Health

Facts About E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes are nothing new. The e-cigarette was invented in 2003 by a Chinese pharmacist who was trying to find a safe alternative to cigarettes after his father died of lung cancer. Since then, the use of e-cigarettes has grown exponentially in America and worldwide.

E-cigarettes are battery operated devices that simulate the act of smoking, but without many of the harmful effects associated with tobacco products.

According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth.

The electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device that delivers nicotine in the form of an aerosol. E-cigarettes create an aerosol by heating a liquid that may or may not contain nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. The user inhales this aerosol into his or her lungs. For more information check Pod Kits.

The CDC’s 2014 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that more than 1 in 3 high school students have tried e-cigarettes, and current use among high school students has risen dramatically since 2011 (from 4.7 percent to 13.4 percent in 2014). According to the same survey, more than 2 million middle school students have tried e-cigarettes. Among middle school students who have ever used e-cigarettes, nearly 1 in 5 currently use them (19.6 percent).

How E-Cigarettes Work

The e-cigarette is made up of three parts, the atomizer, the cartridge and the battery. When you take a drag on an e-cigarette, it activates a microprocessor that turns liquid nicotine into a vapor that can be inhaled into your lungs. For more information check Hexa Pods

E-cigarettes come in many flavors including traditional cigarette flavors like original and menthol, fruits like strawberry and watermelon, beverages like cola and even candies like chocolate and gummy bears.

Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

Despite FDA warnings about young people using e-cigarettes, there is little evidence that they are unsafe for adults.

E-cigarettes are generally considered safer than conventional cigarettes because they do not produce smoke—the main source of harm from conventional cigarettes. However, little is known about the health effects of long-term use or second-hand exposure to e-cigarette emissions. The vapour produced by an e-cigarette contains none of the chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes like carbon monoxide (a main cause of lung cancer) or tar.

The American Lung Association says e-cigarettes have the potential to benefit some smokers if they lead to quitting tobacco cigarettes, but they also have the potential to perpetuate the smoking habit and become a gateway for young people to start smoking tobacco, according to research by Dr. Norman Edelman, Chief Medical Officer at the ALA and Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

Ted Rosenberg
the authorTed Rosenberg
David Rosenberg: A seasoned political journalist, David's blog posts provide insightful commentary on national politics and policy. His extensive knowledge and unbiased reporting make him a valuable contributor to any news outlet.