Electronic cigarettes: review of use, content, safety, effects on smokers and potential for harm and benefit
Addiction, 2014•Wiley Online Library
Aims We reviewed available research on the use, content and safety of electronic cigarettes
(EC), and on their effects on users, to assess their potential for harm or benefit and to extract
evidence that can guide future policy. Methods Studies were identified by systematic
database searches and screening references to F ebruary 2014. Results EC aerosol can
contain some of the toxicants present in tobacco smoke, but at levels which are much lower.
Long‐term health effects of EC use are unknown but compared with cigarettes, EC are likely …
(EC), and on their effects on users, to assess their potential for harm or benefit and to extract
evidence that can guide future policy. Methods Studies were identified by systematic
database searches and screening references to F ebruary 2014. Results EC aerosol can
contain some of the toxicants present in tobacco smoke, but at levels which are much lower.
Long‐term health effects of EC use are unknown but compared with cigarettes, EC are likely …
Aims
We reviewed available research on the use, content and safety of electronic cigarettes (EC), and on their effects on users, to assess their potential for harm or benefit and to extract evidence that can guide future policy.
Methods
Studies were identified by systematic database searches and screening references to February 2014.
Results
EC aerosol can contain some of the toxicants present in tobacco smoke, but at levels which are much lower. Long‐term health effects of EC use are unknown but compared with cigarettes, EC are likely to be much less, if at all, harmful to users or bystanders. EC are increasingly popular among smokers, but to date there is no evidence of regular use by never‐smokers or by non‐smoking children. EC enable some users to reduce or quit smoking.
Conclusions
Allowing EC to compete with cigarettes in the market‐place might decrease smoking‐related morbidity and mortality. Regulating EC as strictly as cigarettes, or even more strictly as some regulators propose, is not warranted on current evidence. Health professionals may consider advising smokers unable or unwilling to quit through other routes to switch to EC as a safer alternative to smoking and a possible pathway to complete cessation of nicotine use.
Wiley Online Library