Myths and truths about electronic cigarette: Does it hurt less?

In recent years there has been a marked increase in its use. More and more smokers, especially in younger ages, have chosen this alternative, considering it as a less harmful solution compared to the classic. Is it really less harmful to the health of the smoker? Answers to some of the most widespread views on the use of the electronic cigarette are given by Mr. Petros G. Kalogeeropoulos, Director of the Cardinal of Metropolitan Hospital. Electronic cigarette is safe The first data from clinical studies showed that the electronic cigarette is probably less harmful than the classic. It contains fewer toxic substances and is certainly not safe. And of course there is no data on the degree of damage it causes as the period of observation and analysis to detect damage to the body is limited. However, the latest data by the end of 2023 from major studies in a real user population showed that electronic cigarettes cause similar harm to classics, such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, metabolic dysfunction, while it appears to cause less damage to asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease) and oral diseases. Therefore, on the basis of the newer data, the logic of less harm the electronic cigarette would cause should be reviewed. 1. Electronic cigarette helps stop smoking No scientific body in the US and Europe suggests using an electronic cigarette to stop smoking. 2. There are studies showing that prolonged electronic use helps to stop the classic cigarette However, the price is the creation of double users on one hand and the continuation of dependence on the other. In other words, the smoker continues to take nicotine in another form, so addiction remains. 3. Electronic cigarette does not cause addiction It seems that after 3 years of sporadic use of electronic cigarette, intense addiction develops and the user makes daily use. Within 5 minutes after awakening, he has a strong need for nicotine intake, indirect evidence of severe dependence. 4. In the group of young teenagers the use of a classic cigarette has been reduced and electronics has increased to a wide variety of designs and flavors to keep young people’s interest in the search for new ways of addiction to nicotine intact. Indeed, the evidence we have so far shows that teenagers prefer the use of electronic cigarettes to the classic, and especially those enriched with aromatic substances such as menthol, chocolate, carnation, rose, coconut etc. 5. Smoking and double users Simultaneous use of classic and electronic cigarettes causes the greatest damage. Double users are the most burdened category of smokers. In conclusion, Mr Kalogeeropoulos points out that: ‘The electronic cigarette is not a safe alternative for smokers. It has fewer and different toxic substances than the classic cigarette, but they are capable of causing damage to the heart, vessels, brain, lungs and immune system” while concluding that: “One solution is safe for our health, the complete cessation of smoking. It’s difficult but accomplished. The combination of discontinuation drugs and expert support has yielded the best results. Working with specialists in smoking cessation clinics significantly helps make the journey of rehab less painful. But the hope is that it only lasts a few weeks.”