What Are E-Cigarettes? Are E-Cigarettes Harmful? Two of the many questions surrounding this increasingly popular form of smoking.
Not long ago, a study conducted by Harvard University, funded by the U.S. government, concluded that 75% of the 51 types of e-cigarette liquids contained diacetyl, a substance linked to obstructive lung disease. This is just one of many “mysteries” hidden within this device, which is often considered “non-toxic” compared to traditional cigarettes. So, what else is there? Below is what scientists have discovered about this enigmatic device.
Where Do E-Cigarettes Come From?
Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, the inventor of the modern e-cigarette.
Back in 1963, an American named Herbert A. Gilbert was granted a patent for a “smokeless cigarette that does not use tobacco.” However, the e-cigarettes we use today were developed by a Chinese pharmacist named Hon Lik.
Hon stated that his personal smoking habit and the death of his father from lung cancer inspired him to create the first e-cigarette, for which he received a patent in 2003. His company began introducing it to the Chinese market, followed by other countries worldwide in the subsequent years.
How Do E-Cigarettes Work?
A small lithium battery integrated within a customizable module (commonly referred to as a mod) powers a heating element. This component heats a liquid known as “e-liquid” (typically nicotine dissolved in propylene glycol, along with flavorings and sweeteners).
When heated, this liquid turns into vapor, which the user inhales and exhales, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. Vendors often refer to this liquid as “e-cigarette juice” or “flavors” due to its various fruity tastes, with nicotine concentrations ranging from 0mg to 26mg.
Are E-Cigarettes Harmful?
E-cigarettes do not involve the “burning” action like traditional cigarettes.
E-cigarettes do not involve the “burning” action typical of traditional cigarettes, and therefore, there is no combustion. This leads many to believe that they are less toxic than conventional cigarettes. However, there is still a lack of extensive research on the nicotine absorbed when using e-cigarettes. According to molecular neuroscientist Crystal Dilworth at the University of California, while e-cigarettes may contain fewer carcinogens than traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and may include other harmful substances alongside the vapor.
Professor Suzaynn Schick at UC San Francisco agrees with the perspective on nicotine levels in e-cigarettes. She conducted a study on nicotine levels in “e-liquids” and how they convert into vapor when inhaled, also examining their effects on non-smokers. She stated: “I found that when you exhale nicotine into the room, it reacts with common gases in the air and could form carcinogenic substances.”
Thus, beyond nicotine, there are still many concerns about the substances contained in what vendors call “e-liquids.” In fact, scientists have conducted several studies on other chemicals present in these liquids.
What Else Is in E-Cigarette “E-Liquids” Besides Nicotine?
The bottling process of e-liquid at a factory in China.
As of now, e-cigarettes and “e-liquids” are still circulated in many countries without regulation. It is nearly impossible to know everything contained in e-cigarette liquids due to the vast variety of types, origins, and even the prevalence of users mixing different liquids together. In Spain and Wales, authorities have banned the use of e-cigarettes in certain public areas. The French government is also considering this. Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to limit the sale, marketing, and use of e-cigarettes in public spaces.
E-cigarettes may be safer than traditional cigarettes. But how much safer? There are still many uncertainties shrouding this issue. Below is what scientists have discovered to be contained in e-cigarette liquids.
There are currently hundreds of different “flavor” e-liquids available.
Water
Many types of “e-cigarette liquids” contain water (H2O). This water is heated by a metal coil, turning it into smaller water droplets mixed in the vapor for the user to inhale.
Propylene Glycol
A colorless, odorless, and tasteless alcohol commonly used as an antifreeze to lower the freezing point of water. It is generally considered safe for use in food, medications, and cosmetics. It is also often used in fog machines or artificial fog on stage. However, it can irritate the lungs and eyes and may be harmful to those with chronic lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Glycerin
A colorless, odorless chemical with a slightly sweet taste. Similar to Propylene Glycol, the FDA considers it a safe chemical that can be used in food and medicines. However, according to Dr. Maciej Goniewicz, a pharmaceutical scientist specializing in tobacco and e-cigarettes at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, while both Propylene Glycol and Glycerin are considered safe, we still do not know what happens if people inhale large amounts of these chemicals over extended periods. This remains an unknown.
Flavoring Agents
Currently, there are hundreds of different flavors of “e-liquids” available, including those that sound very “natural” such as cherry, apple, orange, or “sweet” like cake, chocolate, or even the smell of real tobacco. Dr. Goniewicz stated: “Many of these flavoring chemicals are also used in food. However, there is still an unresolved issue: we may be safe when we eat them, but what happens when we inhale them?”
On the other hand, manufacturers do not disclose the detailed composition of these flavoring agents, citing “trade secrets.” However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that 75% of the 51 types of e-cigarette liquids contained diacetyl – a substance linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
When Heated and Vaporized: Formaldehyde, Acrolein, Acetaldehyde
The flavorings mask the true smell of Formaldehyde produced during inhalation.
Some toxic chemicals are formed when “e-liquids” are heated, turning into vapor and mixing with the smoke that the user inhales. According to Professor Benowitz at the University of California, some of these substances can irritate and cause vascular inflammation. Traditional cigarettes also contain these substances but at much higher concentrations. Commonly found chemicals when vaporizing e-cigarette liquids include:
- Formaldehyde: a known carcinogen
- Acetaldehyde: another potential carcinogen
- Acrolein: formed during the heating of glycerin, which can cause lung damage and contribute to cardiovascular disease in smokers.
The concentrations of all three substances increase proportionally with the temperature of the e-liquid when heated. According to Professor Benowitz, users are often tempted by the temperature because they want to inhale more nicotine for a stronger hit, which requires increasing the voltage of the battery, thereby raising the temperature to vaporize more. Additionally, the flavorings mask the true smell of Formaldehyde produced during inhalation.
Small Particles and Metals
E-cigarettes may also contain small particulate matter. Traditional cigarettes also contain these fine particles, which have been known to harm smokers by causing vascular damage, inflammation, and neurological effects. The density of particles in e-cigarettes is similar to that of real cigarettes, but to date, there has not been enough research conducted to determine the safety or danger of inhaling particles generated by e-cigarettes.
Heavy metals such as tin, nickel, cadmium, lead, and mercury can also be found in the aerosol of electronic cigarettes.
So, are electronic cigarettes harmful after all?
Electronic cigarettes are not a product that will help you quit smoking.
According to Professor Benowitz: “Electronic cigarettes are related to regular smoking. Based on what we know so far, they are less dangerous than traditional cigarettes.” However, he acknowledges that there is still too little research on the health effects of electronic cigarettes on both smokers and non-smokers. Ultimately, experts emphasize that: “This is not a product for non-smokers. If you have never smoked, do not try it. There is no reason to try electronic cigarettes as they contain nicotine and can be addictive. Moreover, they are not a product that will help you quit smoking.”
