Electronic cigarettes: a way to quit smoking or a new drug?

Electronic cigarettes appeared on the US market in 2007 and were presented as an alternative to conventional cigarettes with the only difference that the process of smoking is just an imitation, without affecting the surrounding people.

Simulation of the smoking process is achieved by generating steam that can contain nicotine and leave a corresponding aftertaste.

Manufacturers and those who have already familiarized themselves with the novelty, say that nicotine pairs have a lot of advantages over the usual cigarette smoke. However, this statement raises doubts among doctors and scientists.

Many healthcare organizations demand that the sale of electronic cigarettes be illegal until large-scale studies prove their safety.

Some people claim that after switching to e-cigarettes their state of health has improved, others are not satisfied with the novelty, because it saves them money, and still others use it for the final parting with a bad habit. So before deciding to purchase an electronic cigarette, check out some facts and find out for yourself what an electronic cigarette is - a way to stop smoking or just a new round of legalized addiction.

• Security

The Food and Drug Administration is concerned that the side effects that may occur after the inhalation of pure nicotine have not yet been studied. They are also worried by the fact that manufacturers can provide information on the content of ingredients in their products not fully. Also they are concerned about the amount of nicotine indicated on the label - it may not coincide with its actual quantity in the cartridge.

• Nicotine levels

An electronic cigarette may contain the same amount of nicotine as in conventional cigarettes or even more. The way a person receives a dose of nicotine depends on how much the cartridge contains, filled with a special liquid. The client can choose the cartridge to your taste. Some of them are comparable to the amount of nicotine in a normal cigarette. There are also cartridges containing a liquid without nicotine, for users who want to smoke, but do not expose themselves to health hazards.

• Availability

Now buy e-cigarettes - not a problem, the problem is that they can be purchased by anyone, including minors. They can be ordered through online stores and therefore they are as accessible as possible. For example, the US law requires that the buyer of alcohol and tobacco products provide evidence that he was at least 18 years old, but this law does not apply to e-cigarette vendors.

• Unexpected pleasure

The package, which includes an electronic cigarette, battery, charger and several cartridges, can cost from $ 60 to $ 150. A set of five cartridges is sold for about $ 10, the frequency of their replacement depends on how many people smoke.

• Maintenance

The battery needs to be recharged regularly. Some users complain that there is a frequent need to change the battery. The liquid in the cartridges must also be replenished regularly, either by introducing a new cartridge, or by refilling with a special liquid.

• Public places

Regulation of the use of electronic cigarettes in public places is still developing, as the product is relatively new. Manufacturers of electronic cigarettes claim that you can smoke anywhere, because their products are safe and do not pose a health risk, because they do not release the carcinogens that the passive smoker inhales. Nevertheless, experts in the field of health say that for these applications there is no reason, because electronic cigarettes have not been properly tested.

• Just steam or poison?

Opponents of electronic cigarettes say that people should not be exposed to secondhand smoke, even if they are electronic cigarettes, until manufacturers prove that it is safe for everyone, including children, the elderly and people with certain diseases. Many people complain that the steam causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and also causes nausea.

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