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As a health care professional, I enjoy teaching people about health issues, including how to quit smoking.
One question I am asked by those who are told to quit smoking is, “Can I switch to e-cigs?”
One of the hardest addictions to quit is to nicotine. However, today there is help through nicotine patches, medications, and other methods.
But, e-cigarettes are NOT a good alternative. Here is why.
Do you know what is in the liquid part of an e-cigarette? To create an e-liquid, nicotine is pulled out of tobacco and mixed with a base (usually propylene glycol), which may also include flavorings, colorings, and other chemicals.
A study on products in a FDA lab found detectable levels of toxic cancer-causing chemicals, including an ingredient used in anti-freeze! Those chemicals were found in two leading brands of e-cigarettes and eighteen of their cartridges. The levels of toxins in e-cigarette sprays varied between brands. Plus, another study found that aerosol from e-cigs contains formaldehyde, a cancer-causing agent.
Flavors in e-cigarettes are also a cause for concern. Not only are flavors used to target kids, but they may be harmful on their own. The people who sell e-cigarettes suggest that the flavor ingredients are safe because they have “FEMA GRASTM” status that is marked safe for use in food. Sorry, but this claim is false and misleading. The truth is that FEMA GRASTM only applies to food, meaning that it’s safe to eat. It does not apply to inhaling/vaping through e-cigarettes.
Many e-cigarette companies sell their products as tools to help smokers quit. The FDA has not approved any e-cigarette as a safe or working method to help smokers quit. In fact, instead of quitting, many e-cig users find themselves vaping their e-cigs plus grabbing a smoke from their regular cigarettes.
Look into your state’s smoking cessation programs. Many are offered as a free service. For more information check out smokefree.gov and see the best option for you or someone you love.
