Say “No” to E-cigarettes!

April 20th, 2017

E-cigarettes (“e-cigs”) and “vaping” are becoming more common place.  There are currently several different manufacturers with different devices ranging from some that look like cigarettes to others that look like flashlights.  Almost all contain some form of liquid nicotine and come in a wide variety of flavors.  Unfortunately, there is no current government regulation of these devices and the chemicals that are added so we aren’t sure of what other chemicals and toxins are added.

For the past three decades, we have seen a dramatic decline of tobacco products in the US.  Public health announcements and government taxation of tobacco products have made tobacco “uncool” among the youth.  However, this trend is changing for the worse.  Many health experts who specialize in tobacco addiction see e-cigarettes as a gateway drug back to traditional cigarettes. Studies have shown that most e-cigarette users also smoke regular cigarettes.  The selection of endless seemingly fun flavorings  such as chocolate and pineapple added to e-cigs is also hitting a chord with the young population.  What they don’t know is that the nicotine lurking behind that flavoring is ensnaring their minds and leading them to addiction.

What are the dangers?  Honestly, we don’t know since e-cigs have not been around long enough for us to see what happens.  Also, we have not even learned about what chemicals are even in them since they vary so much between manufacturers.  Could they be harmful?  We know the dangers of nicotine and the direct relation to lung cancer.  The fact that e-cigs contain nicotine is automatically a bad indicator.  There have been other dangers that have been reported from emergency rooms across the US.  Some of these devices have exploded during use causing severe burns to the mouth and face.  The cartridges or vials containing fluid used to refill the e-cigs have also been found to be tempting to toddlers and young children.  They smell the fruit of candy flavors and bright packaging and think it is some type of juice or soda.  Sadly, there have been cases of life-threatening nicotine poisoning among children who ingest the liquid.

The BOTTOM line:  Don’t smoke e-cigarettes and don’t allow your children to start!  If you or your loved ones are smoking, find out ways to quit through nicotine replacement, counseling, and medication.  E-cigs are not a safe substitute!