Electronic cigarettes and Research: Where We Stand

One of the biggest topics when it comes to electronic cigarette debates is research. The MHRA says more research needs to been done, and consumers are always curious about new advancements.

Because we are still in the early stages of electronic cigarettes, there is nothing that can negate the fact that large amounts of extensive research have yet to be done, like any new product.

As it progresses, we are sure further testing will get more and more in depth, both in respect to the effects of e-cigarettes medically and environmentally. Here is a look at what currently know in regards to medical research.

However, the FACT remains that if you put a traditional cigarette and an e-cig side-by-side, everyone knows which is better for you!

Medical Research

Thus far, the majority of the research on electronic cigarettes has been focusing on their effects on health, especially in regards to their risks and benefits. These have been done by a number of institutions, including government, universities, and those sponsored by the industry itself.

Toxicology and Carcinogens

Another major area of focus when it comes to e-cigarettes is the subject of carcinogens. Enormous amounts of research have been done on cigarettes and their carcinogenic properties, and people want to know where e-cigarettes lie in the matter. Studies have been done to test the chemical composition of electronic cigarettes. 

They screened for toxins and potentially cancer-causing substances, including volatile organic compounds, nitrosamines, carbonyls, and heavy metals. A number of brands were compared to the production of a medical nicotine inhaler, and the results of toxic findings ranged from 9 to 450 times less than those from cigarette smoke, and with some toxic levels that were comparable to the trace amounts that were produced by the inhaler.

Lungs and Heart

The effects of e-cigarettes on the heart and lungs have had a decent amount of scientific research coverage, as traditional tobacco cigarettes do the most damage to the these areas. In a study done in Greece, by Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, the heart’s reaction to electronic cigarette use was measured and compared to how it reacted after cigarette use.

Interestingly, when using vapour, users experienced just a slight increase in blood pressure, and very little increase in heart rate. By comparison, however, after smoking a tobacco cigarette, the smoker’s heart rate and blood pressure would soar. The conclusion of this study did not promote the use of electronic cigarettes; however the physician, Dr. Farsalinos did validate them as suitable alternatives to tobacco.

Other studies looking at the effect of vapour smoking on the heart and lungs have been performed, however most lack research and data.

Electroniccigarettes have gotten big, so big in fact that people want more thorough research, and it will most certainly be needed to aid in legislative efforts. Research is essentially a great thing, as the more we know, the better products we can develop.