E-cigarettes are as bad as cigarettes, flavouring can impair lung function

Do you think that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking? Beware, this latest study adds to evidence that they are not safe for you.

For smokers looking to quit smoking, e-cigarettes often seem to be a viable alternative. But there are many disadvantages to e-cigarettes, and many studies raise doubts about its safety. A new study done by the University of North Carolina in the US shows that a common e-cigarette flavouring has toxic chemicals similar to those found in tobacco smoke. The chemicals can even disrupt the lungs’ antibacterial defense system, the study has found.

E-cigarette flavouring has toxic chemicals similar to those found in tobacco smoke. (Shutterstock)

Previous studies have shown that while people who use e-cigarettes smoke less and are more likely to quit smoking, they are also more likely to suffer from lung infection and liver problems. A study done by the Penn State suggested that the chemicals that make up different flavours in e-cigarettes also produce different levels of free radicals, toxins often associated with cancer and other diseases.

Aldehydes in cigarettes cause lung inflammation, and increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections.

What the study says

Researchers performed their experiment by exposing human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) cultures to diluted cinnamon e-liquids and e-liquid aerosols from a third generation e-cigarette device. “E-cigarette emissions contain chemicals that have not been evaluated for inhalation toxicities,” said Clapp, adding, “The inhalation of flavouring agents poses a significant unknown in regards to the potential health risks of e-cigarette use, as many of these chemicals are structurally similar to toxic aldehydes in cigarette smoke,” he said.

Moreover, aldehyde flavouring agents are often used in high concentrations in e-cigarettes, which may lead to high exposure doses, he said.

3 other ways to quit smoking

* Money can help you quit the habit

A study done by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in the US shows that cash incentives are three times more effective to help smokers kick the butt than smoking cessation aids.

* Watch this graphic video

A North Carolina-based nurse Amanda Eller posted a couple of videos on Facebook that show the difference between healthy lungs and a black-coloured cancer-ridden lung. It is especially relevant in India, given latest reports suggesting 6.25 lakh children smoke cigarettes daily in India, according to the Tobacco Atlas report.

* Use Facebook to motivate you

A clinical trial done by the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) shows that smokers were 2.5 times more likely to quit post a cessation intervention programme delivered entirely on Facebook than by other online quit-smoking programmes.

(With inputs from PTI)

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