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