Electronic cigarettes - harmful or not? What are the harms of electronic cigarettes to the health of the human body?

general information

In our rapidly developing age, people have a wide variety of gadgets.
In the kitchen, a smart multicooker prepares dinner itself, a robot vacuum cleaner cleans the apartment, and the modern telephone has long ceased to be just a means of communication. And such examples can be given endlessly. Of course, technological progress is a wonderful phenomenon that makes our lives easier and in some cases much more convenient. Unfortunately, not all innovations can be called completely safe or useful. Electronic cigarettes can serve as a prime example of this.

On the one hand, this invention allows heavy smokers to “smoke” wherever they please, regardless of prohibitions. But on the other hand, there is reliable evidence that they cause no less, and in some cases, more harm to the health of both the smoker himself and the people around him.

What are electronic cigarettes and why are they harmful? What happens if you smoke them constantly? What harm does the device cause to human health? Can pregnant women smoke e-cigarettes? We will try to answer these and other popular questions on the topic in this article.

Review of electronic cigarettes at the legislative level

Everyone knows the fight against tobacco smoking. The appearance of a steam analogue on the market forced legislators to reconsider issues related to it.

Thus, in Moscow on October 13-18, 2014, a meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was held, which discussed the attitude towards e-cigarettes at the political level. As a result, three main theses were identified, which were later expressed in the legislation of many countries.

Electronic cigarettes should be equalized with conventional cigarettes in terms of advertising and sales restrictions.
To reduce the attractiveness of vaping for children and adolescents, flavored e-cigarettes should be banned.
It is too early to say that e-cigarettes help quit smoking, but they clearly cause less harm to health.

In other words, the sale of steam generators is prohibited to persons under 18 years of age. In addition, so that they do not seem like “something fun with a cherry flavor” to the average schoolchild, flavorings should be banned.

The reason for such a cautious policy is that the influence of steam on human health has not been fully studied, especially in the long term. Scientists are actively working on research, but it is too early to make a final verdict. So overuse of steam can have detrimental effects. Be carefull!

What are electronic cigarettes

An electronic cigarette, steam generator, vaporizer or vape is a device that creates a highly dispersed aerosol, in simple words, steam, intended for inhalation. Steam is generated from a special liquid that evaporates when heated. Externally, the device may be similar to either a cigarette or an electronic smoking pipe.

1 - battery; 2 — power button; 3 - cartridge; 4 - electronic chip (processor); 5 - atomizer

The design of the electronic steam generator is simple and consists of two main parts:

a battery pack that powers the device;
an atomizer or vaporizer consisting of a wick and a heating element. The evaporator is designed to uniformly supply liquid to the heating element.

Is there nicotine in an electronic cigarette? Yes, if you choose a nicotine-containing e-liquid to use. There is also a nicotine-free option for using the device, when the smoker inhales exclusively flavored vapor.

Although liquid for refilling the vape is not nominally included in the design of the device, without it the vapor generation process is simply impossible. As a rule, liquids contain the following compounds:

glycerin is an essential component necessary for the formation of steam;
propylene glycol (solvent);
distilled water;
nicotine (absent in nicotine-free liquid);
dyes are used to give color to liquids;
Flavoring agents are responsible for aroma and taste.

Depending on the ratio of ingredients, there are four main types of liquids for refilling:

classic, which contains glycerin and propylene glycol in equal parts;
The “velvet cloud” consists of 80% glycerin and 20% water. This type is charged to produce a large amount of vapor; it is suitable for those who cannot smoke liquids containing propylene glycol;
The ice blade is 5% water and 95% propylene glycol. This type is suitable for smokers who prefer to feel a pronounced tobacco taste;
a liquid consisting of 70% glycerin and 30% propylene glycol is considered the most popular and widespread.

