Variation in Relative Risk Perceptions and Tobacco Use by Race and Socioeconomic Status among Older Adults who Smoke: Evidence from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults who smoke face significant risk of tobacco-related disease and hold misperceptions about health risks posed by nicotine product use. This study examined whether socioeconomic status and race are associated with variation in cigarette/e-cigarette relative risk perceptions, whether relative risk perceptions are associated with tobacco use behaviors, and whether socioeconomic status and race moderate associations between perceptions and use behaviors. METHODS: Five waves of PATH Study yielded data from 1,879 adults >55 who smoked within the past 30 days during Wave 1. Adjusted longitudinal logistic models estimated associations between higher vs. lower SES ("low-SES": less than high school diploma/GED. and annual household income<$25,000) and race (White vs. Black/African American; AA) and e-cigarette/cigarette relative risk perceptions, behavioral intentions, and e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Lower-SES adults were more likely to report e-cigarettes were very/extremely harmful to health (AOR: 1.74, p<0.01) and less likely to report e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes (AOR: 0.65, p<0.01). Black/AA adults were less likely to report that e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes. Participants rating e-cigarettes as equally/more harmful than cigarettes exhibited lower odds of intending to quit smoking or switch to e-cigarettes. Finally, Black/AA adults who also perceived e-cigarettes equally/more harmful than cigarettes exhibited greater odds of trying to reduce rather than quit smoking (AOR: 1.58, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Many older adults who smoke perceive e-cigarettes as equally or more harmful than cigarettes, particularly low-SES and Black/AA older adults. Differences in relative risk perceptions among high priority populations could negatively influence cessation attempts and switching behaviors. IMPLICATIONS: This study found that Black/AA and low-SES older adults who smoke cigarettes were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as harmful or more harmful than cigarettes. The absence of accurate, evidence-based information regarding the relative health risks associated with the long-term use of various tobacco products may impede policy efforts to reduce disparities in smoking-related disease through increased cessation and/or harm reduction.

Understanding the nicotine dose delivered by electronic nicotine delivery systems in a single puff: the importance of nicotine flux and puff duration.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may lead to public health benefit if they help people who smoke quit smoking, and may lead to public health harm if they recruit a new generation of nicotine-dependent people. Regulators intent on maximising ENDS' public health benefit and minimising harm may be interested in regulating the nicotine dose delivered by ENDS in a single puff. The per-puff nicotine dose is the product of ENDS nicotine emission rate (or 'nicotine flux') and the duration of the puff taken by the person using the ENDS (or 'puff duration'). Nicotine flux can be measured or predicted mathematically for any ENDS device/liquid combination. Puff duration can be controlled electronically, as demonstrated by several ENDS marketed today. Combining nicotine flux and puff duration regulation is feasible today and provides authorities the means to limit nicotine dose per puff to a level that may help people who smoke quit smoking while reducing the possibility that nicotine-naive individuals will engage in repeated ENDS use. Tobacco regulatory science and product regulation will both be improved by a rigorous approach to understanding, characterising, and reporting the nicotine dose emitted by ENDS.

PMI-funded foundation for a smoke-free world: application of criteria to assess funding models that include financial support from the tobacco industry.

Recent changes to the leadership and the terms of tobacco industry financing of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) have called for a revisiting of a paper published in 2009 where we proposed criteria and other considerations to assess possible funding models for research that include financial support from the tobacco industry. This paper reviews and attempts to apply the elements laid out in 2009 to the current state of FSFW. After discussing each criterion and consideration we conclude that, at this point in time, conducting a thorough assessment using our 2009 paper is not possible because critical details related to FSFW governance, decision-making and process have not been announced. Nonetheless, we hope this paper will remind the tobacco control community that the 2009 criteria exist and highlight the information needed and questions that might be asked of FSFW to help form judgements about this new iteration of the foundation. We further hope this will put the FSFW on notice that they need to address each of these criteria and speak publicly about their plans regarding the specific issues raised in the 2009 paper.

Effects of liquid nicotine concentration and flavour on the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among people who smoke participating in a randomised controlled trial to reduce cigarette consumption.

