How Harmful Are E-cigarettes?

The consumption of e-cigarettes is polemical: some defend this substitute for tobacco, others point out the associated dangers. How safe are e-cigarettes? Find out more in today’s post.

E-cigarettes were actually designed with the intention of finding an alternative to regular cigarettes in order to reduce the dangers of tobacco consumption. But the more studies that are carried out on this topic, the clearer it becomes that new risks and dangers are associated with it.

Some speak for it, others against it. In any case, it is important to be well informed about this topic in order to be able to make the right decision for yourself. Today you will learn interesting facts about the possible dangers and the safety of  e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes: good or not?

E-cigarettes are supposed to be a healthy replacement for traditional cigarettes and help with smoking cessation. Although they do not contain tobacco, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies them as “Tobacco Products”. This already gives us indications of possible effects and consequences for health.

While many people are replacing traditional tobacco with e-cigarettes,  there is no scientific evidence that they are harmless or helpful in giving up tobacco.

For this reason, the Argentine Food and Drug Agency ANMAT has issued a ban on the import, distribution and marketing of electronic cigarettes. This is also an indication  that the safety of e-cigarettes has not been proven. 

Commercially Available Types of E-Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes come in many sizes and shapes: for example, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, ballpoint pens or USB sticks are available. All these cigarettes have a battery (accumulator unit) with which they are switched on in order to heat the liquid contained in them and convert it into vapor (evaporator unit). You also need a head with a coil and liquid carrier, which can be exchanged in order to refill liquid. The steam exits through a slot and  can be inhaled.

New formation of words

The word “vaping” or “vaping” refers to inhaling the vapor from an electronic cigarette. “Base liquid” describes the liquid that is used as the starting point for self-mixed liquids. These are just a few examples of new vocabulary entering our language use with this technique.

Information about the effects of e-cigarettes is essential

Before using an e-cigarette, you should get information and advice accordingly. Because more and more scientific studies point to the dangers that come with it. An article published by Francisco Javier Ayesta and the presidents of the CNPT and SEDET provides various pieces of evidence on the subject, including interesting information about the toxicity, addiction and use of e-cigarettes as a cessation agent.

The authors highlight:

Final remark

The General Directorate for Public Health and Drug Addiction of the Region of Murcia makes the following recommendations:

• It is recommended that all sections of the population, especially minors and adolescents,  not consume e-cigarettes.
• It is best not to use e-cigarettes in public areas, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not.
• It is not recommended to use electronic cigarettes to quit smoking.