What are Electronic Cigarettes?
Are E-cigarettes a Quit Smoking Aid or a New Nicotine Source?
Jan 25, 2009
The electronic cigarette was developed in China in 2004 and designed to replace the smoking of tobacco cigarettes and cigars. Despite many countries implementing indoor smoking bans, many smokers find it difficult to quit. The variety of nicotine replacement products in no way replicate the smoking experience. The e-cigarette is different in that it is both a nicotine delivery system and a smoking simulator.
What is an Electronic Cigarette?
The e-cigarette, or e-cig, consists of a mouthpiece with a cartridge containing a nicotine solution, a heating element or atomizer, a battery and finally an LED at the tip of the e-cig. The way e-cigarettes function means they also contain some electronics and an airflow meter. They come in different designs, often as a fake fountain pen so can be used discreetly or even as a replica cigarette.
Using an E-cigarette
Inhaling on the mouthpiece activates the airflow meter which then switches on the heating element. A short burst of heat vaporizes a small quantity of the nicotine liquid which is then inhaled. At the same time, the LED lights up to signal that the e-cigarette is working properly and also to simulate the burning ember of a real cigarette. Exhaling produces a “smoke” vapour somewhat similar to tobacco but the e-cig itself does not emit any smoke.
Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?
The largest component of the e-cigarette nicotine solution is propylene glycol. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, propylene glycol is considered safe for human consumption in foods and medicines, but there are indications that inhaling the chemical can cause irritation to some individuals. To improve the flavour of e-cigs there are often other ingredients added such as tobacco essence and flavourings such as menthol. There is still very little research on the long-term effects of these inhaled chemical cocktails. The World Health Organisation has stated that the "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy.” and that more research was needed.
Are E-cigarettes Legal?
There is widespread confusion amongst countries as to how to classify e-cigarettes. At one end of the spectrum are the UK and USA, where sale of the product is legal, and at the other end is Australia, who recently restated that nicotine products that were neither tobacco nor stop smoking aids were classed as poisons. Difficult to see how nicotine is a poison in one product but not in another. Many countries are electing to class e-cigs as medicines alongside other nicotine replacement therapies, which means their having to go through similar safety tests. E-cigarettes are, however, widely available on the internet so that public demand may prompt governments to take a decision with some urgency.
Are E-cigarettes Healthier Than Smoking Tobacco?
In many ways the e-cigarette is little different to current nicotine inhalers. However, the e-cigarette is designed to be pleasurable, some fearing that this may then lead to further tobacco smoking. However, the product does remove the known damaging effects of tobacco smoke so should, for that reason alone, be welcomed. As to whether it can be an effective way to quit smoking, that is debatable. But if there is a social stigma attached to smoking tobacco should there be the same pressure to quit nicotine addiction? That is a debate we are likely to have very soon.
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