The underestimated danger of E-cigarettes - also in the absence of nicotine

Excerpt

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes, ECs) are electronic devices that heat a liquid – usually comprising propylene glycol and glycerol, with or without nicotine and flavors, stored in disposable or refillable cartridges or a reservoir – into an aerosol (vapor) for inhalation [1]. Since ECs appeared on the market in 2006 they have become increasingly popular, especially among young people [1, 2]. E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer and “healthier” alternative to traditional cigarettes, and it is suggested in the mass media that ECs help smokers to stop smoking long-term, or to help smokers unable to stop smoking entirely to reduce their tobacco cigarette consumption [3]. However, the number of never-smoking youth who use ECs with or without nicotine is dramatically increasing. ECs are new sources of the highly addictive substance nicotine, which has a proven harmful effect on health [4, 5]. And, the advertising of nicotine-free ECs with liquids of fruit and sweet flavors is particularly likely to encourage young people to start using the E-cigarette. The Forum of International Respiratory Societies also revealed that E-cigarette (EC)-smoking is a significant public health problem because EC-use simulate smoking behaviour and can be done in public places, which together with its alarmingly growing popularity may increase the social approval for smoking and nicotine addiction [6]. …