About

Marielle C. Brinkman is a Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Ohio State College of Public Health. She has over 28 years of experience conducting human exposure assessment research, with a special focus on the use of non-invasive exhaled breath analysis to inform tobacco regulatory control for the last 17 years. Her work includes designing, fabricating, and validating research-grade waterpipes for use in human topography measurement and estimating active and passive toxicant exposures resulting from waterpipe tobacco smoking. Brinkman has lectured internationally and nationally on tobacco regulatory topics, including testing protocols and waterpipe design and components that influence toxicant emissions. She actively contributes to international tobacco regulation through her participation in the World Health Organization Tobacco Regulatory Laboratory (WHO TobLabNet) and has co-authored multiple WHO reports providing recommendations on waterpipe and other tobacco product emissions testing. Her federally funded projects include evaluating health warning labels, quantifying the effects of waterpipe tobacco ingredients on human exposure and appeal, and standardizing methods to measure waterpipe smoke emissions. She is also affiliated with the University of Maryland Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Environmental science
• Chemistry
• Environmental health
• Environmental chemistry

Selected publications

• E-Cigarette Use Trajectories and Respiratory Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults: Sustained Use Linked to Greater Symptom Frequency

  Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs · 2026-04-11

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: This study cross-sequentially examined three measures of self-reported respiratory symptoms and nicotine e-cigarettes (EC) use adjusting for past 30-day use of cannabis/tobacco, COVID-19, and lifetime asthma at baseline (T1) and 12-months (T2). METHOD: Data came from the Emerging Adulthood Health Project. AYAs aged 15-24 (N= 751) self-reported demographics, nicotine/cannabis use, and respiratory symptoms. EC use at T1-T2 was categorized into a) never use, b) non-escalating, c) increasing, or d) sustained use. Binary and linear logistic regressions examined outcomes at T2. RESULTS: At T1, participants (M age= 20.56 years [SD= 2.09 years]) were mostly female (n= 423 [56.6%]), White (n= 563 [75.3%]), and college students (n= 510 [68.0%]). In unadjusted analyses, EC sustained use had a significantly higher number of summed symptoms (binary; OR= 1.47, 95% CI [1.04, 2.07], p= .03) and more days with symptoms (OR= 1.64, 95% CI [1.16, 2.32], p= .006) compared to never EC use. In adjusted analyses, sustained EC use had higher American Thoracic Society Questionnaire scores (b=1.48, SE= 0.54, p=.0006) than never EC use, but the number of summed symptoms and days with symptoms became non-significant. Among participants experiencing any day with symptoms (N= 269), sustained (b= 2.05, SE=0.95, p=.03) and non-escalating use (b= 2.73, SE= 1.17, p= .02) was associated with more days with symptoms than never EC use in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: EC use behavior impacts self-reported frequency of respiratory symptoms among AYAs, with those who continue to use reporting more frequent symptoms, after adjusting for tobacco/cannabis use, COVID-19, and asthma.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ use of “Boost” mode in their E-cigarettes

  Tobacco Control · 2026-02-20

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVES: Some e-cigarette brands have begun offering "boost" modes (aka "pulse" or "turbo"). Our objectives were to (1) Determine the prevalence of boost mode utilisation among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and (2) Identify the personal and tobacco-use characteristics of AYAs who use boost mode. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey from January to July 2025. SUBJECTS: n=267 AYAs (M age=21.4, SD=2.3, range 14-25) who lived in the US and had used an e-cigarette at least once within the last 30 days. All participants completed a video conference call with study staff before being sent the online survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AYAs were asked: "Does the e-cigarette or vaping device that you use most often have a "boost" or "pulse" function?". Those who responded "yes" were asked, "How often do you use the "boost" or "pulse" function?". RESULTS: 55.1% of participants had a device with boost mode. Of these, 54.4% used it "just now and then" or "sometimes", and 27.9% used it "very often" or "always". Participants whose device had (vs did not have) a boost mode were younger, had lower socioeconomic status, used their e-cigarette more frequently (every day or almost every day) and had higher scores on the E-cigarette Dependence Scale. There were no differences by Hooked on Nicotine Checklist score, gender, race and ethnicity or use of other tobacco products. CONCLUSION: If, as brands claim, boost modes alter e-cigarette aerosol production, they likely have implications for AYA nicotine addiction and health effects. Longitudinal and laboratory investigations on boost modes are urgently needed.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effect of graphic warning label on acute changes in waterpipe tobacco smoking behavior, biomarkers of exposure and harm, and subjective effects in a randomized trial

