Electronic Cigarettes: Toxicity and Addiction
Journal Title: Toxicology and Forensic Medicine – Open Journal - Year 2016, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in the United States and other countries. More than 20 million Americans have died as a result of smoking since the 1st Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health was released in 1964.1 Approximately, 2.5 million were non-smokers who died from heart disease or lung cancer caused by exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS).1 Generally, smoking causes 20% of deaths in the United States each year.1 Premature death from complications of smoking is approximately 50%.1 Electronic cigarettes [also known as e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)] are battery-operated devices designed to deliver flavored nicotine to users in a vapor, as a substitute to conventional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. E-cigarettes were invented and patented by the Chinese engineer Hon Lik in 2003. E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco products among youth and the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 3 million middle and high school students were users of e-cigarettes in 2015, compared to 2.46 million in 2014.2,3 In 2013-2014, 81% of youth e-cigarette users cited the availability of appealing flavors as the primary reason for use.4 Candy-flavored, fruit-flavored and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes appeal to adolescents more than tobacco-flavored or alcohol-flavored e-cigarettes, as well as common beliefs that e-cigarettes offer reduced harm.5 The online availability of e-cigarettes allows this age group to easily order them. In May 2016, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized new regulations to prohibit minors from buying e-cigarettes in person or online.6 The FDA rule extended the regulatory authority to cover all tobacco products, including vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes, e-pipes, and all other ENDS. FDA now regulates the manufacturing, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution of ENDS.
Authors and Affiliations
Bashir M. Rezk
Keywords
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- EP ID EP550942
- DOI 10.17140/TFMOJ-1-e007
- Views 112
- Downloads 0
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