BACKGROUND: Research is needed to understand the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a smoking reduction aid. This study examines the acceptability of ENDS by liquid nicotine concentration and flavour among people who smoke using ENDS to reduce their smoking. METHODS: People who smoke cigarettes but were naïve to ENDS participated in a double-blind randomised controlled trial to reduce conventional cigarette smoking. Participants were randomised to either a control cigarette substitute (CS) or one of three ENDS groups; 0 mg/mL, 8 mg/mL or 36 mg/mL nicotine concentration. ENDS flavour was chosen by the participant (tobacco or menthol). Participants reported their CS, ENDS and cigarettes per day (CPD) from the past 7 days at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Participants also reported side effects and measures of satisfaction, psychological reward, aversion and craving relief. Outcome variables were modelled using linear mixed effects by the following groups: liquid nicotine concentration, flavour and a flavour-nicotine concentration interaction. RESULTS: Participants (n=520) were 41.2% male, 67.3% white, had a mean age of 46.2 years and smoked a mean of 18.6 CPD (SD=7.74) at baseline. All flavour and concentration groups decreased CPD from baseline to all follow-up visits with the 36 mg/mL experiencing the greatest reduction, compared with the 0 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL groups. All groups except the 36 mg/mL group decreased their product use over time. The use of menthol flavour was associated with fewer side effects at 3 months (p=0.02) and lesser aversion at 1 month (p=0.03) compared with tobacco-flavoured ENDS. The 36 mg/mL group experienced the greatest craving relief and greatest aversion compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both nicotine concentration and flavour appear to have independent, as well as interactive, effects that influence ENDS acceptability among people who use cigarettes.

Effects of freebase/protonated nicotine concentration, liquid composition and electrical power on throat hit in direct-to-lung vaping: theory and clinical measurements.

BACKGROUND: For decades, the tobacco industry has engineered the sensory characteristics of combustible tobacco products including the degree of harshness experienced at the back of the throat. Commonly referred to as 'throat hit', this harshness derives from absorption of gas phase nicotine and other constituents by the sensory nerves. People who use tobacco products associate throat hit with the positive psychological effects of nicotine, making it a secondary reinforcer for smoking. On the other hand, high throat hit can make products aversive to naïve nicotine users and serves as a barrier to consumption of tobacco products. METHODS: We developed a first-principles theoretical model to predict nicotine absorption in the throat as a function of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) device power, liquid composition and puffing topography. The predicted nicotine absorption was compared with subjective throat harshness reported by human participants. We also simulated several ENDS use scenarios to identify the most important processes and factors that govern nicotine absorption in the throat. RESULTS: Across various ENDS configurations, we found that computed nicotine gas absorption in the throat was associated with subjective harshness scores (r=0.62; p<0.00001). We also found that liquid nicotine concentration, nicotine form, aerosol temperature and inhalation rate strongly influence nicotine absorption in the throat per unit of nicotine emitted by an ENDS. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine throat hit can be predicted and manipulated through ENDS device and liquid design variables. Regulating ENDS throat hit is feasible and may help reduce product appeal to nicotine-naïve individuals while maintaining acceptability for smokers.

Hidden flaws in e-cigarette industry-funded studies.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased since e-cigarettes were introduced to the market nearly 20 years ago. Researchers continue to conduct studies to understand the health risks and benefits of e-cigarettes to inform health education and promotion efforts as well as public policy. Studies funded by the tobacco industry examining the potential risks and benefits of e-cigarettes have also been conducted and are sometimes published in the scientific literature. Frequently, tobacco and e-cigarette industry-funded researchers report findings that contradict research funded by other sources. While many industry-funded studies may appear methodologically sound at first glance, in some cases, industry-funded studies include methodological flaws that result in misleading conclusions. The tobacco industry's use of biased research to influence tobacco-related policy decisions in the past is well-documented. This commentary provides specific examples of recent e-cigarette research funded by the tobacco/e-cigarette industry in which methodological flaws result in misleading conclusions that support industry goals. Given the long history of biased research conducted by the tobacco industry, there is a need to assess whether research funded by the e-cigarette industry similarly contains methodological flaws. We emphasise the need for tobacco and e-cigarette-funded research to be scrutinised by non-industry-funded subject matter experts and call for journals to not consider manuscripts that have received support from the tobacco or e-cigarette industry.

