Respiratory impact of E-cigarettes (E-CIG) and its effects on the lower airway

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cig) are a tobacco product and, as such, have no manufacturing quality or safety standards. A growing body of evidence documents severe harms from e-cig use, including injuries from product explosions, nicotine poisoning, and serious lung diseases. The components of commonly used e-cigs have significant inhalation toxicity. Emerging evidence from laboratory studies suggests a health impact from long-term harms, including the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. The safety of e-cigs or electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS) has not been scientifically proven. Scientific tests indicate that products vary widely in the amount of nicotine and other chemicals contained, because there is no way for consumers to find out what the product they have purchased really contains. If in childhood an individual uses products containing nicotine, their addiction will be stronger and more difficult to quit smoking. Regardless of the presence or absence of nicotine, exposure to e-cig aerosol in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood is not without risk and can cause pulmonary toxicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not endorse e-cigs as an aid to quit smoking, justifying this important issue.