You may have seen them at large social events or in restaurants, night clubs or bars. People smoking what appears to be a cigarette or cigar but they are not. They are emitting vapors from electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes or “E-cigarettes” look like cigarettes in size and shape. They aren’t flammable so you don’t smoke them, you “vape” them. I’ve noticed Vape shops springing up everywhere along with more advertising on billboards, newspapers and magazines. I’ve been getting more casual questions about E- cigarettes from friends and even strangers when they find out I’m a doctor.
What is an E-cigarette?
A battery powered device that simulates smoking but without the use of tobacco. The E-cigarettes use a small heating element to vaporize a nicotine solution into an aerosol mist. The mist is then inhaled, thus providing the same satisfaction one would get from smoking an ordinary cigarette but without taking in the dangerous cancer causing tar from tobacco.
If E-cigarettes don’t use tobacco, what is in them?
E-cigs typically contain three main ingredients: nicotine, propylene glycol and some type of flavoring.
Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant. It has been associated with cardiovascular disease, an impaired immune system and birth defects
Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid added to foods, cosmetics and some medicines. It absorbs water and helps products stay moist. It can be found in things people eat, such as cakes, soft drinks and salad dressings. It can also be found in things we apply to our bodies such as in soaps, shampoos and deodorants.
The flavoring available appears to be limitless, which has added to the appeal of electronic cigarettes. One can vape a cotton candy flavor and then try the bubblegum flavor the next time.
Are E-cigarettes safe?
At this point in time, we don’t really know. Since E-cigarettes are relatively new, there are no long term studies available revealing their hazards. What has been shown is that nicotine is highly addictive and can be harmful. We don’t know the long term effects of inhaling propylene glycol. Yes it is in foods that we eat, but many things can be safely eaten but can damage the lungs if inhaled. You can eat flour for example, but flour can cause lung damage when inhaled.
If using E-cigarettes is a pathway to quitting cigarette smoking, like the nicotine patch or nicotine gum, then they may have benefit. But, the use of the nicotine patch or gum is not meant to be forever, so E-cigs probably shouldn’t be used for an extended period either. Until their effect on long term health has been studied more, I would be very cautious with them and wouldn’t recommend E-cigarettes unless it can help you quit smoking.