Building consensus on a set of ENDS-specific pictorial health warnings: a Delphi study among a tobacco control expert panel.

BACKGROUND: This study reports on the development of pictorial health warning labels for electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) using the Delphi approach with a panel of tobacco control experts. Twenty-four evidence-based ENDS-specific warnings corresponding to three themes (toxicity, health risks and specific harm) were developed and used in the Delphi study. METHODS: We conducted a three-round online Delphi study among 60 experts (55% female) between June 2022 and April 2023. We balanced the panel in areas of expertise and positions relevant to ENDS (risks, benefits). In round 1, participants rated the warnings on attention, relevance to evidence and perceived effectiveness (harm perception, motivation to quit) and provided suggestions for improvement. In rounds 2 and 3, participants ranked the revised warnings based on importance in each theme. We assessed levels of agreement between participants using interquartile deviations and medians. RESULTS: Warnings in theme 1, toxicity, received the highest ratings for perceived effectiveness on harm perception and encouraging quitting ENDS (p<0.05). Experts recommended using clear and affirmative text paired with emotion-provoking pictures and avoiding the rare side effects of ENDS. Most of the top-ranked warnings were from theme 3, ENDS-specific harm, pertained to lung damage, dual use of ENDS and cigarettes, nicotine addiction among youth, anti-ENDS industry sentiment and toxicity. DISCUSSION: This study developed 24 evidence-based ENDS health warning labels using a systematic process that included several rounds of expert panel feedback. These warnings can be used to advance ENDS prevention and tobacco control policies and further target different populations.

Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Flux, Nicotine Yield, and Particulate Matter Emissions: Impact of Device and Liquid Heterogeneity.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) heat a nicotine-containing liquid to produce an inhalable aerosol. ECIG power (wattage) and liquid nicotine concentration are two factors that predict nicotine emission rate ("flux"). These factors can vary greatly across devices and users. AIMS AND METHODS: The purpose of this study was to examine ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity in "real world" settings and the association with predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and total particulate matter (TPM) emissions. Past 30-day ECIG users (n = 84; mean age = 23.8 years [SD = 9.6]) reported device and liquid characteristics. Device power was measured via multimeter, device display screens, or obtained via labeling. Liquid nicotine concentration was obtained via labeling or through chemical analysis. Predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and TPM associated with 10 4-second puffs were calculated for participants' primary devices. RESULTS: Participants' primary devices were box mods (42.9%), disposable vapes (20.2%), and pod mods (36.9%). Most participants (65.5%) reported not knowing their primary device wattage. Rebuildable/box mods had the greatest power range (11.1-120.0 W); pod mod power also varied considerably (4.1-21.7 W). Unlike device wattage, most participants (95.2%) reported knowing their liquid nicotine concentration, which ranged from 3.0 to 86.9 mg/ml (M = 36.0, SD = 29.3). Predicted nicotine flux varied greatly across products (range =12.0-160.1 µg/s, M = 85.6 µg/s, SD = 34.3). Box mods had the greatest variability in wattage and predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and TPM yield. CONCLUSIONS: ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity influence nicotine and other toxicant emissions. Better measurement of ECIG device and liquid characteristics is needed to understand nicotine and toxicant emissions and to inform regulatory policy. IMPLICATIONS: ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity cause great variability in nicotine flux and toxicants emitted. These data demonstrate the need to examine device and liquid characteristics to develop empirically informed, health-promoting regulatory policies. Policies may include setting product standards such that ECIG products cannot (1) have nicotine fluxes much greater than that of a cigarette to decrease the risk of dependence, (2) have nicotine fluxes that are very low and thus would have minimal appeal to cigarette smokers and may serve as starter products for youth or nontobacco users, and (3) emit large amounts of particulate matter and other toxicants.