  Addictive Behaviors · 2025-10-21

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  • This is the first reported randomized, controlled laboratory waterpipe (WP) smoking study of graphic warning labels (GWLs). • Two weekly exposures to a GWL on the hose did not reduce toxicant exposure, puffing behavior and positive experience from WP smoking. • GWLs on the WP hose may not be the sole effective tool for influencing smoking behavior of established waterpipe smokers. Waterpipe (WP) smoking is commonly misperceived as less harmful than cigarette smoking. Graphic warning labels (GWLs) may correct misperceptions and reduce WP smoking. We determined the impact of a GWL placed on a WP on short-term smoking behaviors and other outcomes among young adults who smoke WP. Young adults, ages 21–35 years, who smoke WP were randomized to a control (Visit1 = Blank, Visit2 = Blank label) or experimental (Visit1 = Blank, Visit2 = GWL, Visit3 = GWL) group. Participants smoked a research-grade WP in the lab ad lib to satiation, for a maximum of 60 min, for up to 3 visits, each separated by a week. Puffing topography was measured continuously throughout the session. Exhaled CO, harm perceptions, and subjective effects were measured before and after each smoking session. Outcome data were analyzed using linear mixed models to account for incomplete, repeated measurements. There were no significant differences in study outcomes within and between assigned groups, except for the following from Visit1 and Visit3 in the GWL group: 1) a reduction in puff volume (p = 0.048); 2) a reduction in good taste and calmness (p = 0.027 and 0.007, respectively); and 3) a reduction in being confused after smoking (p = 0.042). GWLs on WPs may not be the sole effective tool for reducing the harm from WP smoking. More research is needed to determine if WP interventions aimed at improving population health should include a wider variety of tools, such as education, cessation services, and product standards that limit the appealing aspects of WP tobacco.

  PublisherDOI

• Sugars in Tobacco Products: Toxicity Research and Implications for Tobacco Product Regulation

  Chemical Research in Toxicology · 2025-04-15 · 7 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Sugars are naturally present in tobacco plants and are introduced as additives during the manufacturing of various tobacco- and nicotine-containing products. Product palatability and appeal are the primary reasons for manufacturers' attention to the sugar content in tobacco and nicotine products. However, because of the complex chemistry of sugars and their thermal decomposition, these versatile constituents are also contributing to the toxicity profile of tobacco and nicotine products. Using published empirical data, this non-systematic review summarizes the state of knowledge on the toxicologically relevant chemical transformations of sugars and artificial sweeteners in tobacco and nicotine products, including waterpipe tobacco, combustible and electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco, and available research on the associated health effects of sugar-derived toxicants. Implications of sugar and sweetener content for abuse liability of various tobacco products are also discussed. Based on the findings of this review, research gaps are identified and policy recommendations are made for regulating sugars and artificial sweeteners in tobacco and nicotine products, including adding sugars and artificial sweeteners to the list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs).

  PublisherDOI

• Corrigendum to “E-cigarette market proportion by nicotine claims in the United States” [Prevent. Med. Rep. 54 (2025) 103087]

  Preventive Medicine Reports · 2025-07-17

  articleOpen access

  [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103087.].

  PublisherDOI

• Examining the role of freebase nicotine in the harm reduction potential of oral nicotine pouches versus moist snuff: A randomized crossover trial

