Electronic cigarette usually referred to as E-cigarette is a form of battery-operated device that can look like a real cigarette or pen. It comes in different brand and they are made as a way to inhale nicotine without the danger related to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookah, and e-pens are collectively referred to as ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems).
E-cigarettes are battery operated and it has a refillable cartridge which is heated to release a chemical-filled aerosol. Unlike the traditional cigarette, instead of burning tobacco the nicotine or other chemical in the cartridges is the one heated, the liquid chemical is then turned into vapor or steam which is then inhaled by the smoker.
There are still a lot of question on the safety and health impact of the e-cigarette, so also are questions about its effect on long-term use. Scientists has also questioned its effectiveness in helping traditional smokers to quit. Some of the questions and more are still left unanswered and there are still on-going researches to making finding on how harmful e-cigarette could be.
E-cigarette generally delivers less nicotine to smokers than traditional cigarettes because it creates a vapor rather than produce a tobacco smoke. However, this does not mean the use of e-cigarettes is a safer form of smoking than conventional cigarettes. Study has shown that some smokers rather than making attempt to quit smoking have end up smoking both the regular cigarette and the electronic ones.
Inhaling nicotine into the body is still harmful regardless of how it is delivered, whether it is through the regular cigarettes or through the electronic cigars, it can still cause a potential harm to the smokers. Tobacco researchers and scientist suggested that E-cigars can worsen heart disease in the people already suffering from a heart-related condition, but studies have not yet shown if nicotine alone can cause similar heart disease in people who don’t have heart-related conditions.
Nicotine has also known to affect woman on reproductive health. Exposure of woman to nicotine during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and lead to babies born with low birth weights, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. It can also cause lasting consequences for the developing brain and lung function in new babies.
Flavors found in e-cigarettes are also a matter of concern, manufacturers and marketers of e-cigarettes suggest that the flavor ingredients used in e-cigarettes are safe but research as suggested that this claim is actually false and misleading. This flavor can be safe for use in food but they may be harmful on their own when inhaled through e-cigarettes.
Nicotine also has a negative effect on teen brain development. The use of nicotine during adolescence age can have a negative impact on their working memory and attention. As the number of teenagers smoking e-cigarette in U.S is now increasing, the situation is now becoming a great of concern because nicotine is not only addictive on its own but may also increase the risk of teenager being addicted to other drugs.
There has also been an increase in the number of reports of young children accidentally ingesting nicotine, which is considered poisonous in its concentrated e-liquid form.
Propylene glycol and glycerol are the major chemicals found in e-liquids. Studies have revealed that propylene glycol or glycerin when heated, they vaporized and transformed into toxic compounds like formaldehyde or acetaldehyde.
Most of the information found about e-cigarette has suggested that neither e-cigarette nor traditional cigarette is totally safe for you. E-cigarette has a complex mix of potential harms and benefits.