Effectiveness of ENDS, NRT and medication for smoking cessation among cigarette-only users: a longitudinal analysis of PATH Study wave 3 (2015-2016) and 4 (2016-2017), adult data.

BACKGROUND: Research is inconclusive on the effectiveness of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as cigarette cessation aids compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or non-NRT medication. This study compared the cigarette cessation rates for ENDS, NRT and non-NRT medication. METHOD: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study wave 3 cigarette-only users who used ENDS, NRT or non-NRT medication (varenicline and bupropion) to quit smoking between wave 3 and 4 were included. 'Cessation' was defined as being a former cigarette smoker in wave 4. χ2, logistic regression, and a sensitivity analysis with Bayes factor assessed the association between quitting smoking and method used. RESULTS: Among 6794 cigarette-only users, 532 used ENDS (n=75), NRT (n=289), non-NRT medication (n=68), or a combination of NRT and non-NRT medication (n=100) to quit smoking between wave 3 and 4. The percentages of quitting smoking among those who used ENDS, NRT, non-NRT medication, and a combination of NRT and non-NRT medication were 16.2% (n=14), 16.1% (n=47), 17.7% (n=13), and 14.8% (n=12), respectively (p=0.97). None of the cigarette-only users who used ENDS to quit smoking became ENDS-only users in wave 4; 37.6% became dual users of ENDS and cigarettes. CONCLUSION: No differences were found when cessation rates of ENDS, NRT or non-NRT medication were compared. Given uncertainty about the long-term health effect of ENDS and the likelihood of becoming dual users, people who smoke and need assistance quitting should be encouraged to use current Food and Drug Administration-approved cessation methods until more effective methods are developed.

Comparison of design characteristics and toxicant emissions from Vuse Solo and Alto electronic nicotine delivery systems.

INTRODUCTION: Vuse Solo is the first electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the USA. Salient features of the Vuse Solo product such as nicotine form, draw resistance, power regulation and electrical characteristics have not been reported previously, and few studies have examined the nicotine and other toxicant emissions of this product. We investigated the design characteristics and toxicant emissions of the Solo as well as Alto, another Vuse product with a greater market share than Solo. METHODS: Total/freebase nicotine, propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin ratio, carbonyl compounds (CC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence from aerosol emissions generated in 15 puffs of 4 s duration. The electric power control system was also analysed. RESULTS: The average power delivered was 2.1 W and 3.9 W for Solo and Alto; neither system was temperature-controlled. Vuse Solo and Alto, respectively, emitted nicotine at a rate of 38 µg/s and 115 µg/s, predominantly in the protonated form (>90%). Alto's ROS yield was similar to a combustible cigarette and one order of magnitude greater than that of Solo. Total carbonyls from both products were two orders of magnitude lower than combustible cigarettes. CONCLUSION: Vuse Solo is an above-Ohm ENDS that emits approximately one-third the nicotine flux of a Marlboro Red cigarette (129 µg/s) and considerably lower CC and ROS yields than a combustible cigarette. With its higher power, the nicotine flux and ROS yield from Alto are similar to Marlboro Red levels; Alto may thus present greater abuse liability than the lower sales-volume Solo.

Impact of smoking intensity and device cleaning on IQOS emissions: comparison with an array of cigarettes.

SIGNIFICANCE: IQOS is a heated tobacco product that has been widely advertised by Philip Morris International (PMI) as a reduced-exposure product compared with cigarettes. Reduced exposure results from reduced emission of toxicants which could be influenced by product constituents and user behaviour. This study aims to assess the influence of user behaviour, including device cleaning and puffing parameters, on toxicant emissions from IQOS. METHODS: IQOS aerosols were generated by a smoking machine using the combination of two cleaning protocols (after 1 stick vs 20 sticks) and five puffing regimes (including standard cigarette puffing regimes and IQOS-tailored regimes). The generated aerosols were analysed by targeted methods for phenol and carbonyl quantification, and by chemical screening for the identification of unknown compounds. RESULTS: Puffing parameters significantly affected phenol and carbonyl emissions while device cleaning had no effect. Harsher puffing conditions like more, longer, and larger puffs yielded higher levels for most toxicant emissions. Comparing the obtained data with data reported by PMI on 50 cigarette brands smoked under different puffing regimes showed various trends for phenol and carbonyl emissions, with IQOS emissions sometimes higher than cigarettes. Also, the chemical screening resulted in the tentative identification of ~100 compounds in the IQOS aerosols (most of limited toxicity data). CONCLUSION: This study showed that puffing parameters, but not device cleaning, have significant effects on carbonyl, phenol and other emissions. Data analysis highlighted the importance of comparing IQOS emissions with an array of commercial cigarettes tested under different puffing regimes before accepting reduced exposure claims.

