Safety of E-cigarettes Remains Unknown

There is no question that e-cigarettes have been sky-rocketing in popularity in the U.S.

Consider these stats:

• The CDC estimates that 6% of U.S. adults have smoked e-cigarettes, compared to 18% who smoke tobacco. 
• Forbes reported e-cigarette sales surpassed $1 billion in 2013.
• In 10 years, Wells Fargo estimates the e-cigarette industry will be as big as the tobacco industry.
  
  

What Are E-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes for short, are battery-powered devices that emit doses of vaporized nicotine that are inhaled. 

Are E-cigarettes Safe? 

The safety of e-cigarettes is an unknown and will remain an unknown until the FDA starts regulating the content of e-cigarettes, says University of Minnesota Family Medicine and Community Health faculty Kola Okuyemi, MD, MPH. Without regulation, researching the full effects of e-cigarettes are difficult.

Okuyemi directs the University of Minnesota Program in Health Disparities Research and the Minnesota Center for Cancer Collaborations. He has devoted his career to improving the health of minorities and eliminating health disparities using pharmacological and culturally tailored behavioral interventions.

Okuyemi was interviewed for an article in the February 2014 edition of Minnesota Medicine about the safety of e-cigarettes. The article identifies some known pros and cons of e-cigarette use (see below), and Okuyemi encourages physicians to have an open, honest discussion with patients about the possible health risks and benefits. 

Potential Pros of E-cigarette Use

• E-cigarettes are less toxic than tobacco cigarettes.
• Studies show switching to e-cigarettes may reduce use of tobacco.
• E-cigarettes are cheaper and cleaner.

Potential Cons of E-cigarette Use

• E-cigarette users often use both electronic and tobacco cigarettes. Some evidence suggests use of both makes you less likely to quit tobacco.
• E-cigarettes contain known carcinogens and potentially other harmful ingredients whose effects on health have not been adequately studied.
• Nicotine remains addictive.
• Nicotine is a potential poison.

Read the Minnesota Medicine article on e-cigarettes.