Some Facts You Must Know About E-Cigarettes?
Some
facts on Electronic cigarettes
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular and widely
available as the use of regular cigarettes drops. Recently, the Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that e-cigarette use by children
doubled from 2011 and 2012. The health effects of e-cigarettes have not been
effectively studied and the ingredients have little or no regulation. Mayo
Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center experts are available to discuss what
people should know before trying e-cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes, are
battery-operated devices that provide inhaled doses of a vaporized solution of
either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin along with liquid nicotine. An
atomizer heats the solution into a vapor that can be inhaled. The process,
referred to as "vaping," creates a vapor cloud that resembles
cigarette smoke. Some liquids contain flavoring, making them more appealing to
users.
"As of right now, there is no long-term safety data
showing the impact of repeated inhalation of propylene glycol or vegetable
glycerin on lung tissue," cautions Jon Ebbert, M.D., associate director at
Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center. "There is some short-term data
suggesting that e-cigarettes may cause airway irritation, but until we have
long-term safety data, we are not recommending e-cigarettes for use among
cigarette smokers to help people stop smoking."
So, what is known about electronic cigarettes?
*Manufacturers claim that electronic cigarettes are a safe
alternative to conventional cigarettes.
*The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has questioned the
safety of these products.
*FDA analysis of two popular brands found variable amounts
of nicotine and traces of toxic chemicals, including known cancer-causing substances
(carcinogens).
*The FDA has issued a warning about potential health risks
associated with electronic cigarettes, but is not yet regulating their use or
standards of manufacture.
"It's an amazing thing to watch a new product like that
just kind of appear. There's no quality control," says Richard Hurt, M.D.,
director of Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center.
"Many of them are
manufactured in China under no control conditions, so the story is yet to be
completely told."
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