What We Know About E-Cigarettes?

E-cigarettes usually contain nicotine and may include other harmful substances. The information on them is contradictory. We still have a lot to learn, but this is what we know now. Many different names have been known for E-cigarettes. They are often referred to as electronic cigarettes, hookahs, vapes, vape pens, tank systems, or mods. They come in all shapes and sizes – some look like regular cigarettes, others look very different. Electronic cigarettes have become very popular lately. Some of these claims are true, but others aren’t. 

You’ve probably seen ads or stories online that say e-cigarettes are harmless or an excellent way to help smokers quit. E-cigarettes are still relatively new as a health tool, and doctors and researchers have much to learn about them. Although e-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

What is an E-cigarette?

Electronic cigarettes contain vapour-liquid flavours that are heated into an aerosol that is inhaled and exhaled. E-cigarette liquids usually contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavourings, and other chemicals. Tobacco products and regular cigarettes often contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. 

Are e-cigarettes regulated?

Companies that manufacture or sell E-cigarettes must comply with particular Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. E-cigarettes, for example, can only be purchased at 18. Researchers are working hard to gather more information about e-cigarettes and their use. This information could lead to additional regulations and help educate the public about the ingredients in e-cigarettes and their potential health risks.

Are E-Cigarettes Safer Than Traditional Cigarettes?

The main difference between traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes is that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco. But it’s not just the tobacco in cigarettes that causes cancer, conventional cigarettes contain a whole list of harmful chemicals, and e-cigarettes contain several.

In 2009, the FDA stated that e-cigarettes “contain detectable levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals that consumers may be exposed to.” For example, in e-cigarette cartridges marketed as “tobacco-free,” the FDA found toxic compounds in antifreeze, tobacco-specific compounds known to cause human cancer, and other harmful tobacco-specific contaminants. Another study examined 42 liquid cartridges and found that they contained formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause human cancer. Formaldehyde has been found in some cartridges at levels well above the maximum levels recommended by the EPA for humans.

The body’s response to many chemicals in traditional cigarette smoke causes long-term inflammation, leading to chronic diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. Since e-cigarettes contain many of the same toxic chemicals, there is no reason to suspect that e-cigarettes contain many of the same toxic chemicals. They will significantly reduce this disease risk. 

No long-term studies support the claim that e-cigarette vapours are less harmful than regular smoking. Cancer takes years to develop, and e-cigarettes were only recently introduced, it is almost impossible to determine whether a product increases a person’s cancer risk or not until the product has been on the market for at least 15-20 years. Despite positive feedback from e-cigarette users who enjoy smoking where regular cigarettes are prohibited, very little is known about their safety and long-term health effects.

Bottom row

E-cigarettes haven’t been around long enough to determine if they cause long-term harm to users. Unfortunately, many people, including teenagers, are unaware that e-cigarettes are safe or effective in helping people quit smoking, and neither of these assumptions has been proven to date.