Impact of Canada's menthol cigarette ban on quitting among menthol smokers: pooled analysis of pre-post evaluation from the ITC Project and the Ontario Menthol Ban Study and projections of impact in the USA.

INTRODUCTION: Between 2015 and 2018, Canada banned menthol cigarettes. This study pooled data from two pre-post cohort studies (the Ontario Menthol Ban Study, and the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Canada Survey, conducted in seven provinces) to derive more precise estimates of the impact of Canada's menthol ban on quitting and to apply these estimates to project the impact of a menthol ban in the USA. METHODS: Weighted multivariable logistic analyses compared post-ban quit success of menthol smokers with non-menthol smokers (for daily smokers and for all (daily + non-daily) smokers), controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, education, baseline smoking status, baseline cigarettes per day and study regions. Projections to the USA were created by multiplying the effect size of the Canadian menthol ban on quitting (percentage of increased quitting among menthol smokers) by the number of menthol smokers overall and among African Americans, from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. RESULTS: After the menthol cigarette ban, menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to have quit smoking among daily smokers (difference=8.0%; 95% CI: 2.4% to 13.7%,p=0.005) and all (daily+non-daily) smokers (difference=7.3%; 95% CI: 2.1% to 12.5%,p=0.006). The projected number of smokers who would quit after a US menthol ban would be 789 724 daily smokers (including 199 732 African Americans) and 1 337 988 daily+non-daily smokers (including 381 272 African Americans). CONCLUSIONS: This pooled analysis of Canada's menthol cigarette ban provides the foundation for estimating the impact of menthol bans in the USA and other countries. Projections suggest that a US menthol cigarette ban would have a substantial impact on increasing quitting.