Vaporizer liquid can contain up to 3.6% nicotine. As a rule, its strength will be indicated on the label:

nicotine-free liquid – 0 mg (0%) nicotine is considered the safest alternative to conventional tobacco products for health;
ultra light liquids contain from 1.5 mg/ml (0.15%) to 3 mg/ml (0.3%) nicotine. They are suitable for those who smoke very rarely and lightly;
super lite liquids contain from 6 mg/ml (0.6%) to 12 mg/ml (1.2%) nicotine. This variety will help in the final stages of the transition from regular tobacco to electronic vapor generators;
lightweight liquids contain from 12 mg/ml (1.2%) to 15 mg/ml (1.5%) nicotine;
strong liquids contain from 15 mg/ml (1.5%) to 18 mg/ml (1.8%) nicotine;
very strong liquids contain from 18 mg/ml (1.8%) to 36 mg/ml (3.6%) nicotine, which is comparable to strong tobacco varieties.

The amount of nicotine contained in one puff of an electronic cigarette depends not on the concentration of the substance in the liquid, but on the power of the evaporator. The more vapor is generated (i.e., the more intensely a person puffs), the more nicotine enters the body per puff. As a rule, heavy smokers use very strong liquids for smoking at first, eventually moving to lighter ones.

How to smoke an electronic cigarette

To begin with, we note that those who smoke regular cigarettes are called smokers, and those who prefer electronic cigarettes are called vapers. Before you start using the device yourself, you should read the instructions. And, believe me, these are not empty words.

After all, a vaporizer is an electrical device that you need to be able to use and, even more so, know how to maintain it. Then, questions will not arise about how to use the device or why the cigarette does not smoke. At its core, a vape is an inhaler .

True, there is one significant difference between these devices. Steam in an inhaler is produced due to an increased level of pressure, and in an electronic cigarette by evaporation of liquid when the heating element operates.

Usually, beginners are interested in two main points in the operation of the device - how to refill it and how to smoke it correctly.

In order to smoke a regular cigarette, you just need to set it on fire, and the combustion of the tobacco will do its job and give the smoker the much-needed dose of nicotine.

When a vaporizer operates, a special liquid is heated, so there are some nuances to the smoking process, therefore:

puff slowly and do not take too deep breaths so as not to burn your airways;
between puffs, do not forget to take a short break, this way you can avoid overheating of the evaporator springs (atomizer);
Always check for liquid before smoking an electronic cigarette, otherwise the device will immediately burn out.

True vaping connoisseurs say that you need to take a puff slowly and slowly savor the aroma. Regular cigarettes can be smoked by quickly inhaling so that the body receives the dose of nicotine it needs. This is also possible with a vaporizer, but then you will not be able to appreciate the full range of flavors collected in one or another type of liquid.

Quite often, vapers are interested in what can be used to refill electronic cigarettes other than liquid. Device manufacturers speak out against any experiments with liquids for refilling. The thing is that the “factory” liquid is a carefully calibrated solution, which, if used correctly, will not harm human health, nor will it damage the vaporizer itself.

There have been cases when users refilled their vape with alcoholic beverages. In some cases, this ended badly because the device instantly ignited and exploded. You can see how to refill an e-cigarette with liquid in the video below.

What does e-cigarette liquid consist of?

Liquid for an electronic cigarette is an important component. Without liquid, vaping is impossible. In the first mini and supermini models there was no liquid as such. The kratridge was a padding polyester impregnated with flavorings. When heated, a minimum of steam was released and flavor was transmitted.

Ready-made liquids are available for pens and box mods. This is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin, mixed with nicotine (or not) and flavorings. The liquid will fall on the cotton wool (wick), which releases steam when heated.

In addition to nicotine, nicotine-free and exclusively glycerin formulations are produced, which do not give a “throat hit” (like a real cigarette), have minimal flavor transfer, but produce a lot of vapor. This is the best option for those who want to “smoke” and not smoke due to physical need.

