Aims and Objectives

While the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health are well established; there is limited understanding on the adverse effects of air pollutants on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g dementia). Furthermore, e-cigarettes (e-cigs) have become increasingly common in the recent decade, often being promoted as a safer alternative to smoking. We hypothesize that the aerosols produced from e-cigs during vaping have the potential to contribute to cognitive decline or exacerbate existing conditions that may lead to dementia.

In the present cross-cutting proof of concept study, through laboratory-based experiments, we will quantify the key constituents released during e-cig vaping and their impact on the human body at the cellular and molecular level. Through this new collaboration between environment, biology and biophysics we will pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors impact neurological/brain health, fostering advancements in both scientific knowledge and public health interventions.

Project Outputs

Pravardhan Hemanth Raj working in a lab, showing a test tube and a laptop

Pravardhan Hemanth Raj's Master’s Dissertation Project: E-Cigarette Characterization and Heavy Metal Analysis

My interest in air pollution sparked my decision to delve into the characterization of e-cigarettes for my master’s dissertation. I’ve always been fascinated by how pollutants affect health, and as vaping technology evolved, I became concerned about the potential risks posed by e-cigarette emissions. This led me to focus on analyzing heavy metals in both e-cigarette aerosols and e-liquids.

Throughout the project, I developed and refined methods to detect trace amounts of metals like lead, cadmium, and nickel. The hands-on experience of optimizing these techniques was both challenging and rewarding. A significant finding was that some e-cigarette devices exhibited higher levels of these metals than expected, highlighting potential risks that could impact consumer health and influence regulatory standards. By connecting my initial interest in air pollution with this study, I aim to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing conversation about vaping safety and public health.

Principal Investigator

Darpan Das (Dept of Environment and Geography)

Co-Investigators

Steven Quinn (School of Physics, Engineering and Technology)

Ines Hahn (Department of Biology)