Study Suggests New Policy for Electronic Cigarette Use Among Teens

There is a growing number of electronic cigarette use among teenagers as well as cases of liquid nicotine poisoning among kids. According to a report, lowering the age to buy electronic cigarettes from 18 to 16 may reduce the number of cases of conventional cigarette smoking as electronic cigarettes are less dangerous than the latter.

The research found out that in states that set prohibitions on electronic cigarette sales to minors, there has been an increased usage of standard cigarettes among 12 to 17 year olds compared to states with no prohibitions.

Nicotine use may not be good for teens but the smoke from the typical cigarettes are far worse from those of the electronic cigarettes. This is according to one of the researchers of the study.

What they suggest is a policy that directs adolescents, who will probably smoke normal cigarettes, to select electronic cigarette instead. They suggest enabling teens aged 16 years and up to buy electronic cigarettes but keeping the purchase limited for younger teens.

The Truth Behind Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that come with nicotine-filled cartridges. They have been in the US since 2006 and are promoted as a better alternative to traditional cigarettes. Compared to the latter, there is limited analysis on the health dangers brought by e-cigarettes. There are also no warning labels on these products. 

Engineers create electronic cigarette several years ago to offer tobacco users a smoke-free supply of nicotine. The apparatus works by heating a liquid that the user inhales. Because nothing is burned in using electronic cigarettes, no smoke is released from them.

But several studies reveal that this smoke-free apparatus can lead to several health problems.

In one study, it shows that e-cigarette delivers elevated quantities of nano particles which may trigger inflammation and cause asthma, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. 

In another study, which reviewed the data from 18 studies on e-cigarette's vapors, discovered that most of them include lung-irritating solvents where flavorings and nicotine were dissolved. What's more distressing is the fact that carbonyls can be transformed from these solvents. This group of substances contains known cancer-causing agents like acetaldehyde. 

E-cigarette vapors also pave the way for dangerous germs to grow. It can be because germs-rich vapors secrete a thicker biofilm coating that serves as their protection. 

These studies are conducted to show the effects of electronic cigarettes so users may be guided on whether they should consider using it or try lesser evil options.