E-cigarettes attract many smokers who want to quit or switch to “less harmful” smoking. Are these devices as safe as the manufacturers say they are?

What is an electronic cigarette?

An electronic cigarette is a device for nicotine replacement therapy for smoking addiction. The essence of this device is that it is a source of nicotine, which enters the body by inhaling the steam generated by the evaporator. Unlike a nicotine patch, an electronic cigarette does not deprive the smoker of the opportunity to perform the smoking ritual itself – he inhales in the same way, sees a vapor that resembles smoke, and feels the aroma of tobacco. And this is the undoubted advantage of electronic cigarettes, because dependence on smoking is not only dependent on nicotine, but also on the very process of smoking.
An electronic cigarette contains batteries, a working fluid reservoir and an atomizer. All this is dressed in the form familiar to the smoker – the form of a cigarette, cigar or smoking pipe. The composition of the liquid may be different. Its most frequent components are glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, essential oils, food flavorings. According to the content of nicotine, there are very strong, strong, light, super-light formulations, as well as liquids that do not contain nicotine at all. By its principle, an electronic cigarette resembles a hookah – the active substance penetrates into the lungs with steam and has a calming and tonic effect.

Electronic cigarettes and health

Above, we ranked electronic cigarettes as a means of nicotine replacement therapy, but this statement is debatable. The fact is that any drug – whether it be a drug or a device – should enter the pharmaceutical market only after a carefully conducted clinical study that would prove its effectiveness and safety. The World Health Organization warns that there are no reliable conclusions about the effects of inhaling nicotine vapor on the human body. Since 2008, the WHO has required manufacturers of electronic cigarettes to stop misinforming consumers about the absolute safety of smoking electronic cigarettes.
In 2009, US Office of Control researchers quality of food and medicines, the content of cartridges of 19 manufacturers was analyzed. Their conclusions are disappointing: nitrosamine, the strongest carcinogen, was found in three cartridges, and diethylene glycol was found in one. In addition, it turned out that in many cases the concentration of nicotine did not correspond to what was stated in the description, including nicotine was found in nicotine-free cartridges. The study was the basis for a call to stop using e-cigarettes.
The composition of liquid for electronic cigarettes was studied by other scientists. In many cases, it was stated that the concentration of harmful substances here is minimal and cannot cause significant harm to health. It has also been argued that the composition of regular cigarette smoke is much less understood and likely more dangerous than nicotine vapor. However, even those researchers who made the most optimistic conclusions about the safety of electronic cigarettes confirmed that these devices are not yet sufficiently studied, and therefore cannot be recommended for widespread use as a treatment for smoking addiction.
In some countries – Turkey, Italy, Australia, Norway, Denmark, Brazil, Uruguay, Jordan – the sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes is prohibited by law. Many other countries have restrictions on the use of these devices.

The fears of experts relate mainly to two points

1. It is not known how exactly nicotine, which enters the body in the form of vapor, affects the body. The history of pharmacology knows many examples of premature entry of drugs to the market with a deplorable outcome, so the legalization of electronic cigarettes is possible only after a long-term clinical trial conducted in accordance with all the rules.

2. Electronic cigarettes still raise more questions than answers. However, if you still decide to try this device, you should probably follow the recommendation not to buy cheap models – they are more prone to technical breakdowns, and the composition of the liquid in them is more doubtful.

The best option for a smoker is to quit smoking completely. Live life to the fullest and feel real freedom without smoking addiction!