cocoons were degummed and dialyzed against water to form the silk fibroin solution and then the silk fibroin nanofiber membranes were fabricated by electrospinning with the help of polyethylene oxide. Moreover, special attention was paid to the morphological evolution of the pollutants captured by the nanofiber nets during the filtration process. It was discovered that the inherent properties of silk fibroin play a key role in improving the filtration performance. Benefiting from the richness of functional groups, the resultant silk fibroin fibrous membranes exhibited a high filtration efficiency of 99.99% with a relatively low air resistance of only 75 Pa, leading to an obvious higher quality factor. Due to the biodegradability of silk fibroin, the membranes are disposable after use. We believe that the methodology and results presented here will not only provide a novel perspective for air filtration, but also pave the way for producing a safe and clean air filtration system.

This paper reports the fabrication of a silk fibroin nanofiber air filter via a green electrospinning method.

Evaluating the Influence of Side Stream Cigarette Smoke at an Early Stage of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression in Mice

Side stream cigarette smoke (SSCS) is known to be as harmful and hazardous to human health as is active smoking. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the exposure to SSCS and its stimulatory and subacute effects on the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A methionine and choline-deficient plus high fat (MCDHF) diet was administered to C57BL/6 mice for 6 weeks. During the first three weeks of MCDHF diet feeding, each diet group was exposed to SSCS (0, 20, 40 μg/L) or fresh air for 2 hrs per day and 5 days per week. Additional experiments were performed by increasing the concentration (0, 30, 60 μg/L) and exposure time (6 hours per day) of SSCS. According to histopathologic analysis and serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), there were no differences in hepatic fat deposition, fibrosis, apoptosis or liver damage in MCDHF-fed mice based on SSCS exposure. There were also no differences in the expression of inflammation-, oxidative stress- or fibrosis-related genes between MCDHF-fed mice with or without SSCS exposure. Therefore, it is concluded that SSCS with current exposure amounts does not have additive detrimental effects on the early stage of NASH.

High particulate matter emission from additive-free Natural American Spirit cigarettes

BACKGROUND

Involuntary exposure to health-threatening environmental tobacco smoke (Combined Mainstream and Side-stream Smoke, CMSS) is a worldwide problem, causing premature death of thousands of people. CMSS consists of particulate matter (PM), one of the main sources of indoor air pollution. PM constitutes a considerable health risk for passive smokers. It is important to inform the public about brand-specific differences in CMSS-associated PM, especially in the case of brands without additives, which are therefore promoted as natural and less health-threatening.

METHODS

Mean concentrations and the area under the curve of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 generated by Natural American Spirit cigarettes without additives and the 3R4F standard research cigarette (University of Kentucky, USA) were measured, analyzed and compared with each other. An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter was used to smoke 100 cigarettes, 20 of each brand, according to a standardized smoking protocol.

RESULTS

This study could show that CMSS-associated PM released from tobacco brands without additives, which are therefore promoted as natural and less harmful, are higher than expected.

CONCLUSIONS

It is highly improbable that Natural American Spirit tobacco products are a less harmful choice-at least not for passive smokers as this study could show. We conclude, the CMSS-associated PM level of every single customized brand should be measured because the origin of the tobacco and not the amount of CO, tar and nicotine (given as product information) seem to be responsible for the brand-specific PM release. This data is urgently needed to adequately inform the public about CMSS-associated PM exposure and the related health risk especially for passive smokers.

Particulate Matter in Second-Hand Smoke Emitted from Different Cigarette Sizes and Types of the Brand Vogue Mainly Smoked by Women

Indoor air pollution with harmful particulate matter (PM) is mainly caused by cigarette smoke. Super-Slim-Size-Cigarettes (SSL) are considered a less harmful alternative to King-Size-Cigarettes (KSC) due to longer filters and relatively low contents. We ask if “Combined Mainstream and Sidestream Smoke” (CMSS)-associated PM levels of SSL are lower than of KSC and thus are potentially less harmful. PM concentrations in CMSS (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁) are measured from four cigarette types of the brand Vogue, using an “automatic-environmental-tobacco-smoke-emitter” (AETSE) and laser aerosol spectrometry: SSL-BLEUE, -MENTHE, -LILAS and KSC-La Cigarette and -3R4F reference. This analysis shows that SSL MENTHE emitted the highest amount of PM, and KSC-La Cigarette the lowest. 3R4F reference emitted PM in the middle range, exceeding SSL BLEUE and falling slightly below SSL LILAS. It emerged that PM₁ constituted the biggest proportion of PM emission. The outcome shows significant type-specific differences for emitted PM concentrations. Our results indicate that SSL are potentially more harmful for passive smokers than the respective KSC. However, this study cannot give precise statements about the general influence of the size of a cigarette on PM. Alarming is that PM₁ is responsible for the biggest proportion of PM pollution, since smaller particles cause more harmful effects.

Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile-Ionic Liquid Nanofibers for Superior PM2.5 Capture Capacity

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) affects both human health and climate. To reduce the PM2.5 (mass of particles below 2.5 μm in diameter) concentration of an individual's living environment, ionic liquid-modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with superior PM2.5 capture capacity were prepared by electrospinning. Ionic liquid diethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate (DEAP) with high viscosity and hydrophilicity was involved during the electrospinning process. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and water contact angle measurement suggested that the modification of DEAP on PAN effectively altered the morphology (roughness) and surface properties (hydrophilicity) of the PAN nanofibers. The PM2.5 capture measurement was performed in a closed and static system, which mimicked the static hazy weather without wind flow. As a result, DEAP-modified PAN nanofibers exhibited significantly enhanced PM2.5 capture capacity compared to that of the bare PAN nanofibers. This can be attributed to the improved surface roughness (i.e., improved adsorption sites), hydrophilicity, and dipole moment of PAN upon DEAP modification.

Ambient particulate matter exposure and cardiovascular diseases: a focus on progenitor and stem cells

Air pollution is a major challenge to public health. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) is the key component for air pollution, and associated with significant mortality. The majority of the mortality following PM exposure is related to cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms for the adverse effects of PM exposure on cardiovascular system remain largely unknown and under active investigation. Endothelial dysfunction or injury is considered one of the major factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of vasculature. Particulate matter exposure significantly suppressed the number and function of EPCs in animals and humans. However, the mechanisms for the detrimental effects of PM on EPCs remain to be fully defined. One of the important mechanisms might be related to increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Bone marrow (BM) is a major source of EPCs. Thus, the number and function of EPCs could be intimately associated with the population and functional status of stem cells (SCs) in the BM. Bone marrow stem cells and other SCs have the potential for cardiovascular regeneration and repair. The present review is focused on summarizing the detrimental effects of PM exposure on EPCs and SCs, and potential mechanisms including ROS formation as well as clinical implications.