Rationale Electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among smokers
worldwide. Commonly reported reasons for use include: to quit smoking, avoid relapse,
reduce urge to smoke, or as a perceived lower risk alternative to smoking. Few studies
however, have explored whether e-cigarettes deliver measurable levels of nicotine to the
blood.
Objective This study in experienced users explores the effect of using an 18 mg/ml nicotine
first generation e-cigarette on blood nicotine, tobacco withdrawal symptoms and urge to
smoke.
Methods Fourteen regular e-cigarette users (3 female), abstinent from smoking and ecigarette
use for 12 h, each completed a 3 h testing session. Blood was sampled and
questionnaires completed (tobacco-related withdrawal symptoms, urge to smoke, positive and
negative subjective effects) at four stages: baseline, 10 puffs, 60 min of ad lib use and a 60
min rest period