E-Cigarettes — the new deception

E-cigarettes are smokeless, yet they have ignited a firestorm of controversy.

What exactly is an e-cigarette?

U.S. patent application No. 8,490,628 B2 defines an e-cigarette as “an electronic atomization cigarette that functions as a substitute for smoking regular cigarettes and for some as a stop-gap measure to smoking cessation. A Chinese pharmacist invented E-cigarettes in 2002 as a smoking cessation device. Today, China remains the primary global manufacturer of this invention. E-cigarettes are smoke-free and tobacco-free, but they’re not nicotine free. The liquid in e-cigarettes is typically a combination of nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol (a solvent), and other additives. The atomizer of the e-cigarette heats the liquid containing nicotine, turns it into a vapor and is inhaled creating a vapor or cloud that resembles cigarette smoke.

E-cigarette’s popularity is largely due to aggressive marketing campaigns by manufacturers, hyping the benefits of vaping over smoking. A 2014 survey from the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at UC San Francisco, reviewed nearly 60 e-cigarette manufacturers’ websites and found that more than 90 percent of them cited e-cigs as “healthier, cheaper, and cleaner” than conventional cigarettes. However, the American Lung Association cautions e-cigarette vapors may contain lung irritants, chemicals and addictive properties of which the consumer may not be aware.

It has been well documented that cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, and among these, 69 are known to cause cancer (Source: American Lung Association). And though e-cigarettes are different from conventional cigarettes they also contain nicotine but in a liquid form that can be as toxic, and poses a health concern as well.

Liquid nicotine, a potentially lethal substance, is extracted from the tobacco leaf. Harmful effects can occur when liquid nicotine is ingested or absorbed through the skin. Less than one tablespoon of many e-liquids on the market is enough to kill an adult, and as little as one teaspoon could kill a child [Source: Richtel].

Further studies suggest that not only is the liquid nicotine dangerous, but certain e-cig devices may also release metals during use. In the UK, the BBC reported that e-cigarette liquid was found to contain a chemical called diacetyl (die-as-e-til), which is used to add butterscotch flavoring to liquid tobacco. While this substance is harmless to eat, it is extremely dangerous to inhale. Diacetyl, is known to cause a serious condition called popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible disease that scars the lungs resulting in chronic difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

It is a fact that as many as 2.5 million nonsmokers died from the lethal effects of secondhand smoke between 1964 and 2014 [Source: CDC]. But, despite the claim that e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to regular cigarettes, they may not solve the problem of secondhand exposure to nicotine as many devices also release other metals during use. New evidence has emerged which suggests that the vapor emitted by e-cigs contains the toxic element chromium, nickel, lead, zinc and toxic metals. Additionally, in 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found some cartridges of liquid nicotine contained about 1 percent diethylene glycol, the same toxic chemical found in antifreeze [Source: FDA].

The bottom line is; without regulations, there is no way of knowing exactly what you’re inhaling from your e-cigarette. The lack of full disclosure regarding ingredients as well as the lack of health and safety validation by manufacturers leaves the consumer uncertain as to e-cigarette safety and ultimately at risk

So questions remain; are you willing to take the chance and keep on vaping, and how can you as the consumer protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous effects of e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes need to be included in existing clean indoor air laws

E-cigarettes should be subjected to the same marketing restrictions as conventional cigarettes

Similar licensing requirements for selling cigarettes should apply to stores selling e-cigarettes

Similar restriction for selling cigarettes should apply to stores selling e-cigarettes

Your health and safety are in your hands. Choose wisely first, last and always!

Michelle Rountree is a Public Health Nurse for the state of Alaska Division of Public Health. Contact her at 352-6600, or send email to michellerountree@alaska.gov.