Electronic cigarettes cause health fears

Electronic cigarettes are a popular online purchase. They allow smokers to puff on a stick that look and taste like the real thing, but do not contain harmful tar or tobacco. Yet as their popularity continues, experts say little is known about their true health effects. Reporting in the British Medical Journal, two Greek researchers have concluded that worryingly little is known about them.

E-cigarettes cannot legally be marketed as a ‘smoking cessation’ aid. They can, however, be sold as a smoking alternative but as such; they are not available on the NHS. And in America, the Food and Drug Administration has reported finding traces of cancer-causing chemicals in e-cigarettes. Shipments of e-cigarettes have been blocked from entering the US over questions about their safety.

The picture suggests experts are sceptical about this smoking cessation tool. At very least, it indicates they are waiting for more evidence. Conversely, plenty of plaudits are arguing the case for e-cigarettes. In the event they are proven to be harmful, supporters say, they are unlikely to prove as bad as the real thing. The major problems associated with smoking are heart disease and cancer. These conditions come from tar, smoke and tobacco. E-cigarettes do not contain these substances. Instead, they give out a steady stream of heated nicotine. Much like nicotine patches they seem take the most harmful elements out of smoking.

This said, the health benefits of e-cigarettes are ultimately still questionable. The level of scepticism surrounding them is still high. Anyone seeking to use them should exercise caution. If you are a smoker and would like to quit, help is at hand. You should consult with a trained professional. You could also consider looking into aids to help you quit. These include books, therapy, and medication such as Cialis.