< Back

27.09.2023 |News

Image: Cover page picture of the DKFZ report

The Illusion of Safety

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have often been marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. But the DKFZ highlights that the principle of harm reduction is problematic with tobacco use. It warns that these products can attract new users and reduce the motivation to quit tobacco altogether.

In July 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) similarly released a statement warning about the possible health risks of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth, and calling for more research into the long-term effects.

A Potential Threat to Health

A variety of unknown factors in e-cigarettes, such as additives, flavorings, and nicotine dose, create uncertainty about their effect on heart health. E-cigarettes have shown effects on vascular stiffness and blood pressure. However, the absence of comprehensive regulation means that e-cigarettes have not undergone rigorous safety studies.

The Environmental Impact

The DKFZ report also outlines the potential environmental risks posed by e-cigarettes. Their production requires substantial energy and resources, and the disposal of used products can negatively impact the environment.

Dual Use: A Dangerous Trend

Some smokers are combining e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes in a "dual use pattern". This approach has been strongly criticized by medical experts due to increased risks of heart disease and other health issues.

Questionable Ingredients and Long-term Effects

Recent studies have uncovered potential health risks related to the contents of e-cigarettes. The heating process can lead to the formation of new, toxic compounds, and the use of heated tobacco products may increase the risk of respiratory disorders. Additionally, chemicals found in e-cigarette liquids have been linked to severe lung disease.

Conclusion: A Call for Caution

While e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products might seem like an appealing choice for smokers looking to reduce harm, evidence increasingly suggests that they carry their own set of risks. The best course of action, as noted by the DKFZ report and the AHA statement, is to avoid these products and focus on quitting smoking altogether to evade the harmful effects of tobacco.

The growing concern over these products highlights the urgent need for more research, strict regulations, and public awareness. Consumers must be informed of the risks of long-term dependence and potential health dangers.

References:

^{https://www.dkfz.de/de/krebspraevention/Downloads/pdf/Buecher_und_Berichte/2023_Risiken-von-E-Zigaretten-und-Tabakerhitzern.pdf?m=1689927508}

^{https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-021-01737-5}

^{https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8296358/}

^{https://newsroom.heart.org/news/current-evidence-identifies-health-risks-of-e-cigarette-use-long-term-research-needed}

^{https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov}

^{https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/e-cigarettes-vaping}

^{https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7122267/}

^{https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/e-cigarettes-facts-stats-and-regulations}

^{https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html}

^{https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001160?utm_campaign=sciencenews22-23&utm_source=science-news&utm_medium=phd-link&utm_content=phd-07-17-23}

^{https://abcnews.go.com/Health/doctors-increasingly-discourage-vaping-amid-mounting-health-concerns/story?id=101784059&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NSP+News+Digest+-+1+August+2023&sender_ctype=email&sender_campaign=dLGJlv&sender_customer=gLjNMMD}

^{https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168}

Related news