E-cigarette, also called e-cigarette, ecigar or simply heated cigarette, is a classic cigarette-shaped device that doesn’t need to be burned to release nicotine. In fact, there is a reservoir where a concentrated nicotine liquid is placed, which the person heats and inhales. This liquid, in addition to nicotine, also contains a solvent product (usually glycerin or propylene glycol) and a chemical aroma.
This type of cigarette has been introduced to the market as a good alternative to conventional cigarettes, as it is not necessary to burn tobacco to release nicotine. Thus, this type of cigarette also does not release many toxic substances into conventional cigarettes, which result from the burning of tobacco.
- However.
- If these were the promises of e-cigarettes.
- Their sale was banned by ANVISA in 2009.
- With DRC 46/2009.
- And their use was discouraged by several specialists in the field.
- Including the Brazilian Medical Association.
Although many people think e-cigarettes are less risky than conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are bad mainly due to the release of nicotine. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, so people who use any type of nicotine-releasing device, whether electronic or conventional, will have more difficulty to stop doing so, due to the addiction caused by this substance. brain-level.
In addition, nicotine is released into the smoke that is released into the air, both by the device and by the exhalation of the user. This causes people around it to also inhale the substance. This is even more serious for pregnant women, for example, who, when exposed to nicotine, increase the risk of neurological malformations in the fetus.
As for substances released by e-cigarettes, and although they do not contain many toxic substances released by tobacco combustion, e-cigarettes release other carcinogens. In an official document published by the CDC, it can be read that the heating of the solvent carrying nicotine in e-cigarettes, when burned to more than 150 degrees C, releases ten times more formaldehyde than conventional cigarettes, a proven carcinogenic substance. . Other heavy metals have also been found in the steam released by these cigarettes and may be related to the material used for their construction.
Finally, the chemicals used to create the taste of e-cigarettes also have no evidence that they are safe in the long term.
Since the use of e-cigarettes began to become popular, the number of people admitted to hospitals in the United States has increased, the only common relationship of which was the use of e-cigarettes with gasoline. As it is not yet known what this disease really is and if it is really related to the use of e-cigarettes, this disease has become a mysterious disease, whose main symptoms are associated:
These symptoms last several days and can leave the person very weak, forcing the person to stay in the intensive care unit for the necessary care.
The cause of the mysterious disease is not yet safe, but symptoms of respiratory failure are thought to be related to substances placed in cigarettes, which may result from exposure to chemicals.
Anvisa’s ban was imposed in 2009 due to a lack of scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy, efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes, but this prohibition only applies to the sale, importation or advertising of the device.
Thus, although there is a ban, e-cigarettes can continue to be used legally, as long as they have been purchased before 2009 or outside Brazil. However, several health regulators are trying to ban this type of device altogether due to potential health risks.
According to the American Thoracic Society, the various studies on the action of e-cigarettes to help quit smoking have shown no effect or relationship, and therefore e-cigarettes should not be used in the same way as other tested smoking cessation products. . patches or nicotine gum.
Indeed, the patch gradually reduces the amount of nicotine released, helping the body to curb dependence, while cigarettes always release the same amount, in addition to the lack of regulation of the nicotine dose that each brand puts on the liquids used. in cigarettes. WHO also supports this decision and recommends the use of other proven and safe strategies to stop smoking successfully.
In addition to all this, e-cigarettes can even contribute to increased dependence on nicotine and tobacco, as the flavors of the device attract a younger group, who can eventually develop addiction and start smoking.