Electronic cigarettes—A review of the physiological health effects

Alyssa Zucchet,Grégory Schmaltz

doi:10.1139/facets-2017-0014

Alyssa Zucchet, Grégory Schmaltz

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2017-0014

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Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are devices that are used recreationally or as smoking cessation tools, and have become increasingly popular in recent years. We conducted a review of the available literature to determine the health effects caused by the use of these devices. A heating element in the EC aerosolizes a solution of propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine (optional), and flavouring (optional). These compounds are generally harmless on their own. However, upon heating, they produce various carcinogens and irritants. We found that concentrations of these toxicants vary significantly depending on the type of EC device, the type of EC liquid, and the smoking behaviour of the user. Exposure to these vapours can cause inflammation and oxidative damage to in vitro and in vivo cells. EC aerosol can also potentially affect organ systems and especially cardiovascular and lung function. We concluded that EC use causes acute effects on health but not as severe as those of conventional cigarettes (CCs). These devices could, therefore, be of use for smokers of CCs wishing to quit. However, as EC aerosol introduces new toxicants not found in CCs, long-term studies are needed to investigate possible chronic effects associated with EC use.

Highlights

IntroductionCigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which are serious carcinogens like arsenic or volatile organic compounds (Romagna et al 2013; Rahman et al 2015)
There are long lists of known risks of smoking cigarettes
electronic cigarettes (ECs) have existed for a long period of time, as they were first patented in 1965 by HA Gilbert as a device that looked like a conventional cigarette (CC) but did not contain the carcinogens of tobacco, designed to replace the use of conventional cigarettes (CCs) (Romagna et al 2013; Cervellati et al 2014; Rahman et al 2015)

Summary

Introduction

Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, many of which are serious carcinogens like arsenic or volatile organic compounds (Romagna et al 2013; Rahman et al 2015) These compounds cause serious cardiovascular and respiratory disease, including lung cancer, currently leading to the death of one out of every 10 adults worldwide (Romagna et al 2013; Rahman et al 2015). The popularity of the EC grew, and in 2007, Ruyan, an EC manufacturing company, made

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