I’ve recently noticed a wealth of articles exploring the potential for harm associated with ‘smoking’ E-Cigarettes (also known as vaping) – for a few examples see here, here and here.But, with vaping steadily on the rise* what is the bigger picture?One thing we can all agree on is that smoking cigarettes is pretty dam bad for you; certainly, the facts and figures associated with this habit don’t make for pleasant reading… …for more startling stats see here.With this in mind, it’s worth noting that electronic cigarettes have traditionally been marketed as a ‘less harmful’ alternative to smoking and, in some cases, a stepping stone on the path to quitting the habit entirely.But what are they, what are the associated risks and are they really safer than conventional cigarettes?Electronic cigarettes are designed to provide a measured dose of inhaled nicotine, whilst also mimicking the experience of smoking a conventional cigarette.Early models looked almost identical to normal cigarettes, with most even incorporating a realistic glowing tip.

However, newer products come in all kinds of shape and sizes.The most important difference between e-cigarettes and the real deal is the method of nicotine delivery.A regular cigarette burns tobacco and the user inhales the resulting nicotine-rich smoke, along with any associated nasties.E-cigarettes, however, produce a vapour by heating a solution of nicotine mixed with propylene glycol or glycerine.This method of nicotine delivery means that users still get the desired effect from the vapour but, without many of the toxic side effects associated with cigarette smoke.It is now widely accepted that nicotine itself carries no serious health implications and is likely to be no more harmful than caffeine (for studies see here, here and here).The main problem with cigarettes is that they deliver their nicotine hit alongside a staggering array of carcinogens and toxins.These include: nitrosamines, acetone, acetylene, DDT, lead, radioactive polonium, hydrogen cyanide, methanol, arsenic and cadmium and vapour phase toxins such as carbon monoxide.

Since e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, they do not deliver such a large doses of associated nasties.However, this does not mean that they’re harmless.Studies reveal that e-cigarettes contain small amounts of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde (both known human carcinogens); they can also deliver trace levels of carcinogenic nitrosamines, and some toxic metals such as cadmium, nickel and lead.A quick scan of the literature suggests that levels of these substances can vary hugely between e-cig brands, however, most studies agree that levels are generally low and are almost always significantly below those delivered by traditional cigarettes.Also, unlike traditional cigarette smoke, there appears to be little harm in the passive inhalation of vapour.So at this point the case for e-cigarettes looks pretty strong.We know that smoking kills and that, without intervention, millions of smokers alive today will die of smoking-related illnesses.Despite being new to the market and lacking the long term research which can only come from an established product, e-cigarettes certainly seem significantly safer than their conventional cousins.

Therefore, it is likely that making the switch from smoke to vapour is going to be pretty beneficial for your health.This said, I don’t think we should be complacent with vaping and it certainly shouldn’t be marketed as ‘harmless’.e cigarette 2200mahIt is important that legislations be formulated to standardise the mechanics of vaporisers and the content of e-liquids – particularly since studies have found products to vary widely in both their toxicity and nicotine delivery.e cigarette ttdiAdvertising must also be approached with caution.ecigarette uaCritics of e-cigarettes have suggested that vaping may become a gateway for youngsters into smoking.e cigarette available in chennai

Although there is currently no grounding to these fears, it is important that vaping is not glamorized in the media – it is not a harmless practice and should only be used by those already addicted to nicotine who want to improve their health by quitting smoking.e cigarette blu amazonSo, although we may have discovered smoke without fire there is no guarantee we won’t still get burned… * Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has estimated that currently about 1.3 million people in the UK use electronic cigarettes, and around 400,000 people have completely replaced smoking with electronic cigarettes (for link see here).e cigarette ballwin moThe American Heart Association issued its first official policy recommendation on electronic cigarettes this week, saying they were a last-resort method of quitting traditional cigarettes.The heart association also pointed to studies suggesting that e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine but no tobacco, could serve as a "gateway" drug to addict young people, who may go on to regular cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.Despite growing in popularity, many questions remain over e-cigs and potential health risks.

Here are answers to some common questions:What are e-cigarettes?E-cigarettes are battery operated inhalers that consist of a rechargeable battery, a cartridge called a cartomizer and an LED that lights up at the end when you puff on the device.Are e-cigarettes currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration?An April proposal from the Food and Drug Administration would require most e-cigarettes to undergo an agency review.In its new statement, the heart association calls on the FDA to put the proposed rules — three years in the making — in place before the end of the year.What is vaping?Vaping is defined as the act of inhaling water vapor through a personal vaporizer or electronic cigarette.When users draw on the device, the battery heats the liquid, which is then atomized into an inhalable vapor.Heart group calls on FDA to quickly regulate e-cigsHow does vaping differ from traditional smoking?E-cigarettes differ from traditional cigarettes in that they do not contain carcinogens such as arsenic and vinyl chloride.

Additionally, there is no secondhand smoke associated with vaping.How many e-cigarette products are on the market?There are 466 brands and more than 7,700 flavors on the market, according to the policy report.There have been an average of 10 new brands entering the market every month for the last two years, a recent Internet survey found.World health group calls for e-cigarette restrictionsWhat are the biggest markets for the products?Europe and North America.regulators proposed treating e-cigarettes as tobacco products with rules including a ban on sales to people under 18 and the establishment of warning labels.Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine?Yes.They do not contain tobacco.What is in the liquid inhaled?The main components of a cartridge of "juice" are nicotine, propylene glycol, solvents and flavors.Your Digital Life: Is it OK to e-smoke in public?What are the health risks of e-cigarettes?Little is known about the health effects, which have been sold in the USA since 2007.Thomas Glynn, the director of science and trends at the American Cancer Society, said there was a great likelihood that e-cigarettes would prove considerably less harmful than traditional cigarettes, at least in the short term.E-cigarette market is on fire, survey showsDue to the relative newness in the popularity of vaping, the long-term effects of vaping have yet to be analyzed.Michael Siegel, a tobacco control expert at the Boston University School of Public Health, said as long as e-cigs are primarily used to help quite smoking and not to spur kids to smoke, they will be a benefit to public health.Contributing: Associated Press