The effects of E-Cigarettes  

College of DuPage Nursing Student Amy Walsh researched that electronic cigarettes have become an increasingly popular trend in countries all around the world as a way to limit tobacco smoking. The first electronic cigarette (e-CIG) was developed in China in 2004 where it was claimed that while using an e-cig simulates tobacco cigarette smoking but the odor and risks associated with tobacco smoke were eliminated since there were no combustion products or tobacco toxins inhaled.1 However, even though smoking e-CIG products were initially thought to be less harmful than tobacco smoking, e-CIG are in fact far from harmless or the lesser of 2 evils. Nicotine is harmful and highly addictive regardless of the delivery method and causes tachycardia, high blood pressures, seizures, comas, and even death.2

Furthermore, the variable doses of nicotine as a base liquid in different flavors typically include propylene glycol (PG or polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG400]) and/or glycerol (vegetable glycerin [VG]), widely used as additives in foods and personal care products, such as toothpaste.1

The FDA also reports detecting cancer-causing chemicals known as nitrosamines and flavorings such as diacetyl, which is a chemical linked to serious lung disease in the majority of electronic cigarette products.3 According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, e-CIG devices can explode causing burns or projectile injuries especially when batteries are of poor quality, due to improper storage, or if the device is modified by users.4 There is also evidence indicating an increased rate of infections from sharing vaping devices or improper cleaning of the mouthpiece.5

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)6 currently recommends using an FDA-approved smoking cessation program rather than switching to e-CIGs. A nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or Bupropion SR are recommended to those whose are attempting to quit, although if an e-CIG is opted as an alternative strategy, switching from cigarettes to e-CIG altogether is recommended rather than using both products which will delay quitting completely.6

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4234078/
  2. https://www.medicinenet.com/e-cigarettes_vs_cigarettes/article.htm
  3. https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
  4. https://www.nap.edu/resource/24952/012318ecigaretteConclusionsbyEvidence.pdf
  5. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/stopping tobacco-use-after-cancer-diagnosis/health-risks-e-cigarettes-smokeless-tobacco and waterpipes

6. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

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