Myths and Facts about E- Cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid producing a vapour that the user inhales. Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology recently has announced new standards for the components and sale of electronic cigarettes in UAE. This article is to highlight some myths and fact about e-cigarettes.
Myth 1: E-cigarette vapour is pure and safe.
Fact 1: It is not pure and safe.
The main components of e-cigarettes are nicotine and a base (propylene glycolor glycerol). Other ingredients are unknown flavourings, colourings and chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein, which can cause irreversible lung
damage. At high temperatures, propylene glycol decomposes and may form propylene oxide, a probable human carcinogen. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development in adolescent, causing damage of the brain areas that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. The Ministry of Health and Prevention recently issued a warning notice against e-cigarettes after seizures reported in young adults. It can cause Preterm deliveries and stillbirths in pregnant women. Other major issue is that mid-to-long-term consequences of
e-cigarettes are not yet known.
Myth 2: E-cigarettes can help you quit smoking.
Fact: Using e-cigarette is not a proven method for quitting smoking.Whether e-cigarettes can offer an effective option for smokers who intend to quit the habit is controversial. The nicotine contained in e-cigarettes may
actually perpetuate addiction, in some cases making it even harder to stop smoking. E-cigarettes may be considered as an alternative to combustible tobacco products when used exclusively as a replacement and only among
smokers who have been unable to stop smoking using proven, medically approved methods.
Myth 3: E-cigarettes don’t produce public health concerns.
Fact: There are public health concerns also.
Major concern is about potential use by children and young adults as a gateway to subsequently using combustible tobacco products.
Conclusion:
Recent Legalisation by EASM is an important step towards the necessary regulation and monitoring of this growing market in UAE. It will help to stop
the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.
Dr Muhammed Aslam MD
Specialist Pulmonologist
International modern Hospital Dubai
