Secondhand exposure to cigarette/cigar smoke, electronic vapor products (EVP) aerosol, and cannabis smoke has been associated with detrimental health effects. There is limited research examining demographic correlates of exposure to other forms of tobacco products and cannabis. This study investigates demographic correlates of secondhand exposure to EVP aerosol, cigarette, cigar, and cannabis smoke.

A nationally representative sample of 3200 US adults (≥21 years) reported demographic information, current cigarette, cigar, EVP and cannabis use, and hours of secondhand exposure to their smoke/aerosol in the past 7 days. Weighted cragg’s double hurdle regressions were used to examine the relationship between demographics and hours exposed.

Among individuals not using these products, 21% reported cigarette smoke exposure hours>0 (n=469, weighted mean [M]=8.9, SD=24.8), 13% reported cigar smoke exposure (n=358, M=3.1, SD=4.5), 18% reported EVP aerosol exposure (n=465, M=6.9 hours, SD=18.3), and 14% reported cannabis smoke exposure (n=356, M=4.1 hours, SD=1.4). Comparison of the predictive margins from the hurdle regression models show the following: Older individuals had lower hours of exposure to smoke from cigarettes, cigars, EVP, and cannabis in comparison to 21-30-year-olds (p<.05). Compared to White individuals, American Indian/Alaska Native and Black individuals had higher exposure, while Asian individuals had lower exposure to cigar and cannabis smoke (p<.05). Individuals with annual incomes greater than $25,000 had lower hours of cannabis smoke exposure, compared to those making below $25,000 (p<.05).

Our findings indicate demographic disparities in secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, EVP aerosol, and cannabis smoke, varying somewhat by product. Further research examining whether secondhand exposure is associated with statewide smokefree air laws, cannabis legalization, and excise tax rates can inform policy actions.