There is a good chance that you have seen people smoking ‘e-cigarettes.’ They will be inhaling from a sort of cigarette-shaped devices, and then puffing out clouds of the odorless fog. E-cigarettes, in other words, e-cigs or else electronic nicotine delivery systems, are on the market for at least about a decade and they are surging in popularity. But there is widespread disagreement about their benefits or any safety they may have.
There has been a significant increase in the use of electronic cigarette in the recent years, especially among the kids and teens, and smokers who are looking for an alternative to conventional cigarettes. But there are no proper concerns about it and the questions about e-cigs are unanswered particularly when it comes to health and safety of these products. So, what else do we know?
Let us take a look at some of the myths and facts about e-cigarettes.
Myth 1: E-cigarettes are safe
Fact: Nah! E-cigs are unregulated tobacco products
Almost 500 brands, as well as 7,700 flavors of e-cigs, are available on the market and none of them still have been evaluated by the FDA. That means we do not know for sure what is in them.
Some studies have found toxic chemicals, which includes an ingredient used in antifreeze as well as formaldehyde in e-cigs. Just because the FDA doesn’t regulate these products, there are no requirements around ingredient disclosure, youth access restrictions or warning labels.
Myth 2: E-cigarettes do not have nicotine
Fact: Almost all the e-cigarettes contain nicotine—including many that claim they are nicotine-free
A study conducted on 2014 showed wide-ranging nicotine levels in the e-cigs and the inconsistencies between actual and listed nicotine levels in those products. As we all know, Nicotine is an addictive substance which can have negative health impacts, that include on adolescent brain development. The more nicotine, the greater the addiction.
Myth 3: They are not marketed to kids
Fact: The use of e-cigs among the middle and high school students have been tripled from 2011 to 2013
With the aggressive industry tactics like cartoon characters as well as candy flavors such as bubble gum, chocolate, fruit loops, and strawberry, it is no surprise studies show a huge increase in kids using e-cigs. For the very first time ever, teens are smoking electronic cigarettes more than the conventional cigarettes.
Myth 4: It can help smokers quit
Fact: Until now, the FDA hasn’t found any e-cigs to be safe as well as effective in helping the smokers quit
Most of the e-cigarette users are continuing to use the cigs instead of quitting, while still are using traditional cigarettes. In 2013, almost 76.8 % of the people who recently used e-cigs also currently smoked the traditional cigarettes. Also, it has been found that even smoking a few cigarettes a day is dangerous to the health.
If at all you are ready to quit smoking, make sure you are talking to your doctors about using one of the FDA-approved medications which are proven to be safe as well as effective in helping you quit. Also, you can contact the program that is right for you.
Myth 5: There are no secondhand emissions from e-cigs
Fact: They expose others as secondhand emissions
The vapor called as aerosol emitted by the e-cigs and exhaled by you contains carcinogens, like formaldehyde, according to early studies. But only a little is known about these emissions and the potential harm they can cause.
The best thing to do if you are a smoker is to quit smoking completely now and forever. Also, the best way to succeed is and overcome smoking is to get help from your local stop smoking service. If you are a smoker who had struggled to quit in the past, you might try vaping, but vapers should completely stop smoking.
Though the e-cigarettes are still new, initially the data should be seriously considered. Although, if they appear to be benefits to switching from conventional cigarettes to an electronic version, you still have to consider the long-term health consequences of this alternative. Because they are far from fully understood. This preliminary information indicates that the effects can range from less than safe to extremely dangerous. When it comes to the verdict on whether e-cigarettes are better or worse than the conventional cigarettes, it still remains to be concluded, but if possible, staying out of the term ‘smoking’ seems to be the best and safest option.
