The side effects of cigarettes and tobacco, in any form, are well documented and everyone knows the effects and side effects of smoking are bad for your health. The side effects of electronic cigarettes are less clear, partly because e-cigarettes are a recent development and no long-term, clinical studies have been performed. The FDA has classified electronic cigarettes as a drug delivery system and is seeking regulatory power over their distribution and sale. While little information is available on the side effects of e-cigarettes, what we do know is that electronic cigarettes are not and do not have tobacco. To learn about electronic cigarette side effects, we analyzed the ingredients used in the cartridges.
Electronic Cigarettes vs. Tobacco Cigarettes
There has been controversy associated with the use of electronic cigarettes because e-cigs contain nicotine, which is not the same as tobacco. There is no evidence that electronic cigarettes contain any of the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, or that long-term side effects of electronic cigarettes include other respiratory or cardiovascular problems, such as emphysema, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and strokes, associated with tobacco smoking. Electronic cigarettes are considered a substitute for tobacco but are not sold as a smoking cessation device. Because e-cigarettes do not contain the tar, toxins, chemicals and carcinogens found in tobacco, the benefits of electronic cigarettes are enormous.
Nicotine In E-Cigarettes
Nicotine is the addictive component in tobacco and is contained in all electronic cigarettes. It is an alkaloid drug that is both a stimulant and a relaxant. The addictive properties of nicotine are increased when it is combined with the MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) found in tobacco. MAOIs are not used in e-cigarettes, and some smokers find e-cigs less addictive than tobacco for this reason. Nicotine increases the levels of adrenaline in the bloodstream, is a side effect of all cigarettes, and is responsible for the “rush” experienced by smokers. Most e-cigarette brands come with a variety of nicotine flavors and levels of strength or concentration.
Nicotine Levels
The dosage of nicotine received from electronic cigarettes depends on the amount of nicotine in the cartridge and the manner in which the smoker inhales. E-cigarette cartridges are available in various strengths, and smokers can choose higher or lower dosages depending on the type of regular cigarette they smoked previously. Short, quick puffs deliver lower dosages, while long, slow drags deliver higher dosages. Low nicotine dosages are associated with the stimulant effect, which increases alertness and energy, while higher dosages are associated with the relaxant effect.
Most e-cig brands offer nicotine cartridges with no nicotine (0 mg), light (4-8 mg), medium or full (10-14 mg), and strong (16-24 mg) nicotine levels. The zero nicotine cartridges are for e-cig users who have weaned themselves off nicotine addiction and are simply maintaining the experience. A light e-cigarette can be compared to a light cigarette, whereas a medium or full flavored e-cigarette is comparable to a full strength cigarette.
Side Effects of Nicotine
Although tobacco is a leading cause of cancer, nicotine itself is not a carcinogen. While nicotine does not cause cancer, it may cause cardiovascular disease with long-term use. The release of adrenaline caused by nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes the constriction of blood vessels, but these are health risks that regular tobacco smokers are already comfortable with. Short-term side effects can include dizziness, nausea and diarrhea, especially when nicotine is used in higher dosages. Although nicotine itself poses its own health risks, electronic cigarette benefits outweigh any disadvantages, especially when compared to the alternative of smoking regular cigarettes with harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is the inert ingredient used to create the vapor in most electronic cigarettes. Propylene glycol has been used in nebulizers since the 1950s and is commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products and household products such as air fresheners. The side effects of electronic cigarettes attributed to propylene glycol include irritation of the mucus membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Propylene glycol may also cause nausea, but usually only if ingested. Propylene glycol is also used in nicotine patches and aids in the absorption of nicotine. Though cases of irritation or nausea from propylene glycol are extremely rare, in the interest of full disclosure to our readers, we are providing information on all side effects of electronic cigarettes.
Flavors
The makers of electronic cigarettes offer a variety of flavorings, including tobacco, fruit flavors, candy flavors and mint. The FDA and other organizations have criticized manufacturers, believing that the flavorings may encourage non-smokers and children to use e-cigarettes. Since different manufacturers use different chemicals to create the various flavorings, there is no clear evidence regarding any side effects of electronic cigarettes caused by the flavorings. The chemicals used are the same as those found in food flavorings and are not known to be harmful.
Electronic Cigarette Side Effects
The long-term side effects of electronic cigarettes are unknown because no comprehensive, clinical studies regarding e-cigarette use are available. It is generally accepted that electronic cigarettes pose significantly fewer health risks than tobacco cigarettes, but while e-cigs are safer, there are no claims that e-cigarettes are completely free from health risks. All we can say is that with the current medical evidence, user experiences, and e-cig reviews, electronic cigarettes seem to offer many health benefits and advantages over regular cigarettes.