Long-term risks of e-cigs up in the air
DEAR DOCTOR: Would you address the risks of e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes? I am opposed to both because of the potential for nicotine addiction and other health issues. Some of my adult relatives, however, are convinced e-cigs are not harmful, even though they clearly seem addicted.
DEAR READER: On the surface, e-cigarettes appear to be a good idea. They contain no combustible substances to become residue and enter the lungs. Instead, the devices feature a cartridge filled with a nicotine liquid that is vaporized and inhaled. E-cigarettes also contain propylene glycol, which is used to prevent the liquid from evaporating, and flavorings that make the vapor more palatable.
Rates of nicotine toxicity have substantially increased since the introduction of e-cigarettes. This occurs when someone uses too much nicotine or when someone, such as a child, ingests the liquid in one of the vials.
As for the long-term effects of inhaling e-cig vapor, acute exposure does lead to a small increase in lung flow resistance, and the vapor could lead to more inflammation of
the airways. The vapor itself does have trace amounts of carcinogenic compounds, but at much lower levels than in combustible cigarettes.
Because the risk for lung cancer would appear to be smaller for e-cigs than for traditional cigarettes, they definitely have the edge in that respect. Additionally, e-cigarettes, like nicotine gums and patches, can decrease the desire to smoke combustible cigarettes. And even if e-cigarettes don’t actually help people stop smoking, they could theoretically decrease the number of regular cigarettes consumed.
The bigger problem lies in e-cigarettes’ risk to young people. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults who use e-cigs have three times the risk of initiating regular cigarette smoking than those who don’t use e-cigs. This may be due to the nicotine, of course, but regardless, it points to the potential connection between e-cigs and a lifelong nicotine addiction, with e-cigs being a gateway.