For those opting to quit smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes are often used as an alternative to the real thing with the perception that it’s healthier since it is said to contain no tobacco. E-cigarettes are designed to look like the real thing but is battery operated and usually comes with a heater, a battery and a catridge which contains nicotine, propylene glycol and some other chemicals. What it doesn’t contain are Tobacco, Carbon Monoxide and Tar that can damage the lungs. It also keeps away bad breath and yellowing teeth. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
While they do not contain tobacco, they do contain a whole lot of other chemicals which doesn’t make e-cigarettes a completely safe option. Though, e-cigarettes do help curb the smoking of actual cigarettes, scientists and consumers have identified other health and social problems associated to it. Here are some of the dangers of e-cigarettes:
Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol is an anti freeze component that is toxic to humans and is dangerous to inhale It is colorless, odorless with a sweetish taste. It is used in chemical procedures and as a dehydrating agent for natural gas.
Nitrosamine
Can cause cancer and in the event the e-cigarette breaks, humans will be exposed to slight contamination.
Nicotine
Liquid nicotine is used in electronic cigarettes and its an alkaloid medicine that can be harmful especially if you take long drags on your cigarette causing it do drip into your mouth.
Tetramethylpyrazine
E-cigarettes also consist of Tetramethylpyrazine. Prolonged exposure to Tetramethylpyrazine can result in brain damage in human beings.
To entice consumers to pick up e-cigarettes, companies marketing these products offer a variety of different flavours such as vanilla, mint, strawberry and chocolate. They also promote safe ‘smoking’ without the side effects that tobacco gives. On a price factor, the e-cigarette is more attractive because of the savings one gets in the long run. It costs about RM160 for a rechargable stick and cartridges costs as low as RM30 for a box of 10. refills. However this would actually encourage people to pick up smoking rather than curb it.
To date, no health organization has ever encouraged the smoking of e-cigarettes and has been banned in countries like Canada. True, it may be less harmful than an actual cigarette but if you’re looking to quit smoking, e-cigarettes is definitely not a healthy alternative.
