Parents Underestimate the Risk of Secondhand Exposure to Aerosol From Electronic Cigarettes

Secondhand smoke from tobacco use is a substantial health risk to children. Secondhand aerosol from electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”) contains volatile carcinogenic compounds and leaves deposits of nicotine on surfaces, also presenting health risks to children. This study surveyed parents that use these products regarding their indoor smoking and vaping policies.

• Parents with dual tobacco and e-cigarette use were more likely to have a smoke-free than vape-free home policy (64% versus 26%); those with e-cigarette use were more likely to have a smoke-free than vape-free car policy (35% versus 23%).
• Less than one-third of parents were advised by their child’s pediatrician to have a smoke-free home or car.

Comments: E-cigarettes entered the market heralded as the solution to the problem of smoking, and are often inaccurately portrayed as harmless. The name “vapes,” which suggests that their residue is merely water vapor, is misleading. This study found that parents were more likely to protect their children from  secondhand cigarette smoke than e-cigarette aerosol, suggesting that they believe exposure is safe for their children. Pediatric primary care is an opportunity to correct these misconceptions and educate parents, though currently few parents are receiving advice to limit their children’s exposure.

Sharon Levy, MD, MPH

Reference: Drehmer JE, Nabi-Burza E, Hipple Walters B, et al. Parental smoking and e-cigarette use in homes and cars. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4).