The side effects of cigarettes and tobacco, in any form, are
well documented and everyone knows the effects of smoking are bad for your health.
The side effects of electronic cigarettes are less clear, partly because e-cigs
are a recent development and no long-term, clinical studies have been
performed. The FDA has classified them as a drug delivery system and is seeking
regulatory power over their distribution and sale. While little information is
available on the side effects, if any, what we do know is that electronic
cigarettes are not and do not have tobacco. To carry out our research, we
analyzed the ingredients used in the cartridges.
Electronic vs. Tobacco
There has been controversy associated with the use of
electronic cigarettes because e-cigs contain nicotine, which is not the same as
tobacco. There is no evidence that they contain any of the carcinogens found in
cigarette smoke, or that long-term side effects include other respiratory or
cardiovascular problems, such as emphysema, cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and strokes, associated with tobacco smoking. Electronic
cigarettes are considered a substitute for tobacco but are not sold as a
smoking cessation device. Because e-cigs do not contain the tar, toxins,
chemicals and carcinogens found in tobacco, the benefits may be enormous.
Nicotine
Nicotine is the addictive component in tobacco and is
contained in all electronic cigarettes. It is an alkaloid drug that is both a
stimulant and a relaxant. The addictive properties of nicotine are increased
when it is combined with the MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) found in
tobacco. MAOIs are not used in e-cigarettes, and some smokers find e-cigs less
addictive than tobacco for this reason. Nicotine increases the levels of
adrenaline in the bloodstream, is a side effect of all cigarettes, and is
responsible for the “rush” experienced by smokers. Most brands come with a variety
of nicotine flavors and levels of strength or concentration.
Nicotine Levels
The dosage of nicotine received depends on the amount of
nicotine in the cartridge and the manner in which the smoker inhales.
E-cartridges are available in various strengths, and smokers can choose higher
or lower dosages depending on the type of regular cigarette they smoked
previously. Short, quick puffs deliver lower dosages, while long, slow drags
deliver higher dosages. Low nicotine dosages are associated with the stimulant
effect, which increases alertness and energy, while higher dosages are
associated with the relaxant effect.
Most e-cig brands offer nicotine cartridges with no nicotine
(0 mg), light (4-8 mg), medium or full (10-14 mg), and strong (16-24 mg)
nicotine levels. The zero nicotine cartridges are for e-cig users who have
weaned themselves off nicotine addiction and are simply maintaining the
experience. A light e-cigarette can be compared to a light cigarette, whereas a
medium or full flavored one is comparable to a full strength cigarette.
Side Effects of Nicotine
Although tobacco is a leading cause of cancer, nicotine
itself is not a carcinogen. While nicotine does not cause cancer, it may cause
cardiovascular disease with long-term use. The release of adrenaline caused by
nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes the constriction of
blood vessels, but these are health risks that regular tobacco smokers are
already comfortable with. Short-term symptoms can include dizziness, nausea and
diarrhea, especially when nicotine is used in higher dosages. Although nicotine
itself poses its own health risks, e-cigarette benefits outweigh any
disadvantages, especially when compared to the alternative of smoking regular
ones with harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is the inert ingredient used to create the
vapor in most electronic cigarettes. Propylene glycol has been used in
nebulizers since the 1950s and is commonly found in cosmetics, personal care
products and household products such as air fresheners. The side effects
attributed to propylene glycol include irritation of the mucus membranes in the
nose, mouth and throat. Propylene glycol may also cause nausea, but usually
only if ingested. Propylene glycol is also used in nicotine patches and aids in
the absorption of nicotine. Though cases of irritation or nausea from propylene
glycol are extremely rare, in the interest of full disclosure to our readers,
we are providing information on every possible health issue.
Flavors
The manufacturers offer a variety of flavorings, including
tobacco, fruit flavors, candy flavors and mint. The FDA and other organizations
have criticized manufacturers, believing that the flavorings may encourage
non-smokers and children to use e-cigarettes. Since different manufacturers use
different chemicals to create the various flavorings, there is no clear
evidence regarding any negative effects caused by the flavorings. The chemicals
used are the same as those found in food flavorings and are not known to be
harmful.
The long-term effects of electronic cigarettes are unknown
because no comprehensive, clinical studies regarding their use are available.
It is generally accepted that e-cigarettes pose significantly fewer health
risks than tobacco, but while e-cigs are safer, there are no claims that they
are completely free from health risks. All we can say is that with the current
medical evidence, user experiences, and reviews, electronic cigarettes seem to
offer many health benefits and advantages over traditional tobacco use and
smoking.
Article Credit: www.myelectroniccigarettereviews.com
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