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In recent years, measures to prevent the harms of tobacco and tobacco products have also included new generation tobacco products. According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 statement, these products are referred to as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). The most common types include e-cigarettes, vapes or vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes, and e-cigars.
Although the tobacco industry markets these products as less harmful alternatives that could help people quit smoking, the World Health Organization stated in 2020 that these products are as harmful to health as traditional tobacco products. The use of these products poses a particular risk for children and adolescents. Since brain development continues until the mid-20s, early use of these products can adversely affect brain development. In addition, e-cigarette use is known to increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. These devices also pose significant risks for pregnant women, as they can harm the developing fetus.
People exposed to the vapor of these chemicals are affected in a similar way to secondhand smoke from cigarettes, becoming passive smokers. Passive smoking increases the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, lung and bladder cancer, asthma attacks, childhood respiratory illnesses, sudden infant death, and respiratory failure. Additionally, electronic cigarettes carry other risks, including cartridge leaks, accidental nicotine intake during cartridge replacement, unintentional high doses of nicotine, as well as explosions, burns, and injuries.
References
For more detailed information on the topics covered in this section, you may refer to the following sources:
· World Health Organization (2024). Tobacco: E-cigarettes. [Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tobacco-e-cigarettes]
Electronic cigarettes, perceived as less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco cigarettes due to features such as not containing tobacco and producing vapor instead of smoke, have gained popularity among those who want to maintain nicotine addiction. However, this perception is based on a misconception. Below are further details on the fundamental reasons for this misconception and its inconsistency with reality.
• Nicotine Addiction and Electronic Cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes can be perceived as a misleading way for users to continue nicotine addiction due to the presence of nicotine. However, nicotine addiction is a risk in both types of cigarette use, so electronic cigarettes do not reduce or eliminate this addiction.
• Chemical Content and Health Risks: The vapor produced by electronic cigarettes contains various chemicals besides nicotine. While there is insufficient information about the long-term effects of these chemicals, some studies suggest that inhaling these substances can have negative effects on health. Therefore, the belief that electronic cigarettes are entirely harmless does not align with reality.
• Youth and Electronic Cigarette Use: The increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes among young people raises concerns about nicotine addiction and health risks, especially in this age group. Unfortunately, young people aged 18-24 use electronic cigarettes more than older individuals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children and young adults are at risk of electronic cigarette use, urging both parents and teachers to be aware and cautious.
• Advertising and Marketing Strategies: The electronic cigarette industry often markets its products as less harmful. However, these marketing strategies may pose a risk of providing consumers with incomplete or misleading information about real health risks. Accurate information about health can help consumers make informed decisions.
In conclusion, the perception of electronic cigarettes as a less harmful alternative is widespread in the community, but this perception is inconsistent with real health risks and scientific research.
The "vapor" produced during the use of electronic cigarettes is actually an aerosol containing substances such as nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. This aerosol is inhaled by the electronic cigarette user. In this case, the product generated is not truly vapor but an aerosol.
Perceiving electronic cigarettes as "harmless" can lead users of these products to underestimate health risks. However, there is insufficient information about the long-term effects of the chemical substances in electronic cigarettes and some studies indicate that these products can have negative effects on health.
With the increasing use of electronic cigarettes, concerns about the chemical substances they contain, especially among young people and young adults, have come to the forefront. Research suggests that electronic cigarette use, especially among young people, can affect addiction and brain development.
As the use of electronic cigarettes increases in society, accurate information about the harms of electronic cigarettes becomes crucial. Health professionals should educate individuals about the potential risks of electronic cigarettes and create awareness in the community. This detailed information aims to contribute to the community's conscious decision-making regarding electronic cigarette use and highlight potential health risks.
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