ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE: ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY AND RISK FOR HEALTH

A new product which is an electronic cigarette acting as nicotine delivery has been marketed at early 2000s. An electronic cigarette generates nicotine aerosol from a solution comprised of several basic substances, nicotine and flavours. The electronic cigarettes were widely promoted by a manufacturer like a safe product substituting tobacco smoking during quitting period. As a result, their consumption has been increasing progressively worldwide. Investigators of the aerosol content reported that it mainly contains ultrafine particles which easily penetrate into alveoli and blood vessels. The aerosol also contains nitrosamines, toxic substances and heavy metals. Strong evidence has been made about the aerosol cytotoxicity that could lead to serious injury and diseases. Nicotine dependence was demonstrated to develop as a result of an electronic cigarette smoking. While smoking an electronic cigarette, the indoor air concentration of toxic substances could reach hazardous levels. Electronic cigarettes do not have any advantage and cannot be considered as a mean to quit tobacco smoking. Moreover, electronic cigarette consumers were shown to quit smoking significantly harder. A large body of scientific confirmation of hazardous effect of electronic cigarettes on a human either during active or passive smoking have been obtained. It is no doubt that further investigations are needed especially with regards to rapid change in the market of electronic cigarettes. To minimize adverse effect of electronic cigarettes both on an individual and on population at whole certain measures should be undertaken intended to limitation of demand and supply of electronic cigarettes in the country similar to those for typical tobacco products.

electronic cigarette, tobacco products, quitting smoking, risk for health

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