E-cigarettes: What and Why?

An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device which simulates tobacco smoking.  They are touted as a smoke-free, safer, more convenient, and socially acceptable alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes.  Typically, they use a heating element to vaporize a liquid solution that contains nicotine and flavorings, plus other chemicals and potential toxins.

Their safety is being debated.  The CDC believes that there is enough evidence to say they are less harmful than smoking a pack of conventional cigarettes, but has issued warnings because of the lack of regulation of the ingredients.  E-cigarettes are known to contain cancer-causing agents.

While The New England Journal of Medicine reported that the majority of users treat e-cigarettes as a cessation aid for quitting smoking, the World Health Organization is on record saying that their efficacy to aid in smoking cessation has not been demonstrated scientifically.  Furthermore, because they can be ordered online without age verification, there is concern that they may be a "gateway product" for adolescents.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309