User:AlbinoFerret/sandbox2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Use of electronic cigarettes raises concerns regarding health effects.[1] Risks involved in use are deemed uncertain,[2][3] on account of there being little data regarding health effects,[4] and to the variability of vaporizers and the composition, concentration and quality of their liquid ingredients and thus the contents of the "vapor" delivered to the user.[5][2][6] The limited evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are probably safer than traditional cigarettes.[6]
Safety concerns surrounding e-cigarettes generally fall into two categories: ordinary risks to the user, and risks from misuse or accidents (e.g., accidental fires caused by vaporizer malfunction, other vaporizer design issues, or accidental contact with liquid nicotine).
Electronic cigarette usage appears to be similar in toxicity to the use of other nicotine replacement products, but there is not enough data to draw conclusions.[7] The evidence suggests that other products accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as nicotine inhalers may be a safer way to give nicotine than e-cigarettes.[8] A July 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) report cautioned about potential risks of using electronic cigarettes. The report concluded that "the existing evidence shows that ENDS aerosol is not merely "water vapour" as is often claimed in the marketing for these products. ENDS use poses serious threats to adolescents and fetuses. In addition, it increases exposure of non-smokers and bystanders to nicotine and a number of toxicants."[9] A 2014 systematic review concluded that the risks of e-cigarettes have been exaggerated by health authorities and stated that it is apparent that there may be some remaining risk accompanied with e-cigarette use, though the risk of e-cigarette use is likely small compared to smoking tobacco.[10] As of 2014[update], e-cigarettes cannot be regarded as harmless.[11] A 2013 review found that until additional data is available, using e-cigarettes cannot be regarded as safe.[12] No long-term studies have shown that e-cigarettes are a "healthier alternative" to traditional cigarettes.[8]
The amount of nicotine inhaled by the user is not clear.[8] The risk is probably low from the inhalation of propylene glycol and glycerol.[13] When heated at hotter temperatures glycerol may generate harmful acrolein.[13] Acrolein levels were reduced by 60% in dual users and 80% for those that completely switched to e-cigarettes when compared to traditional cigarettes.[13] There are no studies of the short- and long-term effects of the inhalation of the various aromatic substances used as flavorings.[12] The levels of chemical constituents in the vapor were found to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than in cigarette smoke but greater compared to a nicotine inhaler.[5] There is limited information available on the environmental issues around the production, the usage, and the disposal of e-cigarette models that use cartridges.[14] While no serious adverse effects from e-cigarettes have yet been reported in trials,[15] the long-term health impacts of e-cigarette use are unknown.[13][16] Less serious adverse effects from e-cigarette use can include throat and mouth inflammation, vomiting, nausea, and cough.[5]
The aerosol (mist[12]) emitted from an e-cigarette is commonly but inaccurately called vapor.[17] The particle size distribution of particles emitted by e-cigarettes is similar to that of traditional cigarettes, with the majority of particles in the ultrafine range (modes, ≈100–200 nm).[5] The aerosol particle concentration is 5 times lower from an e-cigarette than from a traditional cigarette.[8] The particle size is larger than in cigarette smoke, with the mean size being 600 nm in inhaled aerosol and 300 nm in exhaled.[12] Exhaled vapor consists of nicotine and some other particles, primarily consisting of flavors, aroma transporters, glycerol and propylene glycol.[13] A 2014 WHO report stated passive exposure was a concern, indicating that current evidence is insufficient to determine whether the levels of exhaled vapor are safe to involuntarily exposed bystanders.[9] The report stated that "it is unknown if the increased exposure to toxicants and particles in exhaled aerosol will lead to an increased risk of disease and death among bystanders."[9] E-cigarette vapor has notably fewer toxicants than cigarette smoke and is likely to pose less harm to users or bystanders.[5] Other studies found insufficient data to determine the impact on public health of e-cigarettes,[18] and recommended that e-cigarettes should be regulated for consumer safety.[1]