One of the major benefits of e-cigarettes or the major benefits usually advertised by marketers is its health benefits which essentially is to aid nicotine addicts transition away from cancer sticks.
Over the past few weeks, new evidence have surfaced which suggests that E-Cigarettes can be dangerous too- in some cases carrying higher toxins than the tobacco of old.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina claim that although E-Cigarettes are less harmful than ordinary cigarettes, the vapour released by the gadgets contains a toxin called chromium, which is not found in traditional cigarettes, it also contains nickel and its content is four times higher than in regular cigarettes. E-cigarettes also contain lead, zinc and other toxic metals, although in lower levels than cigarettes.
“Our results demonstrate that overall electronic cigarettes seen to be less harmful than regular cigarettes, but their elevated content of toxic metals such as nickel and chromium do raise concerns,” said Constantinos Sioutas, professor at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
On the upside, E-Cigarettes contain no detectable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to cause cancer. Researchers also believe that the metal particles were likely to come from the cartridge of the E-Cigarette devices, therefore an improved production process could actually eradicate the harmful chemicals.
In the UK, the BBC reported that E-Cigarette Liquid sold in the north east of England was found to have a chemical called diacetyl, which is used to add butterscotch flavour to liquid tobacco.
Whilst the substance is harmless to eat, it is extremely dangerous to inhale. The chemical is known to cause a medical condition called popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible disease which scars the lung and makes it difficult to breathe properly. This condition is known to affect workers in popcorn factories who inhale large amounts of diacetyl as well as people who eat large amounts of popcorn.
VP, the firm which manufactured the cigarettes, immediately withdrew the liquid from sale, and Lynne White, head of retail distribution, admitted there were concerns about inhaling the liquid on a long-term basis.
“We are very sorry it has happened, we are investigating how it happened,” she added.
“Because of the small amount the vaper would actually consume it was deemed in the short term there would be no health concerns.
“Long-term yes there could well be, however we decided it was a withdrawal rather than a recall of the product and that was based on Ecita’s (Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association) guidelines.”
The world Health Organisation has issued a report advising the use of E-Cigarettes should be banned indoors and all advertising be stopped until the emerging industry produces “convincing supporting scientific evidence and obtains regulatory approval.”
The British Medical Association have backed the W.H.O, board of science deputy chair Ram Moorth said
“tighter controls are needed to ensure their use does not undermine current tobacco control measures and reinforces the normalcy of smoking behaviour.”
“There is a need for research to understand the health impact of E-cigarettes on both the user and bystanders, and it is vital that the sale of e-cigarettes is appropriately regulated to ensure they are not sold to minors, and are not aggressively marketed to young people as tobacco was in the past”, he added.
“Any health claims must be substantiated by robust independent scientific evidence to ensure that the consumer is fully informed regarding potential benefits and risks of E-Cigarettes.”
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