Electronic cigarettes are rapidly gaining a following, with many using them to transition from traditional tobacco products. The most significant stumbling block in regulation for governments and marketing for manufacturers is the lack of research into the potential health risks. Long term studies don't exist, as electronic cigarettes only came to market in 2004, and even short term scientific evaluation is sparse.
Nonetheless, interest levels are high, and several reputable organizations have started detailed examinations of the invention. A few are complete, with results that leave many questions still unanswered.
Health New Zealand Ltd. published one of the first studies in 2008, though its impartiality was questioned by many as it was funded by Ruyan, the company that invented smokeless cigarettes. Conclusions from the analysis indicated that while some carcinogens and toxicants were present, they were found below the levels considered dangerous to human health. Other conclusions included the presence of minor amounts of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) normally found in tobacco cigarettes, snuff, and similar, also below harmful levels, and amounts of nicotine that mirrored those found in nicotine replacement therapies (e.g. nicotine patches). The report wrapped up by saying, "Based on the manufacturer's information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended."
A more recent study, completed in 2010 by the Boston University School of Public Health, had similar findings. Declaring that electronic cigarettes had levels of carcinogens in quantities 1,000 times less than tobacco cigarettes, researchers indicated that the smoke-free devices are safer than traditional products, with a level of toxicity comparable to nicotine patches and similar. Though they indicated that additional research is necessary for reliable conclusions, the paper supports electronic cigarettes as a potential aid in smoking cessation.
The United Kingdom's Cancer Research UK organization weighed in supporting the use of electronic cigarettes to eliminate dependence on tobacco products, stating, "For a smoker, the health hazards of continuing to smoke greatly outweigh any potential risks of using nicotine replacement therapy." The group went on to suggest that a public policy encouraging smokers to transition to electronic cigarettes could be life-saving, as the effectiveness might be greater than more heavy-handed anti-tobacco promotion.
Most interesting are findings by the University of East London, who studied the use of electronic cigarettes in reducing cravings for tobacco smokers. The research showed that smokers who used the electronic versions, some receiving nicotine and some not, experienced the same relief from tobacco withdrawal symptoms. The implication is that nicotine is not, in fact, the major addiction. Instead, the physical activity of smoking appears to be the harder habit to break. Electronic cigarettes with or without nicotine may serve as a healthier substitute for smoking related behaviors.
Despite these studies, no clinical testing has been completed to obtain approval for smokeless cigarettes as nicotine replacement therapy. How such approval would impact the legal status of smokeless cigarettes is unclear, as several countries have seen legal action from manufactures to prevent government from regulating them as medical devices.
Nonetheless, interest levels are high, and several reputable organizations have started detailed examinations of the invention. A few are complete, with results that leave many questions still unanswered.
Health New Zealand Ltd. published one of the first studies in 2008, though its impartiality was questioned by many as it was funded by Ruyan, the company that invented smokeless cigarettes. Conclusions from the analysis indicated that while some carcinogens and toxicants were present, they were found below the levels considered dangerous to human health. Other conclusions included the presence of minor amounts of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) normally found in tobacco cigarettes, snuff, and similar, also below harmful levels, and amounts of nicotine that mirrored those found in nicotine replacement therapies (e.g. nicotine patches). The report wrapped up by saying, "Based on the manufacturer's information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended."
A more recent study, completed in 2010 by the Boston University School of Public Health, had similar findings. Declaring that electronic cigarettes had levels of carcinogens in quantities 1,000 times less than tobacco cigarettes, researchers indicated that the smoke-free devices are safer than traditional products, with a level of toxicity comparable to nicotine patches and similar. Though they indicated that additional research is necessary for reliable conclusions, the paper supports electronic cigarettes as a potential aid in smoking cessation.
The United Kingdom's Cancer Research UK organization weighed in supporting the use of electronic cigarettes to eliminate dependence on tobacco products, stating, "For a smoker, the health hazards of continuing to smoke greatly outweigh any potential risks of using nicotine replacement therapy." The group went on to suggest that a public policy encouraging smokers to transition to electronic cigarettes could be life-saving, as the effectiveness might be greater than more heavy-handed anti-tobacco promotion.
Most interesting are findings by the University of East London, who studied the use of electronic cigarettes in reducing cravings for tobacco smokers. The research showed that smokers who used the electronic versions, some receiving nicotine and some not, experienced the same relief from tobacco withdrawal symptoms. The implication is that nicotine is not, in fact, the major addiction. Instead, the physical activity of smoking appears to be the harder habit to break. Electronic cigarettes with or without nicotine may serve as a healthier substitute for smoking related behaviors.
Despite these studies, no clinical testing has been completed to obtain approval for smokeless cigarettes as nicotine replacement therapy. How such approval would impact the legal status of smokeless cigarettes is unclear, as several countries have seen legal action from manufactures to prevent government from regulating them as medical devices.
About the Author:
Smokeless cigarettes is a much safer and cost effective alternative to deadly tobacco. Know where do you buy electronic cigarettes online.
