Health Effects of E-Cigarettes
A e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats liquid to create aerosol that users inhale. It often contains nicotine, but it can also contain other chemicals including flavorings and metals. Many people use e-cigarettes to help quit smoking traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes have not been around long enough to know about their long-term effects on health. But there is evidence that e-cigarettes can harm the lungs and cause other health problems, especially for youth and young adults.
E-cigarettes use a power source to heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings into an aerosol that users inhale. They can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs. E-cigarettes are not regulated the same way as traditional cigarettes. They can have different ingredients and are sometimes made by unregulated manufacturers. The lack of regulations can mean that the devices and liquids do not have consistent quality or safety.
Researchers are working hard to learn more about e-cigarettes. They are analyzing the ingredients in e-liquids and testing how they affect cells. They are finding some problems, such as a high amount of nicotine in some e-liquids. The higher levels of nicotine can be dangerous for children and teens. There is also evidence that e-cigarettes can expose users to harmful chemicals including diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease.
Studies have found that e-cigarettes can affect the platelets and leukocytes in the blood. Activated platelets can lead to clotting and may cause cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Leukocytes can also trigger inflammatory responses that may lead to atherosclerosis and other heart-related diseases. Daily e-cigarette use has also been associated with changes in blood pressure regulation, endothelial function and vascular stiffness.
While some e-liquids have shown no cytotoxicity, others have been tested and have shown a variety of effects on human pulmonary epithelial cells. Some of these effects include oxidative stress, increased inflammatory response and cell death. One study found that five of seven flavors tested caused a significant cytotoxicity in human pulmonary fibroblasts, with Cinnamon Ceylon being the most toxic.
The longer e-cigarettes and other ENDS are on the market, the more we will learn about their effects on human health. Through tobacco product problem reports and other information, we already know much more about e-cigarettes than we did when they first came on the market.
The more we learn about e-cigarettes and their impacts on health, the better we can protect youth and young adults from using them. You can learn more about e-cigarettes and how to prevent underage use by visiting the SmokefreeTXT website or by texting QUIT to 47848. 電子煙