Electronic Cigar: What it is and What are the Health Risks

The electronic cigar, also called vaporizer or vapeador, is a device in the format of a conventional cigar that does not need to burn to release nicotine. This is because it contains a reservoir where a concentrated liquid of nicotine is placed, which is heated and transformed into steam, which is inhaled by the person. In addition to nicotine, this liquid has a solvent product (usually vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol) and a chemical that gives it a specific flavor and aroma.

This type of cigarette was introduced to the market as a good option to replace the conventional cigar, since it does not need to burn tobacco to release nicotine. However, it is believed that propylene glycol that possesses this type of cigars could increase the risk of long-term cancer, although it is still something that has not been proven. Other substances have also been found in much less quantity than are found in the conventional cigar that are carcinogenic.

According to the recommendations of the WHO, the commercialization of this type of cigar is officially prohibited because its safety for the health of smokers is not scientifically proven, its use being popular in countries such as the United States, Canada, England and Israel.

Main Risks of the Electronic Cigarette

Due to the presence of nicotine and other chemical substances that give flavor, for example, electronic cigarettes have some risks such as:

1. Creation of a New Vice

This type of cigar may contain nicotine and, therefore, continues to be addictive to the body, not being of great help to quit smoking. However, containing nicotine or not will depend on the smoker itself, because there are various concentrations of nicotine, which can be purchased with 0 mg or 10 mg, for example, being able to regulate the amount of nicotine that is added to the cigar.

2. Development of Heart Disease

Many people use the electronic cigarette more often than the conventional cigarette, and in those who inhale it with nicotine can increase their levels in the body, causing blood vessel lesions, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and heart problems.

3. Risk of Developing Cancer

Some of the flavors used in electronic cigarettes have a substance known as diacetyl, which increases the number of lesions at the pulmonary level. Likewise, the solvent that carries nicotine in the electronic cigarette, when burned at more than 150 ° C, releases ten times more formaldehyde than the conventional cigarette, a substance with proven carcinogenic action. Other heavy metals have also been found in the vapor released by these cigarettes.

4. Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer Development

This happens because 90% of the inhaled nicotine accumulates in the urine causing alteration in the internal mucosa of the bladder, which favors the development of mutations of the cells that give rise to the cancer.

Does the Electronic Cigarette Help you Quit Smoking?

According to the American Thoracic Society, the various studies conducted on the action of electronic cigarettes to help quit smoking showed no effect or relationship and, therefore, the electronic cigarette should not be used in the same way as other products tested for quit smoking as is the case with adhesives or nicotine gum.

This is because the adhesive gradually reduces the amount of nicotine that is released, helping the body to reduce its dependence, while the cigarette always releases the same amount, in addition to no regulation for the dose of nicotine that each brand places in liquids used in the electronic cigar. WHO also supports this decision and advises the use of other proven and safe smoking cessation strategies.

In addition to all this, its use could also contribute to increase nicotine and tobacco addiction, since the flavors of this device appeal to a younger group, which can end up developing vice and initiating tobacco use.