Interventions for waterpipe smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND: While cigarette smoking has declined globally, waterpipe smoking is rising, especially among youth. The impact of this rise is amplified by mounting evidence of its addictive and harmful nature. Waterpipe smoking is influenced by multiple factors, including appealing flavors, marketing, use in social settings, and misperceptions that waterpipe is less harmful or addictive than cigarettes. People who use waterpipes are interested in quitting, but are often unsuccessful at doing so on their own. Therefore, developing and testing waterpipe cessation interventions to help people quit was identified as a priority for global tobacco control efforts.  OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions for people who smoke waterpipes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Review Group Specialized Register from database inception to 29 July 2022, using variant terms and spellings ('waterpipe' or 'narghile' or 'arghile' or 'shisha' or 'goza' or 'narkeela' or 'hookah' or 'hubble bubble'). We searched for trials, published or unpublished, in any language. SELECTION CRITERIA: We sought randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, or cluster-RCTs of any smoking cessation interventions for people who use waterpipes, of any age or gender. In order to be included, studies had to measure waterpipe abstinence at a three-month follow-up or longer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcome was abstinence from waterpipe use at least three months after baseline. We also collected data on adverse events. Individual study effects and pooled effects were summarized as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models to combine studies, where appropriate. We assessed statistical heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. We summarized secondary outcomes narratively. We used the five GRADE considerations (risk of bias, inconsistency of effect, imprecision, indirectness, and publication bias) to assess the certainty of the body of evidence for our primary outcome in four categories high, moderate, low, or very low. MAIN RESULTS: This review included nine studies, involving 2841 participants. All studies were conducted in adults, and were carried out in Iran, Vietnam, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Pakistan, and the USA. Studies were conducted in several settings, including colleges/universities, community healthcare centers, tuberculosis hospitals, and cancer treatment centers, while two studies tested e-health interventions (online web-based educational intervention, text message intervention). Overall, we judged three studies to be at low risk of bias, and six studies at high risk of bias. We pooled data from five studies (1030 participants) that tested intensive face-to-face behavioral interventions compared with brief behavioral intervention (e.g. one behavioral counseling session), usual care (e.g. self-help materials), or no intervention. In our meta-analysis, we included people who used waterpipe exclusively, or with another form of tobacco. Overall, we found low-certainty evidence of a benefit of behavioral support for waterpipe abstinence (RR 3.19 95% CI 2.17 to 4.69; I2 = 41%; 5 studies, N = 1030). We downgraded the evidence because of imprecision and risk of bias. We pooled data from two studies (N = 662 participants) that tested varenicline combined with behavioral intervention compared with placebo combined with behavioral intervention. Although the point estimate favored varenicline, 95% CIs were imprecise, and incorporated the potential for no difference and lower quit rates in the varenicline groups, as well as a benefit as large as that found in cigarette smoking cessation (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.24; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, N = 662; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the evidence because of imprecision. We found no clear evidence of a difference in the number of participants experiencing adverse events (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.44; I2 = 31%; 2 studies, N = 662). The studies did not report serious adverse events.   One study tested the efficacy of seven weeks of bupropion therapy combined with behavioral intervention. There was no clear evidence of benefit for waterpipe cessation when compared with behavioral support alone (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.41; 1 study, N = 121; very low-certainty evidence), or with self-help (RR 1.94, 95% CI 0.94 to 4.00; 1 study, N = 86; very low-certainty evidence).  Two studies tested e-health interventions. One study reported higher waterpipe quit rates among participants randomized to either a tailored mobile phone or untailored mobile phone intervention compared with those randomized to no intervention (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.05; 2 studies, N = 319; very low-certainty evidence). Another study reported higher waterpipe abstinence rates following an intensive online educational intervention compared with a brief online educational intervention (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.21; 1 study, N = 70; very low-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found low-certainty evidence that behavioral waterpipe cessation interventions can increase waterpipe quit rates among waterpipe smokers. We found insufficient evidence to assess whether varenicline or bupropion increased waterpipe abstinence; available evidence is compatible with effect sizes similar to those seen for cigarette smoking cessation.  Given e-health interventions' potential reach and effectiveness for waterpipe cessation, trials with large samples and long follow-up periods are needed. Future studies should use biochemical validation of abstinence to prevent the risk of detection bias. Finally, there has been limited attention given to high-risk groups for waterpipe smoking, such as youth, young adults, pregnant women, and dual or poly tobacco users. These groups would benefit from targeted studies.

Nicotine Dependence among Current Cigarette Smokers Who Use E-Cigarettes and Cannabis.

BACKGROUND: Co-use of tobacco and cannabis and dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes are very common among young adults. However, it is unclear whether co-use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and/or cannabis is associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence than cigarette-only use. We investigated the relationship between cigarette/nicotine dependence and co-use of tobacco and cannabis among 4 groups of cigarette smokers aged 18-35: cigarette-only smokers, cigarette-e-cigarette (CIG-ECIG) co-users, cigarette-cannabis (CIG-CAN) co-users, and cigarette-e-cigarette-cannabis (CIG-ECIG-CAN) co-users. METHODS: Data were from a 2018 cross-sectional survey based on a national convenience sample of smokers aged 18-35 (n = 315). Cigarette/nicotine dependence was measured by the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and e-cigarette dependence was measured by the Penn State E-cigarette Dependence Index. Bivariate analyses examined sociodemographic and tobacco/other substance use characteristics by co-use status and multivariable linear regression assessed the relationship between co-use and nicotine dependence. RESULTS: In the sample, 27.6% were cigarette-only smokers, 24.8% were CIG-ECIG, 27.6% were CIG-CAN, and 20.0% were CIG-ECIG-CAN co-users. Significant differences were observed in sociodemographic and tobacco/other substance use characteristics by co-use status. E-cigarette co-users had low e-cigarette dependence, but moderate FTND scores. In adjusted analyses, only CIG-ECIG co-use was associated with higher FTND scores compared to cigarette-only smoking. However, CIG-ECIG and CIG-ECIG-CAN co-use were associated with higher FTND scores compared to CIG-CAN co-use. CONCLUSIONS: Co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes was associated with greater nicotine dependence among smokers aged 18-35. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these relationships and inform prevention efforts.

