Safety Of Electronic Cigarettes Questioned

July 27th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under • by trisha

Over the past few decades the number of smokers has been declining as more information becomes available proving the dangers of smoking. Despite the declining number of people who choose to light ecigs up, there are still an estimated 37 million adult smokers in the United States. Many of these smokers understand the health risks of smoking and would like to quit. In fact, most smokers have tried at least once to quit smoking without success. For this reason it would seem that the electronic cigarette is a perfect solution for smokers trying to quit. These battery operated cigarettes look and feel like the real thing right down to the glowing tip and “smoke” exhaled by the user. Unlike traditional cigarettes which contain thousands of dangerous chemicals which are not only inhaled by the smoker but also released into the air in the form of second smoke, e-cigarettes are being touted as a safe alternative to smoking.

What are e-cigarettes?

If you are unfamiliar with this relatively new form of tobacco less cigarettes, you may be wondering what exactly is an electronic cigarette? As previously mentioned they can look and feel just like a regular cigarette, however that is where the similarity ends. Thanks to modern technology this cigarette which is operated by a built in battery provides smokers with a vaporized nicotine solution which satisfies the nicotine cravings without all the other dangerous chemicals. There is no dangerous second hand smoke as the user exhales only a vapor which poses no danger to those around the smoker.

Why are e-cigarettes under scrutiny?

Electronic cigarettes have not been submitted to The Federal Drug Administration which means there is no way of knowing how safe or unsafe this product is for consumer use. The FDA has performed limited testing with the findings indicating the presence of diethylene glycol in one sample. This chemical is toxic to humans and generally found in antifreeze. Beyond the concern over what chemicals or ingredients are used in this product, e-cigarettes are sold online, in shopping centers and other places that are easily accessible to underage people. In fact, when reviewing several e-cigarette websites it appears they might actually be targeting young adults in their marketing.

Nicotine addiction still an issue.

Whether or not these new cigarettes are deemed safe in the future, one thing is certain. While they claim to eliminate the cancer causing agents found in chewing and smoking tobacco, the presence of nicotine makes this product an unlikely cessation tool. Nicotine is considered by many experts one of the most addictive drugs in the world. It is the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products that makes quitting an often insurmountable task. There are fewer new smokers each year, however with these new, modern and “safe” cigarettes on the market-young people may be tempted to try this new version of an old habit. Once addicted to nicotine there is a very real chance they will switch to the real thing, making this product a gateway of sorts for new smokers.

There are many questions that remain unanswered in regards to the safety of electronic cigarettes. Experts in the health industry will agree that tobacco smoking poses a larger risk to your health than nicotine addiction. That being said, smokers trying to quit might want to try other options that actually address the addiction to nicotine and young people should avoid smoking real or e-cigarettes all together.