The popularity of electric cigarettes ( e-cig , vape) among teenagers and workers is currently skyrocketing. The presumption that the current way of smoking or vaping is safer than conventional cigarettes and can even help stop smoking habits makes the e-cigarette community mushroom everywhere. However , is that really true? Come , look at the words of the following experts.
Electric cigarette ( e-cigarette ) or also called electronic nicotine delivery system is a battery-operated smoking device. Variants of electric cigarettes are very diverse, ranging from e-cig , e-cigarette , vape or vaporizer, electric shisha , and mods . Generally, e-cigarettes consist of four different components, such as cartridges or storage that hold liquid (liquid), atomizer or heating element, batteries, and mouthpiece or mouthpiece that is used to inhale smoke that is generated from burning and heating these components.
What is the Content of Electric Cigarette Liquid?
Before discussing further, let us examine the content contained in e-cigarettes.
– Nicotine . Most e-cigarettes contain chemical nicotine which is addictive. When you stop using it, you will experience some of the effects of addiction , one of which you will become more emotional or even feel depressed about. Nicotine is also not good for people who have heart problems, is harmful to the fetus and brain development of children, and can affect one’s memory and focus.
– Propylene glycol and glycerol. The main components of electric cigarette smoke other than nicotine found in some of these products can rot when heated, and turn into toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, a chemical that is often used in building materials and can cause cancer.
– Diacetyl . This substance is associated with a rare lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans . Conditions that cause permanent damage to the bronchioles (the smallest airways in the lungs).
Safety of Electric Cigarettes and Effectiveness as a Substitute for Conventional Cigarettes
So far, experts say that the use of e-cigarettes is considered safer than tobacco cigarettes. The reason is, e-cigarettes do not produce harmful fumes, such as tobacco smoke containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. But this does not guarantee that e-cigarettes are completely safe.
Electric cigarettes were mentioned as an alternative way to help stop smoking. Some people do find it helpful to stop smoking tobacco with an electric cigarette. But in general, there is no evidence from accurate scientific research to confirm this. To stop smoking tobacco, you are still encouraged to consult with your doctor by looking for effective steps that have been proven to help stop smoking tobacco.
Is it true that Electric Cigarette Triggers Children and Adolescents to Smoke?
Based on research, adolescents who have never smoked tobacco but have smoked e-cigarettes are six times more likely to smoke tobacco later in life. This is because they want to feel a stronger nicotine effect. And more teenagers who choose electric cigarettes than conventional cigarettes for those who have never smoked anything.
Another risk that arises is that children who are poisoned by accidentally swallowing liquids from electric cigarettes. This can happen because the packaging or flavoring of fruit or candy found in the e-cigarette liquid attracts the attention of children to consume it.
Other Facts about Electric Cigarettes
There are separate regulations issued by drug and food regulatory organizations in America, namely:
- Teenagers under the age of 18 are prohibited from buying e-cigarettes, either online or directly at e-cigarette shops. The seller is also required to check the identity card of the e-cigarette buyer.
- It is strictly forbidden to give free e-cigarette samples.
- This organization also requires electronic cigarette manufacturers to register and obtain sales approval from them.
Another risk that needs to be considered is related to a defective e-cigarette battery, which can cause a fire and explode and injure e-cigarette users and those around them. Electric cigarette is a fairly new technology. Indeed, compared to conventional tobacco cigarettes, electric cigarettes seem safer. But experts agree that at this time more research is needed to examine and monitor the impact of e-cigarettes on health.
