How does this specific image relate to your research at Concordia?
Tasfia Tasbih: This image was taken at the MBMC lab where we were performing a trial test for our study on electronic cigarette use. We were doing a cardiovascular assessment and monitoring blood pressure.
During the study, the participants wore a mask, which allowed us to assess continuous breath-by-breath responses. We measured oxygen, carbon dioxide, minute volume, tidal volume and respiration rates.
What is the hoped-for result of your project?
TT: Electronic cigarettes, which have been marketed as the “safe” alternative to conventional cigarettes, have been taken up by millions around the world since they first appeared on the Chinese market in 2004.
According to 2017 statistics, electronic cigarette use in Canada is most prevalent among young people. More than 29 per cent of adults aged 20 to 24 and 25.6 per cent aged 25 to 34 reported using electronic cigarettes. Overall, use was more prevalent among men — 18.8 per cent — than women — 12 per cent.
A high number of people think that electronic cigarettes are safe. This is mostly because they compare it with a combustible cigarette. However, most e-cigarette devices contain some of the harmful constituents of regular cigarettes — for example, nicotine and aldehydes — in various amounts, even though sometimes they are marketed as nicotine-free.
Studies have suggested that the nicotine content of electronic cigarettes has negative impacts on the cardiorespiratory system, central nervous system and immune system and might lead to addiction to regular cigarettes. Other studies suggest that the non-nicotine ingredients such as formaldehyde are more toxic than nicotine alone and they could cause negative health effects.
What impact could you see it having on people’s lives?
TT: My research is trying to find out the differences between men and women in developing complications due to electronic cigarettes. There is no data regarding this aspect and I hope my work will provide important information to counter the potential efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. These gender-based analyses could also provide important information to develop tailored smoking cessation approaches for men and women.
Since there is lack of information regarding the efficacy of electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool as well as its potential harmful effects on smokers, the popularity of electronic cigarettes is increasing at an alarming rate.
This is becoming a serious public health issue. From a clinical perspective, the differences in physiological responses and diseases between men and women who are electronic cigarette users is a concern. My study will try to pave the way to find solutions to these issues to promote healthy behaviour.
Besides that, I expect it will encourage policymakers to think twice regarding the availability of electronic cigarettes in the market as well as to strengthen the rules and regulations for the use of this product.