Electronic Cigarette: stay tuned to your choices

With the idea that it may be good alternative for the reduction and cessation of the use of conventional cigarettes, the use of electronic cigarettes has grown, reaching more than 9 million users around the world, especially among the young population.

It toxic levels are much lower than those found in conventional cigarettes, especially in the smoke produced by burning tobacco, but that does not mean they do not exist!

Opinion makers criticize both indiscriminate release and banishment.

• On one hand, they affirm that the device can increase cigarette consumption by re-normalizing smoking, in addition to maintaining the health risks arising from nicotine;

• On the other hand, some believe that the product has the potential to reduce and stop cigarette smoking, allowing smokers to switch to a safer product, and affirm public health interest, claiming lower expenses in attention to the addition and treatment of this population.

In the research field few studies have shown the damage caused by the use of this artifact, especially in the long term. Check it:

1. A review study by Jankowski et al (2017) investigated the negative health impacts of using electronic cigarettes. They pointed out that exposure to inhaled substances as well as heating conditions of the device can lead to various respiratory disorders, including symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, impaired lung function and even diseases such as bronchiolitis.

• The same study elucidated that, in animal models, toxic substances are capable of causing damage to biological processes, such as cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperreactivity and airway remodeling, mucin production, cellular apoptosis and emphysematous changes.

1. Another study by Clapp et al (2017) investigated the effects of seven nicotine-free flavored electronic fluids on primary alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killers cells. Research has shown that one of the vapor compounds, cinnamaldehyde, has the potential to impair the function of respiratory immune cells.

2. Finally, a study by Schweitzer et al. (2015) has shown that nicotine and other components present in the electronic cigarette damage the function of the pulmonary endothelial barrier, which is associated with oxidative stress and rapid inflammation, triggering damage in alveolar epithelium, causing pulmonary diseases

This seems to indicate that, although it may seem harmless, and even beneficial in terms of helping to quit with conventional tobacco addiction, electronic cigarettes may not be the best choice to reduce the harm caused by conventional cigarettes.

There is a need for more studies to be carried out and adequate regulation of electronic liquid formulations and the sale of the apparatus to be made.

If you smoke, find a trained professional to give you the best advice on your choices. Stay tuned for your choices.

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JANKOWSKI, Mateusz et al. E-smoking: Emerging public health problem?. International Journal Of Occupational Medicine And Environmental Health, [s.l.], v. 3, n. 30, p.329-344, 10 mar. 2017. Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. http://dx.doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01046.

HAJEK, Peter et al. Electronic cigarettes: review of use, content, safety, effects on smokers and potential for harm and benefit. Addiction, [s.l.], v. 109, n. 11, p.1801-1810, 31 jul. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.12659.

CLAPP, Phillip Wayne et al. Flavored E-cigarette Liquids and Cinnamaldehyde Impair Respiratory Innate Immune Cell Function. American Journal Of Physiology - Lung Cellular And Molecular Physiology, [s.l.], v. , n. , p.1-10, 11 maio 2017. American Physiological Society. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00452.2016.

SCHWEITZER, Kelly S. et al. Endothelial disruptive proinflammatory effects of nicotine and e-cigarette vapor exposures. American Journal Of Physiology - Lung Cellular And Molecular Physiology, [s.l.], v. 309, n. 2, p.175-187, 15 maio 2015. American Physiological Society. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00411.2014.