Until recently, nicotine was known only as an addictive substance with no cancer-causing effect, and the production of electronic cigarettes was based on this information. In recent years, data have emerged showing that nicotine is converted into some cancer-causing metabolites during its destruction in the body. In this case, those who believe that electronic cigarettes are innocent should think again. And not just for that reason. Here are the scientific facts about electronic cigarettes...
The consumption of cigarettes and tobacco products causes 6 million deaths per year in the world, and it is predicted that 8 million people will die from smoking-related causes in 2030. It should not be forgotten that cigarette consumption leads to a very serious but preventable mortality rate. Smoking-related deaths are most common due to cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and a chronic lung disease called COPD.

Nicotine Is More Than Addiction 

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital  Chest Diseases Specialist says, “There are about 7.000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, and about 70 of them cause cancer by disrupting the genetic code of human cells.” The nicotine in the content of cigarettes reaches the brain through the blood and is known as the substance responsible for addiction. Until recently, nicotine was known only as an addictive substance with no cancer-causing effect, and the production of electronic cigarettes was based on this information. The electronic cigarette is a system that works with a battery, heats a liquid containing a certain amount of nicotine, vaporizes it, and allows it to be inhaled. The manufacturers claimed that the logic of the system was to deliver nicotine to the body without exposure to other harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. The production of electronic cigarettes first started in China in 2003, and after 2006, it was released to the market without any control in the USA and Europe. Although it was claimed that the purpose of use was to help quit smoking, its effect on this issue could not be proven, its production was taken over by the tobacco industry over time, and its advertisements were made widespread by making many changes in its content.

Serious Harmful Effects Will Occur Years Later

Our specialist says, “Making exaggerated comments about the effect of electronic cigarettes and adding flavorings and fragrances to encourage consumption increase its use beyond its purpose. In recent years, data have emerged showing that nicotine is transformed into some cancer-causing metabolites during its destruction in the body. Therefore, the prediction that electronic cigarettes are also harmful and that they will have very serious harmful effects over the years is not wrong.”

Attention to the Results of the Experiment on Mice!

In a study conducted by the Department of Public Health and Urology at New York University School of Medicine and published in January 2018, some substances called “nitrosamine” released from nicotine metabolized in the body are shown to cause carcinogenic changes in the genetic code of mouse and human lung and bladder cells. It was also determined that these metabolites prevent the body from correcting this broken genetic code with natural repair mechanisms. There are other increasing reports supporting the finding that electronic cigarettes cause cancer. The presence of many chemicals other than nicotine in the liquid used in electronic cigarettes is considered very dangerous. Studies are showing that "propylene", "glycol" and "glycerol" when heated, turn into carcinogenic substances in cigarette smoke such as "formaldehyde" and "acetaldehyde". It is emphasized that this conversion may vary according to the voltage of the battery used, the degree of heat generated and the amounts in the electronic cigarette, and there may be very different in different types because the production is not subject to control. It is seen that there is an increase in respiratory system complaints such as cough and sputum production and the frequency of asthma attacks in electronic cigarette users. As a result, the use of electronic cigarettes started more recently than normal cigarettes, the different contents and nicotine amounts in different companies' products, and the fact that they are produced without any control and their harms are not adequately investigated mean that there is a need for further research on this subject.

Smoking Cessation Trick

Although it is claimed that electronic cigarettes are a method to get rid of cigarette addiction, it is pointed out that no clear finding has been obtained that it makes it easier to quit smoking until now. The increase in the rate of misuse and the emergence of related side problems is also seen as a separate problem. Making changes in flavor and fragrance additives to make e-cigarettes attractive means adding extra chemicals to the content and causing the use of e-cigarettes to start and increase among young people who have never smoked. This situation causes young people who first use electronic cigarettes to start smoking at a higher rate in the future. It is stated that the reason for this is nicotine addiction. 

Device Malfunction Also Causes Problems

Today, electronic cigarette advertisements and the use of additives such as sweeteners are banned in many countries and the encouragement of young people is tried to be prevented. Some people make dual use of both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. It is stated that this type of use does not benefit smoking cessation. It is pointed out that the increase in the use of electronic cigarettes, the lack of regulation on this issue, and the breaking of the bans on smoking may lead to the danger of re-evaluating the smoking habit as normal. Various malfunctions of the device, causing nicotine poisoning and sometimes dangerous explosions and burns are seen as additional problems.