So most, if not all of us, know that smoking tobacco is bad for your health. But, what about vaping and the growing popularity of e-cigarettes?
In conjunction with World No Tobacco Day that falls on May 31 each year, Tropicana Medical Centre Consultant Respiratory & General Physician, Dr Justin Lim Chor Shen tells us why we should be wary of this worrying trend
Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices designed to look like regular tobacco cigarettes. They provide inhaled doses of a vapourised solution of either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin along with liquid nicotine. An atomiser heats the solution into a vapour that can be inhaled. The process, referred to as “vaping”, creates a vapour cloud that resembles cigarette smoke. Some liquids contain flavouring, making them more appealing to users.
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular and widely available as the use of regular cigarettes drops. A recent online survey polled 404 legal-age smokers in Malaysia gauge consumers’ views on safer alternatives to conventional cigarettes. According to the survey, 100% of those surveyed know about e-cigarettes and 69% have either used it or are using it. Recently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that e-cigarette use by children doubled from 2011 and 2012.
The health effects of e-cigarettes have not been effectively studied and the ingredients have little or no regulation. Manufacturers claim that electronic cigarettes are a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has questioned the safety of these products.
When the FDA analysed samples of two popular brands, a variable amount of nicotine and traces of toxic chemicals, including known cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) were found. This prompted the FDA to issue a warning about potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes. As of right now, there is no long-term safety data showing the impact of repeated inhalation of propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin on lung tissue.
There is some short-term data suggesting that e-cigarettes may cause airway irritation. A study published in the journal Thorax revealed that benzaldehyde were found in 108 out of 150 e-cigarette products purchased online. The same study further warned that evidences showing occupational inhalation of this chemical may be linked to irritation of the eyes and respiratory passages. The study found that cherry-flavoured products produced the most benzaldehyde and doses of this chemical in general often exceeded those from conventional cigarettes.
It is astounding to see how a new product is produced without much quality control. Many of them are manufactured under uncontrolled conditions so the complete story is yet to be told. Until more research is done on its potential risks, it is safer to say no to electronic cigarettes. If you are looking for help to stop smoking, we offer Malaysia’s Health Ministry-approved medications and evidence-based care that is safe and effective in helping people to quit smoking.
Below are a few pointers to know before trying out e-cigarettes:
- Manufacturers claim that electronic cigarettes is a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has questioned the safety of these products
- FDA analysis of two popular brands found variable amounts of nicotine and traces of toxic chemicals, including known cancer-causing substances (carcinogens)
- The FDA has issued a warning about potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes, but is not yet regulating their use or standards of manufacture
When should you call an Ambulance?
Experience heart attack/severe chest pain, experience breathing difficulty, paediatric & neonatal cases, experience severe abdominal pain, experience severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, strokes, fainting, convulsions/fits/seizure, trauma (injury)/ road or motor vehicle accident, fractures / dislocation / serious sprain, require emergency evacuations, require medical transportation services
This article was written by Tropicana Medical Centre Consultant Respiratory & General Physician, Dr Justin Lim Chor Shen.
