E-CIGARETTES USE
The content below is courtesy of American Thoracic Society. Original authors are Patricia Folan, RN, DNP, CTTS, Andrea Spatarella, DNP,RN,FNP-BC, Daniel Jacobsen, MS NP-C and Harold J. Farber, MD, MSPH. For a PDF version please click here.
The concentrated nicotine solution used in some of these devices is called e-liquid or e-juice. Usually the solutions contain either the chemical compound propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin as preservatives, along with various flavorings. The ingredients often vary by brand and for each type of electronic product. At this time, there are very few rules or regulations that control how these products are made or advertised. This means that the quality and purity can vary.
Most of the ENDS products contain nicotine. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. This is the same nicotine that is in tobacco products. Addiction to the nicotine means that you feel the need to keep putting nicotine into your body. Your body depends on it and you will have symptoms that make you uncomfortable if you don’t get enough of it or if you don’t get it often enough. Actual nicotine content in these products may vary from product to product and from the labeled content.
There are thousands of different flavors available. Fruit and candy flavors are especially popular with younger users. Although these flavors have been labeled as safe to eat there remains major concern about what happens when you inhale them into your lungs. Some of the flavorings used are known to cause respiratory irritation or can be toxic to lung tissue.
E-liquids should be kept well out of reach of children. Nicotine poisoning can be fatal to children as well as adults. As little as 1 teaspoon of liquid nicotine can kill a 40 pound child.
The simple answer is—No. Tobacco related toxins (poisonous substances that can cause disease) and carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals) have also been found in the aerosol vapor of ENDS products. Tiny heavy metal particles that are most likely from the casings and heating elements have been found in the vapor. Heating of the nicotine solution can create other toxins and carcinogens. Their longterm safety is unknown – and there is plenty of reason for concern.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems create aerosols. These aerosols (vapors) can and do expose others nearby. Protect your family and friends. If you do use these devices, only use them outside and well away from other people. Many states have put laws in place that prohibit the use of these devices in places where you cannot smoke. These devices cannot be used on commercial airplanes.
Authors: Patricia Folan, RN, DNP, CTTS, Andrea Spatarella, DNP,RN,FNP-BC, Daniel Jacobsen, MS NP-C, Harold J. Farber, MD, MSPH
Reviewers: Marianna Sockrider MD, DrPH
- Avoid using ENDS. Limit exposure to vapors from ENDS devices.
- Keep all nicotine liquids out of reach of children.
- If you are trying to stop smoking, talk with your health care provider about medications to help with nicotine addiction.
- For help with quitting go to www.thoracic.org/patients.
- For additional help in quitting, join a local quit smoking support group or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Resources:
ATS Patient Information Series on Tobacco at www.thoracic.org/patients
FDA (Food and Drug Administration):http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/publichealthfocus/ucm172906.htm
American Legacy Foundation www.legacyforhealth.orghttp://truthinitiative.org/topics/tobacco-products/e-cigarettes
American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthy Childrenhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/ Pages/Liquid-Nicotine-Used-in-E-Cigarettes-Can-Kill-Children.aspx
This information is a public service of the American Thoracic Society. The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s health care provider.