Possible effects on air quality due to e-shishas
Secret vaping in the school toilet or in secluded corners of libraries and offices is not uncommon. One problem with vaping is the fragrant vapor of vape liquids. This perfumed vapor can smell pleasant at first and is therefore often not immediately perceived as a nuisance. In some cases, it is even interpreted as a kind of fragrant cosmetic. This perception can lead to indoor vaping being taken less seriously, even though the chemical components of the vapor can have a significant impact on air quality. This is because despite the misleading, pleasant smell, e-cigarettes emit harmful substances. We wanted to know how much the air composition is affected by e-shishas. To do this, we carried out a self-test.
The air-Q practical example "Imitated school situation"
In our current test, we used the air-Q air measurement device to monitor indoor air quality while smoking an e-cigarette. The experiment was conducted in a small 24.5 m² office space to mimic a school situation. Due to the size of the room, we were able to simulate the spatial conditions of a school toilet.
Before the experiment, we ventilated the room for approx. 20 minutes. During this time, particulates entered the room through the nearby main road and the measured value rose from less than 1 µm/m³ to over 2 µm/m³. The room was then closed for almost an hour and was not entered. The particulate matter value returned to its initial value shortly before the start of the test. During the test, two people vaped and each took three puffs on their e-cigarettes. This short smoking interval was intended to mimic the behavior of young people when vaping in secret and thus realistically depict the situation.
air-Q Lab: Development of particulates during vaping
Vaping began shortly after 11 a.m.. At this time, the particulate matter concentration was just under 0 µm/m³. The harmfulness of fine dust is related to the particle size: The deeper the particles penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream, the greater the danger to humans. This is why we decided to focus primarily on particulates PM2.5 in this experiment, as these particles have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers.
The immediate effect of the vapor is visible after just a few seconds and increased sharply. Towards the end of the test at 12:52, a maximum value of almost 40 µm/m³ was reached. Shortly afterwards, the values quickly began to fall again. After that, the particulate matter levelled off again at around 2 µm/m³. This shows that the increased concentration of PM2.5 particles caused by vaping was temporary and that the air quality returned to normal after a certain period of time without further vapour release.
air-Q Lab: Effects of steaming on the VOC concentration
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic, carbon-containing compounds that are released into the air from various sources and can be harmful to health. Before the test began, the VOC concentration in the room was around 5000 ppb. When the steaming started at around 12:48 pm, there was a clear but less rapid increase in the VOC concentration compared to the other measured values. The increase was rather constant and even. After a continuous increase, the VOC measured value reached its maximum value of around 9000 ppb at around 12:56.
Towards the end of the test, the air-Q air measuring device measured a VOC content of around 7000 ppb.
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The recommended limit values for VOCs in indoor spaces vary, but many guidelines, including the Federal Environment Agency, set the safe limit value at around 1200 to 4000 ppb.
The graph shows a rapid fall in the health index parallel to the increase in the other values. The health index is calculated on the basis of official limit values, official recommendations (e.g. from the Federal Environment Agency or the WHO) and scientific studies from the "worst" measured value from all measured variables at a certain point in time.
Conclusion
The results of the test show that vaping indoors leads to a significant increase in all the measured values examined. These changes can not only affect the health of those who regularly spend time in these rooms, but can also disrupt the functioning of sensitive technical devices. Our evaluation makes it clear that the vapor contains both particulates as well as VOC pollution. Regular vaping in closed rooms could therefore lead to a permanent increase in the concentration of pollutants, which could be harmful to health in the long term. Various health effects are possible, including irritation of the respiratory tract, headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, loss of performance and long-term damage to health in the event of long-term exposure.
It is therefore advisable to regulate vaping indoors and to take measures to monitor and improve air quality in order to protect the health of the people in the room. Overall, it is clear that monitoring indoor air quality is an important step in addressing the challenges posed by vaping. With accurate measurements, the immediate effects on air quality can be identified and clandestine smoking can be detected.
Air measuring devices such as the air-Q offer a way of detecting pollutant concentrations and thus taking targeted measures to protect health and safety indoors. Schools and public institutions can thus not only improve air quality, but also take preventative steps to stop secret vaping.