What are the health risks of electronic cigarettes?

electronic cigarettes harmful or not for humans? If so, what harm does a steam generator cause? How harmful is liquid for refilling cigarettes? If, after all, electronic cigarettes are absolutely harmless, then what real evidence is there for this? This is just a small part of the questions that should be answered before purchasing such a device.

Before we answer whether electronic cigarettes are harmful to the human body, let’s take a short excursion into history. After all, few people know that the first patent for the invention of a steam generator was filed back in 1963, but the official date of birth of the vape is considered to be 2004. Electronic cigarettes have always been and are still presented by manufacturers as the safest alternative to conventional tobacco products.

Advertisers also placed bets on those people who would like to quit smoking. It was assumed that the benefit of electronic cigarettes is that they help get rid of nicotine addiction.

However, back in 2008, the World Health Organization (hereinafter referred to as WHO) stated that there is no scientific basis for manufacturers' claims that their product is effective in nicotine replacement therapy.

Moreover, experts unanimously argued that the harmfulness of an electronic cigarette is no less. The WHO report at a conference on tobacco control in 2014 sounded tough and uncompromising; it completely debunked the myths about the benefits of electronic cigarettes. In addition, emphasis was placed on their health hazards.

As a result, it was decided that:

The free sale of liquids with various flavoring additives should be prohibited, as they increase the attractiveness of vapes;
there is insufficient evidence that vaporizers help smokers overcome nicotine addiction;
Electronic cigarettes should be subject to exactly the same restrictive measures (on sale, in advertising, in use) as on all tobacco products.

This means that the world's most authoritative health organization has answered the question of whether e-cigarettes are harmful to health. In addition, at the same conference, WHO expressed concern about how popular e-cigarettes have become among teenagers.

Children who have never smoked before decide to try them as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products. What’s even sadder is that many parents themselves purchase vapes for their children, thinking that in this way they will protect their beloved child from even greater danger.

Unfortunately, not all adults themselves ask themselves whether electronic cigarettes are dangerous to health, and how harmful the liquid for refilling them is, let alone teenagers. Currently, in countries such as Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Uruguay, Australia, Jordan, Thailand, advertising, as well as the sale of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited by law.

But despite this, the global market for electronic steam generators shows stable growth from year to year. It turns out that people are ready to buy electronic cigarettes, knowing that they can be harmful to health. The cost of a reusable vapor generator can vary from 50 to 150 US dollars, and disposable e-cigarettes will cost several times less (2-15 US dollars).

What is the harm from electronic cigarettes with liquid?

The main danger of vaporizers lies in the composition of the liquid for refilling them, which contains:

Potent carcinogens nitrosamine and diethylene glycol . Scientists have proven that their content is approximately ten times higher than in conventional cigarettes;
formaldehyde , a poisonous and highly toxic compound, poisoning with which can be fatal;
acetaldehyde is a carcinogen that not only poisons the body, but also forms an addiction (dependence) to smoking, and also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease .

In addition, experts have identified, in the vast majority of cases, a clear discrepancy in the actual nicotine content in the vaping liquid and that declared by the manufacturer. It is important to emphasize that the concentration of all of the above compounds increases significantly when the e-cigarette overheats.

Another way e-cigarettes with liquid are harmful, according to the scientific community:

Aggressive marketing by vaporizer manufacturers, based on the unproven benefits of the device, actually contributes to the development of nicotine addiction, rather than combating it. Electronic cigarettes are very popular among teenagers and promote smoking among them.
When manufacturers are asked about the dangers and how harmful e-cigarettes are, they unanimously claim that there is no reason to worry, since their devices simply generate water vapor, as pure as the air itself. This is a criminal and blatant lie, because... nicotine vape liquid also contains other substances that are toxic to the body.
Due to the fact that vaporizers have appeared relatively recently, there are still no uniform standards in the world regulating their production, as well as quality and safety testing.
Electronic cigarettes are dangerous devices that can explode or catch fire if used incorrectly.
Vape liquid is also extremely dangerous, especially for children. The replacement cartridge for an electronic cigarette contains a dose of nicotine that is lethal for an adult. Therefore, especially strong packaging should be used to store it.
Nicotine, which is part of vaping liquids, is a neurotoxin and alkaloid , which forms a persistent physical and mental dependence, which negates all arguments about the benefits of electronic cigarettes in the fight against nicotine addiction.
Vaporizers, like regular tobacco products, increase the risk of developing diseases common to smokers.

