Electronic cigarettes (EC) remain the most commonly used product among high schoolers. Little is known about acute and longitudinal respiratory effects of ECs. This novel study will contribute critical knowledge needed to understand pulmonary functioning and respiratory effects among 150 youth who are exclusive-EC (N = 100) or never-users (N = 50; EC or other tobacco products), using a longitudinal, multimethod design. Youth will complete 5-laboratory assessments to provide a comprehensive assessment of respiratory health (airway reactivity and inflammation; pulmonary functioning). Further, we will incorporate EC user topography to assess the immediate acute effects of EC use on respiratory markers. Two weeks prior to laboratory assessments youth will complete daily EMA and spirometry assessments to examine how the frequency and quantity of EC use impairs acute pulmonary functioning. This Tobacco Regulatory K01 will provide much needed evidence regarding the immediate and longitudinal effects of EC use, while providing valuable training to a promising new investigator from leading experts in the field of tobacco regulatory science.
E-cigarettes (EC) remain the most commonly used product among high schoolers. No studies have examined how EC use effects the respiratory health of youth, even though these factors are identified as an understudied and priority area of investigation by the FDA. The proposed study incorporates in-laboratory and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methodology, as well as a battery of respiratory assessments to identify the effects of youth EC use.