Author(s): Ellahham S, Alkaddour M, Ellahham N and Alkaddour AR
The electronic cigarette (EC) is battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery systems that appear very similar to a conventional cigarette. EC is a rising phenomenon that is becoming gradually more popular among smokers worldwide. Vapers report use of EC helps them to quit smoking, and to reduce cigarette consumption. Although available evidence indicates that EC is safer alternative to smoking there is emerging data that suggests otherwise and that considerable health benefits are likely in smokers who switch from tobacco to EC. The key motivation among most of the vapers is smoking cessation (SC), however some use it for recreational purposes. Progression is often related to EC resembling traditional cigarettes, curiosity, and experimentation. Studies indicate that the content of the nicotine in EC is equivalent to oral nicotine replacement therapy products and causes minimal possibility of poisoning. The inhaled compounds associated with EC results in cytotoxicity and affect various organs. The considerable risk associated with the use and abuse of nicotine refill bottles has been reported. Large scale research will help make EC more effective as smoking substitutes. Although previous data shows that EC can considerably decrease cigarette consumption without causing significant side effects, there is emerging data suggesting the potentially toxic consequences of EC, which necessitates the urgent need for further research in that regard. The focus of the present article is use, the safety of EC and its effectiveness to provide as a long-term substitute for SC.