  Addiction · 2025-07-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) contain varying proportions of freebase nicotine (FBN), with higher FBN expected to increase nicotine delivery across the oral mucosa. Because ONPs contain fewer toxicants than moist snuff and may serve as a reduced harm alternative for smokeless tobacco, we compared how the FBN in ONPs affects both nicotine pharmacokinetics and craving relief relative to moist snuff. DESIGN: Three-visit (90-minute sessions; ≥48-hour washout), single-blind, randomized crossover study. Participants were asked to complete all visits within 1 month. SETTING: Clinical facility in Columbus, Ohio, USA. PARTICIPANTS: = 41 years, 96.8% male, 91.9% white, 33.9% had tried ONPs before), recruited through social media advertisements and participants' word-of-mouth from rural and Appalachian Ohio. INTERVENTION: Following ≥12 hours of nicotine abstinence, participants used either a (1) low FBN peppermint ONP (27.4% FBN; 5.1 mg nicotine/pouch; Rogue brand), (2) high FBN peppermint ONP (70.2% FBN; 5.0 mg nicotine/pouch; Zyn brand) or (3) 2 g of usual brand moist snuff for 30 minutes. Participants completed the three study visits in one of six randomized orders. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma nicotine and self-reported craving were assessed at t = baseline, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Plasma nicotine and craving relief at t = 30 minutes were primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. FINDINGS: At t = 30 minutes, mean [standard deviation (SD)] plasma nicotine concentrations were 7.1 (2.8) ng/mL for low FBN ONP, 14.8 (6.4) ng/mL for high FBN ONP and 12.3 (8.4) ng/mL for moist snuff (all comparison Ps ≤ 0.001). Craving was lower for moist snuff (mean = 0.8) than either ONP (means = 1.4), with the low FBN ONP providing statistically significantly less craving relief than moist snuff (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of freebase nicotine in oral nicotine pouches appears to statistically significantly influence their nicotine delivery, with higher freebase nicotine oral nicotine pouches delivering more nicotine than usual brand moist snuff. However, craving appears to be higher when using oral nicotine pouches than usual brand moist snuff.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Longitudinal analysis of e-cigarette and cannabis dual use in an Ohio sample of adolescents and young adults

  Addictive Behaviors · 2025-08-04

  articleOpen access

  • 42% of youth using e-cigarettes also used cannabis. • Dual use at baseline predicted continued cannabis use at 12 months. • There was no association between dual use and continued e-cigarette use. • Sexual and gender minority status predicted continued cannabis use. • Findings highlight the importance of addressing dual use in prevention efforts. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) who vape e-cigarettes are likely to use cannabis (“dual use”), but little research has examined factors influencing future use pattern-. Using longitudinal data from 551 Ohio AYA (aged 15–24) who reported past-3-month e-cigarette use, we explored associations between baseline dual use and continued e-cigarette and cannabis use one year later, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. At baseline, 42.3 % of participants reported past-30-day cannabis use, indicating a high prevalence of dual use within this sample. Logistic regressions revealed that past-30-day tobacco use predicted continued e-cigarette use (OR = 1.97), but dual use at baseline was not a significant predictor. However, baseline dual use (OR = 4.58), lifetime cannabis use (OR = 3.91), and Sexual and Gender Minority status (OR = 2.57) significantly predicted continued cannabis use. These findings highlight the importance of addressing dual use in prevention efforts, as dual use at baseline was a strong predictor of continued cannabis use one year later—particularly among historically marginalized groups and those with prior cannabis exposure.

  PublisherDOI

• E-cigarette market proportion by nicotine claims in the United States

  Preventive Medicine Reports · 2025-04-23 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objective: Nicotine concentration, form (salt vs. freebase), and type (synthetic vs. tobacco-derived) are key characteristics of e-cigarettes that manufacturers manipulate. Marketing claims such as "tobacco-free" may attract new consumers and increase product use intentions. This study aimed to monitor the nicotine claims of e-cigarettes and assess their market proportions in the U.S. Methods: We analyzed e-cigarette sales and nicotine marketing claims using Nielsen ScanTrack data from U.S. brick-and-mortar stores. Market proportion was calculated as the ratio of unit sales of each nicotine claim category to the total unit sales of e-cigarettes between 12/24/2023 and 1/20/2024. Results: Nicotine claims were categorized into six groups, with the following market proportion: nicotine (77 %), nicotine salt (10.1 %), synthetic nicotine (2.2 %), zero tobacco or tobacco-free (2.2 %), zero nicotine or nicotine-free (0.03 %), and no claim (8.7 %). The market proportion of each category of nicotine concentration was as follows (market proportion in parentheses): 0 % (0.04 %), 0.1 to less than 2 % (2.9 %), 2 to less than 5 % (16.2 %), 5 % or higher (73.0 %), and unspecified (7.9 %). Conclusions: The market proportion of products that explicitly used nicotine salt, synthetic nicotine, or tobacco-free claims was notable. Products with high nicotine concentration (5 % or higher) dominated the market, highlighting their continued popularity.

