Tobacco consumption has been decreasing as a result of effective tobacco control policies. At the same time, we are witnessing the emergence of new forms of nicotine consumption , which are invading the market and winning over old and new users, such as electronic cigarettes. What are electronic cigarettes? Electronic cigarettes are electronic nicotine delivery system s (ENDS), known with different names like vapes or e-cigarettes. Vaping is the term that is usually used to refer to its use. The appearance of electronic cigarettes varies. They can resemble a traditional cigarette or even everyday objects, such as pens or flash drives. What distinguishes electronic cigarettes from traditional cigarettes? Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco leaves and there is no combustion with smoke production. They have a resistance that heats a liquid – known as e-liquid or juice – producing an aerosol/vapor that is inhaled by the user. What does electronic cigarette e-liquid contain? In addition to nicotine, in different concentrations, the e-liquid contains propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin and aromas and flavors. There are more than 8000 flavors available, for example menthol, fruit, nut, chocolate, and caramel. Are electronic cigarettes addictive? E-cigarette users can inhale a large amount of vapor in a short period of time. Compared to traditional cigarettes, the nicotine inhaled through electronic cigarettes causes less throat irritation and can reach much higher concentrations in the body. So, the continued use of electronic cigarettes exposes users to a toxic and extremely addictive substance, transforming them into potential nicotine consumers for the rest of their lives. Are electronic cigarettes harmful to your health? The aerosol of electronic cigarettes which is inhaled by users contains almost 2000 dangerous substances and particles , resulting from the degradation at high temperatures of the original compounds in the e-liquid, as well as their mixing in the aerosol, which generates new toxic compounds. These substances include heavy metals, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and even psychoactive chemicals, among many others not specified by the manufacturers. Although their long-term effects are yet to be clarified, several studies have shown that the use of electronic cigarettes has risks for the respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems and may increase the risk of cancer. On the other hand, these devices also present specific risks, such as acute lung injury syndrome (EVALI), which caused dozens of deaths in the USA in 2019-2020, as well as the risk of device explosion and liquid poisoning if swallowed or absorption through the eyes or skin. Does passive exposure to e-cigarette aerosol pose health risks? Passive exposure to aerosol substances can pose a health risk to more vulnerable people, such as chronic respiratory or cardiovascular patients, children, pregnant women, or non-users of electronic cigarettes. Can electronic cigarettes be recommended as a method of quitting smoking? Electronic cigarettes have at their origin the search for a safe and effective method for smokers who want to quit smoking. However, they are not recognized as medical devices or smoking cessation medications and do not represent a proven or safe public health strategy to reduce illness and premature death caused by the consumption of conventional cigarettes. If you feel ready to stop smoking, seek medical help, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Author: Raquel Rosa Meet the Pulmonology clinical team of the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
