Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Are E-Cigs Bad For You?

Also Known As: electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, mod


Grade

N


Short answer

Although e-cigs are safer alternatives to conventional tobacco cigarettes, they are not entirely good for you. If you don't already smoke, it's best to stay away from them.

Grade

N


Long answer

Since e-cigs are relatively new in the market, research into their actual or potential health risks is lagging behind. However, a recent study by scientists from the University Of Athens, Greece revealed that people who smoke e-cigs develop a significant increase in airway resistance, as a short-term side effect. Conversely, another research by scientists from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that many e-cig smokers either quit smoking entirely or significantly reduce their consumption of cigarettes. This is not your green light to e-cig smoking because the toxicity and potential health impacts of the products vary depending on brand. One may be safer for you while the other may be harmful.

In one analysis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered that the tobacco solution in a sample of e-cigs contained toxic chemicals typically present in antifreeze and other cancer-causing chemicals such as nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. A more recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine (2015) revealed that formaldehyde exposure from smoking e-cigs may be five to 15 times more than that resulting from cigarettes. Since research is underway, it’s best not to start smoking e-cigs if you’re not a tobacco smoker determined to quit. E-cigs have potential risks and no proven health benefits. If you’re a tobacco smoker with no intention of quitting, switching to e-cigs may be much healthier. Long term research, however, is insufficient because of how new they are to the market.


Possible short-term side effects

  • airway resistance
  • lightheadedness
  • nicotine addiction
  • dry skin
  • dry mouth
  • dry eyes
  • itchiness
  • decreased immunity

Possible long-term side effects

  • more research needed

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • assists in quitting tobacco
  • smokeless
  • cost effective when compared to cigarettes



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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