EVALUATION OF VAPOR-PHASE NICOTINE AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICLE MASS AS MARKERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO-SMOKE

Vapor-phase nicotine and respirable suspended particle mass (RSP) emissions from tobacco combustion were evaluated as markers for environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in an environmental chamber and a field study. The chamber results indicated that emissions of vapor-phase nicotine and RSP were similar among brands of cigarettes and both contaminants were emitted in quantities that are easily measured in enclosed environments. The field study collected 1-week measurements of vapor-phase nicotine and RSP as well as extensive source use information in 96 residences. Vapor-phase nicotine measurements were closely related to the number of cigarettes smoked and were highly predictive of respirable suspended particle mass generated by tobacco combustion. The observed field association between vapor-phase nicotine and RSP was consistent with chamber studies. The chamber and field studies reported here indicate that vapor-phase nicotine is a suitable qualitative and quantitative marker for environmental tobacco smoke in the residential indoor environment. Due to background levels of RSP from other sources, RSP measurements indoors should be supplemented by a measure of the quantity of tobacco consumed or a measure of the vapor-phase nicotine concentration before the portion attributable to ETS can be determined.