[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank you for checking out the part 6 of our analysis of the toxic ingredients of cigarettes. We previously discussed the dangers of Cyanide[click here], and today we weigh in on the pros and cons of E-Cigarettes.
As discussed in our previous blogs, most of the toxins and carcinogens associated with cigarettes are produced in the process of burning the tobacco leaf. However, by burning a flavored nicotine extract instead of a tobacco leaf, electronic cigarettes do not produce the tar, formaldehyde, and cyanide that is released by tobacco cigarettes. Although not entirely sure, but E-cigarettes also have no reason to contain the harmful ingredients, preservatives, and stabilizers found in normal cigarettes.
As far as our research takes us for now, the purpose of electronic cigarettes is to deliver nicotine in a safe way, as nicotine is the pleasing, addictive chemical that makes smokers dependent on tobacco cigarettes. In this way, smokers can experience the same feelings that they enjoy from tobacco cigarettes, but without the toxins, as nicotine itself is not harmful to the physical body[1]. In addition to their ability to deliver nicotine without toxins, electronic cigarette vapor can contain up to 10 times less nicotine than normal cigarette smoke[2]. Vapors are also available that do not contain any nicotine. Smokers are therefore able to control and slowly reduce the amount of nicotine that they inhale, making electronic cigarettes a safe option for people who are attempting to end their addiction to nicotine and stop smoking.
Electronic cigarette vapor can be inhaled secondhand and give a nicotine dose to nonsmokers, but the amount of nicotine released into the air is 10 times less than that released by tobacco cigarettes[3]. Additionally, laboratory studies indicate that electronic cigarette vapor does not pose a significant health or cancer risk[4] so far.
Supposedly, electronic cigarettes provide an alternative to smoking tobacco that is significantly less dangerous. Other than nicotine, typical electronic cigarette ingredients consist of water, glycerin, natural flavors, and propylene glycol. Diethylene glycol, the carcinogen found in antifreeze, has been found in small quantities in electronic cigarettes that contain tobacco flavoring[5]. It is therefore best to use vapors that do not contain flavors other than tobacco. If used correctly with a gradually reduced concentration of nicotine, electronic cigarettes may potentially provide a realistic method for eliminating tobacco dependence. The abuse and misuse of the E-cigarettes are still potentially a threat. It is our opinion that more development and science should be conducted along with unbiased empirical data gathering at the market place will ultimately determine the wide usage of this new technology.
If you have any question about this blog and/or the natural remedies described, feel free to leave your question or comment in the section provided below. We love to hear from you.
Jeff Riddle and Paul Tsui
[1] Br J Addict. 1991 May;86(5):571-5.
[2] Tob Control. 2010 Apr;19(2):98-103.
[3] Nicotine Tob Res. 2014 Jun;16(6):655-62.
[4] Inhal Toxicol. 2012 Oct;24(12):850-7.
[5] Front Public Health. 2013; 1: 56.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]