Current knowledge about electronic cigarettes

Abstract

As electronic cigarette usage becomes more common, practice nurses need to fully understand the health implications of e-cigs before they can advise their patients, writes Dr Graham Cope The emergence and growth of electronic cigarette (e-cig) usage has been one of the most significant changes to public health in recent times. The public are increasingly aware of the harmful effects of smoking and as a consequence many are looking to alternative, ‘healthier’ forms of nicotine delivery, either to maintain their addiction or, in some cases, to stop their smoking habit. The evidence suggests that e-cigs are a ‘healthier’ form of nicotine delivery than conventional cigarettes, but there are chemicals produced by these devices, including nicotine that have significant effects on health, especially if used long-term.