E-cigarettes

An e-cigarette (commonly referred to as a vape) is an electrically powered device used by inhaling vaporized liquid. In this respect, the use of e-cigarettes imitates traditional smoking. E-cigarettes use liquids that may or may not contain nicotine. The liquids and the resulting vapor also contain other substances, some of which are the same as those found in traditional cigarettes (e.g., acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzene, diacetyl, formaldehyde).

There is a vast variety of e-cigarette devices and liquids available on the market. Earlier e-cigarettes closely resembled traditional cigarettes in appearance, but most e-cigarettes currently on the market do not closely resemble cigarettes.

Legal status: According to the Tobacco Act, e-cigarettes are considered smokeless tobacco products or tobacco substitutes. The minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to possess e-cigarettes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

How does it work?

The physiological effect of using e-cigarettes occurs in much the same way as with traditional smoking. When the vapor is inhaled, the particles it contains are absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. The effect of nicotine from e-cigarette use can be similar to that of smoking, depending on the type of device used and how it is used.

Some e-cigarette devices are capable of delivering nicotine as efficiently as traditional cigarettes. The rapid onset of nicotine’s effects contributes to the development of strong dependence.

Key risks

The liquids and vapor used in e-cigarettes often contain the same harmful substances as traditional cigarettes. The amounts of these harmful substances detected have generally been lower than in traditional cigarettes. When heated, e-cigarette liquids undergo chemical changes that produce harmful compounds. These compounds can cause inflammation and damage in the lungs. They also negatively affect oral health.

The health effects of e-cigarettes are continuously being studied. Since e-cigarettes have only been on the market since the mid-2000s, there is still relatively little data available compared to the health risks of traditional cigarettes. The wide variety of products and their concurrent use with conventional cigarettes also pose challenges for evaluating their health impacts.

Based on current knowledge, the vapor produced by e-cigarette use appears to be less harmful than cigarette smoke, but it is not harmless. E-cigarette use has harmful effects on lung function. Reported side effects among e-cigarette users include chest pain, increased heart rate, headaches, throat pain, and irritation or dryness in the throat and mouth. Some studies have also reported improved health outcomes in individuals who switched from smoking to e-cigarette use.

E-cigarette liquids often contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance and has several other adverse effects on the body. It accelerates heart rate and increases the contraction of the heart muscle.

There have been reports of poisonings and suspected poisonings from nicotine-containing e-liquid misuse, especially among children and young adults. In case of suspected poisoning, it is crucial to contact a poison control center immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Assessing the health effects of e-cigarette use is challenging due to the wide range of devices and liquids available. The product itself, the composition of the liquid used, the quantity of flavorings, and the way the product is used can all influence the amount of harmful substances produced. Reliable data on the potential diseases and harms caused by long-term e-cigarette use will only become available in the years to come.

Use During Pregnancy: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which in turn impairs the fetus’s oxygen supply. It affects the brain development of both the fetus and the newborn child. Fetal exposure to nicotine may lead to complications such as oxygen deficiency during birth or premature delivery. Expectant mothers should avoid any exposure to nicotine in all forms.

How can risks be reduced?

The best way to avoid the risks associated with e-cigarette use is not to start using them at all. If e-liquids contain nicotine, e-cigarette use can sustain or even strengthen nicotine dependence.