What exactly are you putting in your mouth?

Research has been done to show that electronic cigarettes are slightly more effective for making people quit smoking than traditional methods. That’s good news, right? Well new studies are showing that children and teens are more inclined to try e-cigarettes. Smoking is at the top of the list of causes for avoidable death. They are not FDA approved for quitting, but many people are using them in this manner. The electronic cigarette was created by a pharmacist in China. Most scientists believe that nicotine itself is not the cancerous ingredient. It’s the toxic chemicals that come from the burning of tobacco and filler products that create problems. The device atomizes a pure liquid solution of nicotine. There isn’t any smoke or ash to go along with it, though. The consumer inhales vapor from the device, which is claimed to be harmless. It is definitely a better alternative for the community. People surrounding them aren’t breathing in secondhand smoke, which is incredibly harmful to their health. Electronic cigarettes are not healthy, but they are not as bad as a regular cigarette. It is estimated that one in five adults in America have tried e-cigs—that’s 6% of adults who smoke. That number is growing rapidly as well. Not only adults, but teens have been buying and trying e-cigs. These devices are very easy to get; so easy that you can buy them from convenience stores or online. The growing epidemic is the worry for children. Parents are worried that new flavors, such as cotton candy, cookies and cream, and gummy bear, will attract the younger generations. Only 20 states forbid the sale of e-cigs to children. For some of those who can’t do mental math, that’s 30 states where the issue has not been addressed. One in ten high school kids have reported trying these devices last year, but this issue is only at the beginning. Some schools have even gone so far as to ban then from school premises. In contrast to underage drinking, the use of e-cigarettes is only a small percentage.

                So much is still unknown about these devices. No one knows for sure what the long-term effects are. It’s troubling that so many children and teens find them attractive. But, on the other hand, how can you talk down the use of e-cigs when it seems to be such a great alternative? E-cigs are unregulated in the United States. That means that the manufacturers don’t need to let consumers know what’s in their products. Who knows what you’re inhaling? CNN states: “In 2009, a FDA test on a small number of e-cigarette samples found ‘detectable levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals to which users could potentially be exposed.’ They found diethylene glycol in one cartridge at a 1% level; this is an ingredient used in antifreeze and can be toxic to humans in large quantities. Diethylene glycol is also found in some dental products and in some pharmaceuticals.” We will not know the long-term effects on health for years to come.