Centering racial justice for Black/African American and Indigenous American people in commercial tobacco product regulation.

Although overall health in the United States (US) has improved dramatically during the past century, long-standing health inequities, particularly the unequal and unjust burden of tobacco-related disease and death among racialized populations, persist. A considerable gap exists in our understanding of how commercial tobacco product regulations and policies cause and/or exacerbate race-based health inequities among Black/African American (B/AA) and Indigenous American people. The purpose of this paper is to 1) describe how existing US commercial tobacco regulatory policies may contribute to structural racism and undermine the full benefits of tobacco prevention and control efforts among B/AA and Indigenous American groups; and 2) initiate a call to action for researchers and regulators of tobacco products to examine policies using an equity lens. These actions are imperative if empirically-informed regulation of commercial tobacco products is to address health equity.

Novel Nicotine Concentration Labels Improve Adolescents' and Young Adults' Understanding of the Nicotine Strength of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Products.

INTRODUCTION: E-cigarette liquid nicotine concentrations typically are labeled as mg/mL or percent, which poorly convey nicotine strength to users. We evaluated whether four novel nicotine concentration labels better convey information about nicotine strength and addictiveness. METHODS: Adolescents and young adults (N = 826) completed an online survey in 2020. Participants rated nicotine concentrations (3, 6, 18, 30, 40, and 50 mg/mL) from "no nicotine" to "very high nicotine" communicated using current market labels (mg/mL, percent) and four new labels (text-based, caution sign-shaped, horizonal stoplight, vertical thermometer) which used color, symbols, and verbal strength descriptors. Participants reported on perceived addictiveness for all labels viewed and rank-ordered labels on perceived ability to convey information accurately. RESULTS: Participants ranked the vertical (77%) and horizontal (70%) labels in first or second place and mg/mL (59.1%) and percent (47.2%) in last or second-to-last place. All new labels conveyed nicotine strength more accurately than did market labels (M[SD] correct of 6: percent = 1.50[1.08]; mg/mL = 2.14[1.52]; caution = 5.23[1.37]; vertical thermometer = 5.28[1.51]; text = 5.33[1.36]; horizontal stoplight = 5.47[1.14]), with the horizontal label also outperforming the thermometer and caution labels. Underestimating nicotine strength was uncommon among all new labels (4.7-6.8%). The new labels also were associated with increased perceived addictiveness at higher concentrations (30, 40, and 50 mg/mL), although the thermometer label underperformed the others. When considering perceived nicotine strength, rates of strength underestimates, perceived addictiveness, and rank ordering, the horizontal stoplight label performed best. CONCLUSIONS: Novel labeling could improve understanding of nicotine strength and e-cigarette-related risk. IMPLICATIONS: Extending prior research showing that adolescents and young adults who use Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) have difficulty understanding nicotine concentrations labeled using mg/mL and percent nicotine, the current study demonstrates that novel nicotine concentration labels can improve understanding of nicotine strength and influence perceptions of addictiveness among young ENDS users. While four novel labels were tested, each outperforming current market labeling, the novel label that resembles a horizontal stoplight performed best. The study provides proof-of-concept that creating an easy-to-understand nicotine concentration label is possible and that new labeling better conveys information about nicotine strength and addictiveness.

