As the popularity of e-cigarettes increases, concerns are being raised about their safety and lack of regulation. E-cigarettes are not regulated or taxed like normal tobacco-containing cigarettes. Unlike nicotine inhalers, the exact chemical content of the liquid that is heated in the e-cigarettes is unknown, and e-cigarettes have not been clinically proven to promote smoking cessation. In addition, e-cigarettes are readily available on the Internet to anyone– regardless is age.
Although e-cigarettes do not burn the same particulates and chemicals found in regular cigarettes, that doesn’t mean their a safe alternative to smoking tobacco.
The July 2015 issue of The American Journal of Medicine includes a thorough review of e-cigarettes: Electronic Cigarettes—A Narrative Review for Clinicians.
Excerpt:
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were introduced into the US market in 2007 and have quickly become a popular source of nicotine for many patients. They are designed to simulate smoking by heating a nicotine-containing solution producing an aerosol that the user inhales. The short- and long-term effects of e-cigarette use are still unclear, but their use is increasing. Some acute effects of e-cigarettes on heart rate, blood pressure, and airway resistance are reported. Although there are some reports of improved cessation in a subset of users, there are also studies reporting decreased cessation in dual users of regular and e-cigarettes. Additionally, there is no current regulation of these devices, and this allows virtually anyone with a form of online payment to obtain them.
Read the Research:
Electronic Cigarettes—A Narrative Review for Clinicians
Watch the Video:
Are e-cigarettes safe?
