What is are E-Cigarettes
How Do They Work?
What is a E-Cig?
A “E-Cig” short for electronic cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette), is a battery-powered vaporizer that feels similar to tobacco smoking. The user inhales an aerosol, commonly called vapor, rather than cigarette smoke. They typically have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid. These are made in many variations and disposable or reusable versions.
Popularity of E-Cigs and Regular Cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are being marketed as the “safe” new alternative to conventional cigarettes. They can be used indoors, allowing smokers to get their fix whenever and whenever they want. But are e-cigarettes safe? What does the FDA think about them? Are e-cigarettes going to reverse the decline in smoking--giving new life to an old habit--or can they help people quit smoking?
Pro's and Con's
Pro's
Pro's & Con's
~E-Cigarettes have targeted a intense debate amoung health experts who share the same goal-- reducing the disease and death caused by tobacco.
~Some people believe that e-cigs could help people quit, just like the nicotine gum. Research looks promising, but more, in-depth studies are needed.
Con's:
~ They disagree about whether e-cigarettes make the problem better or worse.
~Other people say that because nicotine is addictive, e-cigarettes could be a "gateway drug," which can lead nonsmokers and kids to use tobacco products.
~Manufactures with huge advertising budgets and celebrity endorsements could make smoking popular again. That would get back years of progress in getting people to quit or never starting to smoke.
Con's
Important Facts and Information about E-Cigs:
*Nicotine can affect the brain development in children and teens.
*Some E-Cigarettes have candy flavoring, which could make them appealing to kids.
*They don't leave a smell like tobacco. So it's harder for parents to know if their kids are vaping.
Adults and Smokers:
* If you dont smoke, don't start vaping. There are no health benefits and some risks.
* If you smoke and are trying to quit, you're better off with an FDA-approved method of quitting, like the nicotine patch or gum. E-cigarettes may turn out to be a better way to quit, but we don't have the proof of that yet.
*If you're not planning to quit, would it be healthier to switch from tobacco products to e-cigarettes? Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Are They Safe?
The nicotine inside the cartridges is addictive. When you stop using it, you can get withdrawal symptoms including feeling irritable, depressed, restless and anxious. It can be dangerous for people with heart problems. It may also your arteries over time.
E-cigarettes may be safer than regular cigarettes. The biggest danger from tobacco is the smoke, and e-cigarettes don’t burn. Tests show the levels of dangerous chemicals they give off are a fraction of what you’d get from a real cigarette. But what’s in them can vary.
We still don’t know enough about the long term effects of secondhand exposure.