Effect of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on Cigarette Abstinence in Smokers With No Plans to Quit: Exploratory Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The extent to which use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) for smoking reduction leads to cigarette abstinence in smokers with no plans to quit smoking is unclear. This exploratory analysis examined the effects of ENDS delivering different amounts of nicotine on cigarette abstinence up to 24-week follow-up, in comparison to placebo or a behavioral substitute. METHODS: This four-arm parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial took place at two academic medical centers in the United States (Penn State Hershey and Virginia Commonwealth University). Participants were current adult smokers (N = 520) interested in reducing but not planning to quit. They received brief advice and were randomized to one of four 24-week conditions, receiving either an eGo-style ENDS paired with 0, 8, or 36 mg/ml nicotine liquid (double-blind) or a cigarette-shaped tube, as a cigarette substitute (CS). Self-reported daily cigarette consumption and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) were measured at all study visits. Outcomes included intent-to-treat, self-reported 7-day cigarette abstinence, biochemically confirmed by exhaled CO at 24 weeks after randomization. RESULTS: At 24 weeks, significantly more participants in the 36 mg/ml condition (14/130, 10.8%) than in the 0 mg/ml condition (1/130, 0.8%) and the CS condition (4/130, 3.1%) were abstinent (relative risk = 14 [95% CI = 1.9-104.9] and 3.5 [95% CI = 1.2-10.4], respectively). The abstinence rate in the 8 mg/ml condition was 4.6% (6/130). CONCLUSIONS: When smokers seeking to reduce smoking tried ENDS, few quit smoking in the short term. However, if smokers continued to use an ENDS with cigarette-like nicotine delivery, a greater proportion completely switched to ENDS, as compared with placebo or a cigarette substitute. IMPLICATIONS: The extent to which use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) for smoking reduction leads to cigarette abstinence in smokers with no plans to quit smoking was unclear. This randomized trial found that ENDS with nicotine delivery approaching that of a cigarette are more effective in helping ambivalent smokers to quit cigarette smoking.

Comparison of nicotine emissions rate, 'nicotine flux', from heated, electronic and combustible tobacco products: data, trends and recommendations for regulation.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking is a major cause of disease and premature death worldwide. While nicotine is recognised as the main addictive component in tobacco smoke, the total nicotine amount emitted (nicotine yield) and the rate of nicotine emission per second ('nicotine flux') contribute to the abuse liability of a given product. These variables can be regulated for public health ends and conveniently so for electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). METHODS: In this study we computed nicotine flux from previously reported values of yield and puff topography for a wide range of tobacco products. RESULTS: We found that nicotine flux varied widely across tobacco products, from less than 0.1 µg/s to more than 100 µg/s, and that since 2015 the upper limit of the ENDS nicotine flux range has risen significantly and is now approaching that of combustible cigarettes. We also found that products that differ in nicotine flux may exhibit similar nicotine yields due to differences in user puffing behavior. Nicotine flux is a tool that can be used to regulate nicotine emissions of tobacco products, including ENDS.

Effects of flavourants and humectants on waterpipe tobacco puffing behaviour, biomarkers of exposure and subjective effects among adults with high versus low nicotine dependence.

INTRODUCTION: Flavourants and humectants in waterpipe tobacco (WT) increase product appeal. Removal of these constituents, however, is associated with increased intensity of WT puffing, likely due to reduced nicotine delivery efficiency. To clarify the potential public health outcomes of restrictions on flavourants or humectants in WT, we evaluated the effects of these constituents on puffing behaviours, biomarkers of exposure and subjective effects among adults with high versus low WT dependence. METHODS: N=39 high dependence and N=49 low dependence WT smokers (Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale scores >10 = high dependence) completed four smoking sessions in a cross-over experiment. Conditions were preferred flavour with humectant (+F+H), preferred flavour without humectant (+F-H), unflavoured with humectant (-F+H) and unflavoured without humectant (-F-H). Measures of puff topography, plasma nicotine and expired carbon monoxide (eCO) boost, and subjective effects were assessed. RESULTS: Level of WT dependence modified the effect of WT condition on average flow rate, average puff volume and eCO boost. Although, overall, participants puffed the +F+H WT least intensely and -F-H WT most intensely, this association was strongest among WT smokers with high dependence. Participants preferred smoking the +F+H WT and achieved the largest plasma nicotine boost in that condition. DISCUSSION: Findings underscore the complexity of setting product standards related to flavourants and humectants in WT. Future research evaluating whether WT smokers with high dependence would quit or reduce their WT smoking in response to removal of flavourants or humectants from WT is necessary to appreciate the full public health effects of such policies.