  PublisherDOI

• Oral Nicotine Pouch Misuse Popularized Online Raises Concerns

  Nicotine & Tobacco Research · 2025-06-28 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pre- and Post-Flavor Ban Oral Nicotine Pouches: A Chemical, Sensory, and Young Adult Appeal Analysis

  medRxiv · 2025-12-12

  preprintOpen access

  Importance: The tobacco industry exploits legislative loopholes by introducing products with novel constituents, sensory features, and/or branding to bypass flavor restrictions and maintain appeal, particularly among young populations. Post California's 2022 flavor ban, leading oral nicotine pouch (ONP) brand (ZYN) started marketing two new "unflavored" products, Classic and Original, but it is unknown if they differed from pre-ban products marketed as "flavor-ban approved" (Chill and Smooth) in their chemical composition, sensory characteristics and human appeal. Methods: Nicotine, menthol, and synthetic coolants, WS-3 and WS-23, were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Menthol receptors (TRPM8 and TRPA1) activity was measured by calcium-microfluorimetry to assess cooling-and irritation-potential. ONP sensory attributes and appeal were assessed in young-adults (21-25Yr old) after 5-minute standardized use in a double-blind, randomized remote trial. Results: "Chill" and "Classic" ONPs contained WS-3 exclusively (0.24±0.02 mg/pouch), with consistent levels across nicotine strengths; "Smooth" and "Original" contained neither menthol nor WS-3. Extracts of "Chill" and "Classic" robustly activated the cold/menthol TRPM8-receptor with similar potency and efficacy, while weakly activating the sensory irritant TRPA1 receptor. Human participants rated "Chill" and "Classic" as having stronger cooling sensations (p<0.05), while "Classic" was rated as more minty flavored when compared to unflavored "Smooth" and "Original" (p<0.005) ONPs. Conclusions and Relevance: Pre- and post-ban ONPs showed similar chemical, sensory, and appeal profiles based on WS-3 presence. By using concept names and sensory cues to disguise flavors, industry exploits regulatory loopholes to sustain marketing of banned products. What is already known on this topic: Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) have gained popularity among young adults, and manufacturers have introduced products and marketed as "ban-compliant" with concept names and sensory additives that may mimic flavors despite flavor bans. What this study adds: Chemical, receptor, and sensory analyses of pre- and post-ban ZYN ONPs showed both contained the synthetic coolant WS-3, producing flavor-like cooling sensations even without menthol or other flavor compounds. How this study might affect research practice or policy: Findings indicate that post-ban ONPs retain the same sensory and chemical properties as pre-ban products, highlighting enforcement challenges when odorless sensory additives and branding strategies allow products to retain flavor-like effects despite legislative restrictions.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Graphic and text-based waterpipe warning labels to combat harm misperceptions

  NIH · $1.9M · 2018–2023

• Waterpipe tobacco additives and their effect on human puffing behavior, toxicant exposures, pulmonary function, and appeal

  NIH · $1.3M · 2020–2024

• Effect of Waterpipe Tobacco Ingredients on Human Puffing, Exposures and Appeal

  NIH · $1.1M · 2016–2020

• Smoking Machine Adaptor Design Project for ENDS, Cigars, and Heated Tobacco Products (UC2)

  NIH · $5.1M · 2020–2025

Frequent coauthors

• Marcia Nishioka

  The Ohio State University

  32 shared

• Theodore L. Wagener

  The Ohio State University

  30 shared

• Hazel M. Burkholder

  Battelle

  27 shared

• Sydney M. Gordon

  22 shared

• Pamela I. Clark

  University of Maryland, College Park

  16 shared

• Darren Mays

  The Ohio State University

  14 shared

• Ahmad El‐Hellani

  The Ohio State University

  10 shared

• J. A. Hodgeson

  Battelle

  9 shared

Education

• B.S., Chemistry

  University of Illinois