There has been quite the amount of buzz over the use of e-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, which have been marketed as a “safe” alternative to smoking real cigarettes with tobacco.
Are E-Cigarettes Really Safe?
The short answer: not according to the studies. A recent study has found that three out of four e-cigarettes contain flavored liquid chemicals that have been linked to respiratory diseases.
The study was performed at Harvard University, where they tested various samples of flavored liquids. 75% of these samples contained a chemical called diacetyl. This chemical is linked with a severe disease known as respiratory disease bronchiolitis obliterans.
Other chemicals such as acetoin, formaldehyde, and 2,3-pentandione were also detected during laboratory tests. Of course, nicotine was among these chemicals, as well. Adding nicotine is how people were able to “get their fix” while trying to kick the habit of smoking.
E-Cigarettes: Little to No Regulation
Despite Los Angeles’s ban on the use of e-cigarettes in public, there has been no effective regulation set in place in the manufacturing and distribution of these products.
A “deeming rule” has been proposed by the FDA, but has yet to go in to effect, yet. Studies are continually being performed on these products to see whether they do in fact provide value to consumers trying to quit or look for a healthier alternative, but as we are beginning to learn, the outlook is not promising.
What Should You Do?
For now, the absolute best advice we can leave you with is to put the e-cigarettes down. It’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why we also do not advocate the use of metals in the mouth. Until more positive research is found on the use of e-cigarettes as a viable healthy alternative, it’s best to stay away. Especially because you really don’t know exactly what you’re inhaling in to your body.