E-cigarettes: a path to smoking cessation or a new drug?

Electronic cigarettes appeared on the US market in 2007 and were presented as an alternative to regular cigarettes, with the only difference being that the smoking process is just an imitation, and there is no harm to those around you.

The imitation of the smoking process is achieved by generating vapor, which may contain nicotine and leave a corresponding aftertaste.

Manufacturers and those who have already tried the new product say that nicotine vapors have many advantages over regular cigarette smoke. However, doctors and scientists have doubts about this statement.

Many health organizations are calling for the sale of e-cigarettes to be made illegal until large-scale studies are conducted to prove their safety.

Some people claim that after switching to e-cigarettes their health has improved, others are delighted with the new product because it saves them money, and others use it to finally break with the bad habit. Therefore, before you decide to buy an e-cigarette, familiarize yourself with some facts and find out for yourself what an e-cigarette is - a way to quit smoking or just a new round of legalized drug addiction.

• Safety

The FDA is concerned that the side effects that can occur from inhaling pure nicotine are not well understood. They are also concerned that manufacturers may not be fully transparent about the ingredients in their products. They are also concerned that the amount of nicotine listed on the label may not match the amount actually in the cartridge.

• Nicotine levels

An electronic cigarette can contain as much nicotine as a regular cigarette or even more. The dose of nicotine a person receives depends on the amount of liquid in the cartridge. The customer can choose the cartridge according to their taste. Some of them are comparable to the amount of nicotine in a regular cigarette. There are also cartridges containing nicotine-free liquid for users who want to smoke without putting their health at risk.

• Availability

Nowadays, buying e-cigarettes is not a problem, the problem is that anyone can buy them, including minors. They can be ordered through online stores and therefore they are extremely accessible. For example, US law requires that the buyer of alcohol and tobacco products provide proof that he or she is at least 18 years old, but this law does not apply to sellers of e-cigarettes.

• Not a cheap pleasure

A package that includes an e-cigarette, battery, charger, and several cartridges can cost anywhere from $60 to $150. A set of five cartridges sells for about $10, and how often you change them depends on how much you smoke.

• Maintenance

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

• Public places

Regulation of e-cigarette use in public places is still evolving because the product is relatively new. E-cigarette manufacturers claim that you can smoke anywhere because their products are safe and pose no health risks because they do not release carcinogens that are inhaled by passive smokers. However, health experts say there is no basis for these claims because e-cigarettes have not been properly tested.

• Just steam or poison?

Opponents of e-cigarettes say people should not be exposed to secondhand smoke, even from e-cigarettes, until manufacturers prove it is safe for everyone, including children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Many people complain that the vapor irritates their eyes, nose and throat, and causes nausea.

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