The video below outlines interesting facts about electronic cigarettes and their effect on human health.

We think we have answered the question of whether smoking electronic cigarettes is harmful. However, every coin has two sides, so it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the arguments of vaping supporters. Moreover, there are not only nicotine-containing liquids, but also nicotine-free cigarettes. Are they harmful to human health?

Electronic cigarettes without nicotine

Let's imagine such a situation. A person has firmly decided to quit smoking, but to make this process as easy and painless as possible for his health and psyche, he decides to resort to the help of a vaporizer and chooses e-cigarette liquid without nicotine. According to the manufacturers, such a device will be absolutely safe and suitable for everyone.

Are e-cigarettes without nicotine actually harmful or does this variety also have a detrimental effect on human health? Let’s say right away that there is no consensus on this matter. Even ardent supporters of nicotine-free e-liquids admit that they also have their negative aspects.

The main advantage of such vaporizers is their relative safety compared to classic tobacco products. It has long been proven that regular cigarettes are harmful not only because of nicotine. Combustion products and tar cause irreparable damage to both the lungs of the smoker himself and the people around him.

Smoking is prohibited in public places, but vaping is permitted. This device is convenient to use. There is no unpleasant smell from electronic cigarettes, because the liquid for refilling them can emit pleasant enveloping aromas. In addition, vaporizers are affordable and help you save money.

A smoker has to buy cigarettes every day. Vapes are bought once and filled with liquids that last for a long time, and they cost on average no more than a regular pack of cigarettes. And, perhaps, the main advantage of nicotine-free liquids is that they really help a person gradually forget about conventional tobacco products.

True, there is one fat but. A person does not cease to be a smoker, he becomes a smoker. That is, he changes a regular cigarette to an electronic one. The dependence does not disappear anywhere.

Harm of electronic cigarettes without nicotine:

Imaginary safety for health forms persistent addiction (equally dependence), both on the physical and psychological levels;
Due to the lack of nicotine saturation sensations familiar to a smoker, a person begins to “vape” more often and more;
A person’s lungs are injured both when smoking regular cigarettes and electronic ones. The more often a vaper uses a vape, the more damage he causes to his respiratory system.
The use of nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, like nicotine-containing ones, is not recommended for some categories of people, for example, teenagers or pregnant women. The thing is that the influence of vaporizers on human health has not been fully studied.
The lack of mandatory certification of vapes in some countries entails serious consequences for buyers of untested electronic cigarettes, as well as their liquids. Without proper control by the state, a person literally gets a “pig in a poke”, because the manufacturer does not bear any responsibility in the event, for example, that the actual composition of the liquid does not correspond to what is stated on the packaging. There is also a high probability of buying a fake instead of a product from a well-known and trusted company.
Liquids without nicotine still contain propylene glycol , which, when heated, negatively affects the respiratory system, and also contributes to the development or exacerbation of many serious diseases ( asthma , pulmonary edema , bronchitis , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , allergies , bronchospasm ).
Glycerin contained in nicotine-free e-liquids harms blood circulation. At first glance, the completely safe composition of liquid for electronic cigarettes without nicotine is transformed into strong toxic compounds (carcinogens, aldehydes) when exposed to temperature.

From everything said above, only one conclusion arises - smoking nicotine-free electronic cigarettes is just as dangerous to health as those containing nicotine. In addition, when used for a long time, they cause no less harm than regular tobacco cigarettes.