Common E-cigarette myths

WHILE an increasing number of policymakers around the world have embraced the robust science behind the health benefits derived from the use of electronic cigarettes, a number of countries, including the Philippines, have lagged behind, often allowing myths to guide decision making in regulatory processes. This leaves Filipino smokers without viable alternatives that could help them quit.

Here's an example of a myth and why it is untrue:

E-cigarettes are more dangerous than cigarettes

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, one of the few ingredients that e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes have in common. That’s where the similarity ends.

Conventional cigarettes, when ignited, produce around 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are established to be cancerinducing. E-cigarettes on the other hand, are mostly made up of two ingredients — propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin — that are common food ingredients found in cake mixes and dairy products which have been certified by many regulatory bodies as safe for consumption.

The technology in e-cigarettes also allows the user to choose the level of nicotine intake with each new pod or cartridge — providing those who wish to quit smoking an option to gradually decrease the amount of nicotine they consume. This would not be possible for traditional cigarettes.

Numerous international health authorities have acknowledged e-cigarettes to be far less harmful than cigarettes. Public Health England estimated e-cigarettes to be at least 95% less harmful than conventional cigarettes. The Ministry of Health in New Zealand has even highlighted how misconceptions play a part in affecting a smoker’s decision to switch to e-cigarettes. They then launched a vaping facts website to clear the air on the product and actively encourage smokers to switch to e-cigarettes completely.