Changes in Biomarkers Associated With Use of Electronic Cigarettes

This study compares patterns of e-cigarette use and the exposure to the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) in African American smokers, randomized to ad lib e-cigarettes containing nicotine vs. no nicotine. We hypothesized that nicotine e-cigarettes would be used more than no-nicotine e-cigarettes, and that this would be associated with reduced use of combustible cigarettes. We hypothesized that nicotine e-cigarettes would result in more substitution for combusted cigarettes than no-nicotine e-cigarettes and result in lower levels of exposure to the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNAL. These results would be relevant for developing exposure reduction strategies for adult African American smokers.

Inclusion criteria

• self-identify as African American or Black;
• age 18 years or older;
• smoke at least five cigarettes daily for the past year;
• not interested in quitting smoking in the next 6 months;
• Willing to use e-cigarettes;
• Good physical health (no unstable medical or mental health condition);
• no contraindications for e-cigarette use.

Exclusion criteria

• Recent unstable or untreated psychiatric diagnosis including substance abuse, as determined by the DSM-IV criteria;
• use in the past 30 days of tobacco or nicotine products including e-cigarettes, other than regular cigarettes;
• participation in a smoking cessation program in the past 30 days;
• pregnant or nursing.