Are E-Cigs the Solution or Part of the Problem?

In the early 2000s, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were re-imagined in China to cater to "health conscious" consumers. There was limited excitement when first imported to the US around 2007. However, both use & availability continue to grow.

E-cigarette is a broad term that includes many different types of devices. Generally, puffing activates a battery-powered heating device, which vaporizes the cartridge liquid. This results in an aerosol or vapor the smoker inhales (called "vaping"). There are thousands of different flavors available that can be mixed into the liquid. Advocates worry that the use of sweet fruit or candy flavors (plus snazzy names) are likely to attract kids.

Some people start vaping as a way to quit smoking. Of the research done, results are mixed. Others consider it a healthier alternate for themselves & those around them. However,...

- The liquid contains many unhealthy components including highly addictive nicotine & other harmful solvents or additives. Even though many flavorings are safe to eat, they haven't been tested for breathing. Their use might injure the throat or lungs. There is also a lot of variation between brands & little regulation.

- Although the vapor is often promoted as safe, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly disagrees. Known carcinogens, toxic chemicals, & potentially toxic metal nanoparticles have been found in some vapor. Plus, bystanders can actually absorb the vaporized nicotine through their skin! There have also been cases of accidental nicotine poisoning-- in both users & young children.

Despite the possible dangers to both users & bystanders, e-cigarette companies had not been held to the same restrictive advertising laws as other tobacco products. So, it became increasingly common to see event sponsorship, popular celebrity spokespeople, & social media ads. Self-reported data revealed a continued trend of more young people using e-cigarettes than cigarettes. In 2015, 16% of high schoolers & 5.3% of middle school vaped at least once a month (CDC & FDA).

Beginning August 2016, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) can exercise some oversight into the sales, marketing, & manufacturing.


Learn more at:
- National Institute of Drug Abuse's Drug Facts: Electronic Cigarettes
- American Lung Association's E-cigarettes & Lung Health
- LiveScience's 4 Myths About E-Cigarettes
- US News' Changes to Vaping Rules Imminent
- Kids Health's About E-Cigarettes (also has age appropriate info for kids & teens)
- Tobacco Free Kids' E-Cigarettes: An Overview of Key Issues

For info on quitting, check out:
- Quitline NC-- free online or telephone (English, Spanish, many other languages, & TTY) cessatuib counseling
24/7. Lots of online materials for family/friends, employers, healthcare providers, etc.
- WebMD's Proven Strategies to Quit Smoking
- American Lung Association's Help Someone Quit