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E-cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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In the course of the research, in which 80 volunteers took part, scientists came to the conclusion that electronic cigarettes, which have recently become very popular, do not at all contribute to reducing nicotine addiction.
Until recently, such cigarettes were considered the safest way to quit smoking. As a survey conducted by a sociological group showed, in people's understanding, electronic cigarettes are a simple and effective way to quit the bad habit.
But scientists in their study found that the dose of nicotine entering the human body when smoking an electronic cigarette is the same as when smoking a regular one. At the same time, such cigarettes are considered safe for health mainly by people without higher education (it was found in the same research project). Also, doctors are concerned about the fact that electronic cigarettes are not considered a medical device, so they cannot be classified as nicotine substitutes of this kind. At this stage, specialists plan to study the issue of electronic cigarettes in more detail to confirm the existing results.
The electronic cigarette appeared in China. The device was invented in 2004 by Hon Lik, whose father smoked for a long time and eventually died from cigarette-related diseases. This is probably what prompted Hon Lik to come up with a similar device that allows the body to safely satisfy its need for nicotine. The device began to bring in quite a large profit, and now Hon Lik has already become a millionaire.
In 2009, the results of a detailed study of cartridges for filling electronic cigarettes became known. A total of 19 types of cartridges from two manufacturers were taken for the study. The study was conducted by the Administration responsible for the quality of food and drugs in the United States. As it turned out, the cartridges contained one carcinogenic compound - tobacco-specific nitrosamine, and diethylene glycol was found in one of the cartridges studied.
During the study, scientists found that in most cases, there was a significant difference between the actual and nominal nicotine content. In addition, in some cartridges, which, according to the manufacturer, should not contain nicotine, the latter was detected.
That same year, an article was published in which the authors recommended against buying electronic cigarettes. In addition, the Control Department insists that such cigarettes should not be sold to minors.
Nicotine is a drug that is similar to heroin in its addictiveness. In electronic cigarettes (especially when installing a new cartridge), it is quite difficult to monitor the level of nicotine entering the body. At the same time, according to scientists, the risk of an unconscious increase in the dose increases significantly.
Currently, there is active propaganda about the harm of smoking, various administrative measures are taken to influence smokers. However, many people find it extremely difficult to quit smoking, and scientists do not stop conducting research in this area to help effectively and easily overcome the bad habit.
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