A new topic of discussion I was curious in doing some research on was the effects and dangers of E-Cigarettes (electronic cigarettes). This topic recently was brought up in my classroom and it seems that everywhere I go today I see adults and even young adults inhaling this new
e-cigarette. Now I know that many may argue that these new type of “cigarette” may be a healthier alternative to the traditional cigarette, however, being in respiratory therapy school I am well aware that inhaling a foreign chemical into your lungs of any kind results in harmful effects on the lungs.
e-cigarette. Now I know that many may argue that these new type of “cigarette” may be a healthier alternative to the traditional cigarette, however, being in respiratory therapy school I am well aware that inhaling a foreign chemical into your lungs of any kind results in harmful effects on the lungs.
For those of you unfamiliar with this new type of tobacco product, e- cigarettes include e-pens,
e-pipes, e-hookah, and e-cigars are known communally as ENDS –electronic nicotine delivery systems. The use of an e- cigarette is referred to as “vaping”. The use of the e- cigarette is controlled by a battery, a heating element, and a cartilage that holds nicotine and other liquids/flavorings. Many have a rechargeable battery with refillable cartridges and some are disposable (American Lung Association). E- cigarettes have commonly been marketed as an effective smoking cessation device, which personally I find very alarming -what is this message sending!?
e-pipes, e-hookah, and e-cigars are known communally as ENDS –electronic nicotine delivery systems. The use of an e- cigarette is referred to as “vaping”. The use of the e- cigarette is controlled by a battery, a heating element, and a cartilage that holds nicotine and other liquids/flavorings. Many have a rechargeable battery with refillable cartridges and some are disposable (American Lung Association). E- cigarettes have commonly been marketed as an effective smoking cessation device, which personally I find very alarming -what is this message sending!?
What many people do not know is that e- cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA, that should be a clear indication that the use of e- cigarettes is dangerous. E-cigarettes do contain Nicotine, an addictive substance that has a negative impact on adolescent brain development. The scary part is that initial FDA lab tests conducted in 2009 found that cartridges labeled as nicotine-free had traceable levels of nicotine. Similarly, another 2014 study found that the amount of nicotine in e-liquid refills is often substantially different from the amount listed on the package (Cameron JM, Howell DN, White JR, Andrenyak DM, Layton ME, Roll JM. Variable and potentially fatal amounts of nicotine in e-cigarette nicotine solutions. Tob Control 2014;23:77-8).
In addition to nicotine, other detectable level of toxic cancer-causing chemicals, including an ingredient used in anti-freeze has been found in two leading brands of e-cigarettes. My major concern with e-cigarettes is the appeal it is having on the younger population. The flavors in e-cigarettes are being used to target kids and are claimed to be “safe” because they are FEMA GRASTM status for use in food, however, that does not mean that it is safe to inhale!
When reviewing an article from HealthDay I found it alarming to read in their study that thirty-six percent of e-cigarette users did not lock up bottles of liquid nicotine and did not use childproof caps making it easily accessible to children. In addition, In two-thirds of homes where children were exposed to e-cigarettes, they were also exposed to regular cigarettes, according to the study published Aug. 25 in the journal Academic Pediatrics. I can see how e-cigarettes can be a “gateway drug” and expose the younger population to more harmful addictions. _
In my opinion, isn’t it our main goal to reduce the use of tobacco altogether? Shouldn’t we be focusing on educating the public on the harm they are doing to their body by inhaling these products verses trying to find alternatives to cigarettes that more than likely will prove to be more detrimental in the future? What are your thoughts?
In addition to nicotine, other detectable level of toxic cancer-causing chemicals, including an ingredient used in anti-freeze has been found in two leading brands of e-cigarettes. My major concern with e-cigarettes is the appeal it is having on the younger population. The flavors in e-cigarettes are being used to target kids and are claimed to be “safe” because they are FEMA GRASTM status for use in food, however, that does not mean that it is safe to inhale!
When reviewing an article from HealthDay I found it alarming to read in their study that thirty-six percent of e-cigarette users did not lock up bottles of liquid nicotine and did not use childproof caps making it easily accessible to children. In addition, In two-thirds of homes where children were exposed to e-cigarettes, they were also exposed to regular cigarettes, according to the study published Aug. 25 in the journal Academic Pediatrics. I can see how e-cigarettes can be a “gateway drug” and expose the younger population to more harmful addictions. _
In my opinion, isn’t it our main goal to reduce the use of tobacco altogether? Shouldn’t we be focusing on educating the public on the harm they are doing to their body by inhaling these products verses trying to find alternatives to cigarettes that more than likely will prove to be more detrimental in the future? What are your thoughts?