E-cigarettes: Death is still knocking at the door.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, are devices which heat a liquid to create an aerosol which is then inhaled by the user, these may or may not contain nicotine. The main constituents of the solution by volume are propylene glycol, with or without glycerol, and flavouring agents. E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco but are harmful to health and are not safe. However, it is too early to provide a clear answer on the long-term impacts of using them or being exposed to them.
E-cigarettes are particularly risky when used by children and adolescents. Nicotine is highly addictive and young people’s brains develop up to their mid-twenties.
ENDS use increases the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. They also pose significant risks to pregnant women who use them, as they can damage the growing fetus.
Advertising, marketing and promotion of ENDS has grown rapidly, through channels which rely heavily on internet and social media. Much of the marketing around these products gives rise to concern about deceptive health claims, deceptive claims on cessation efficacy, and targeting towards youth, especially with the use of flavours.
ENDS/ENNDS should not be promoted as a cessation aid until adequate evidence is available and the public health community can agree upon the effectiveness of those specific products. Where ENDS and ENNDS are not banned, WHO recommends that the products be regulated in accordance with four key objectives:
- Prevent initiation of ENDS/ENNDS by non-smokers, minors and vulnerable groups;
*Minimize health risks for ENDS/ENNDS users and protect non-users from exposure to their emissions;
*Prevent unproven health claims being made about ENDS/ENNDS; and
*Protect tobacco control from all commercial and other vested interests related to ENDS/ENNDS, including interests of the tobacco industry (5).
Hence, it is not still safe to consider E-cigarette as an alternative for cigarette smoking because of the risks it poses on users. It is not yet safe! The death is still knocking at users' doors.
References:
Huang J, Kornfield R, Szczypka G, Emery S. A cross-sectional examination of marketing of electronic cigarettes on Twitter. Tobacco Control. 2014; 23 (suppl 3): iii26-iii30
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS) [Online]. Decision by WHO, Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Seventh session, FCTC/COP/7(9), 2016.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS) [Online]. Decision by WHO, Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Seventh session, FCTC/COP/6(9), 2014.