Issue #5 – We made it! And so did you – welcome back! There seems to be quite a few new articles written this January, we are doing our best to catch up with some of the old ones as well. If you think we are missing something, let us know on our Submission Page.
Electronic Cigarettes: Should The Term ENDS Be Dropped?
Published: 2016-08-26
Regulators, such as the FDA, often refer to e-cigarettes as âENDSâ (Electronic Nicotine Delivery System). The implication of using that descriptive term is the indirect portrayal of the impression that electronic cigarettes are primarily used to deliver nicotine to the users of the devices. However, research has unearthed findings that bring into question the suitability of that descriptive term. Researchers discovered that about two-thirds of teenagers who vape use the devices to inhale flavors rather than nicotine. Could some of these outcomes also be present among adult vapers?The name/label given to something can often have far-reaching results. For example, some policy leaders advocate for banning âENDSâ adverts or sales as a way to protect teens from nicotine exposure/addiction. Changing the label attached to these devices could trigger a more objective view that can result in the formulation of helpful policies, such as how quality issues can be addressed. Otherwise, electronic cigarettes may fall prey to the proverbial âgive a dog a bad name and hang himâ mentality.
Why You Should Go Slow On Flavored Electronic Cigarette Liquids
Published: 2016-11-10
Did you know that you could increase the percentage to which your electronic cigarette is safer than smoking tobacco cigarettes? Researchers went out to find out the proportion of potential carcinogens and other hazardous substances in electronic cigarette liquids. The findings revealed that the flavorings in those liquids created a bigger number of hazardous substances, such as formaldehyde, when the e-liquid was heated and vaporized. The concentration of the hazardous substances depended on the quantity of flavorings in the liquids. The liquids without flavorings had low levels of those toxic substances during the study. It would therefore be a smart move for you to reduce your consumption of flavored e-cig liquids so that you can lower your exposure to those potentially harmful substances.
Concerns explode over new health risks from vaping
Published: 2017-04-25
Vaping seems to have a detrimental effect in the gums, mouths and throats of teen vapers. The hotter the e-liquid becomes when inhaled, the worse the irritation caused by vaping seems to get, causing mouth sores and inflamed throats that take longer to heal. It is not clear, however, if they might have the same effect on lungs, impairing the healing process. But it is worrying to note young vapers have reported suffering from chronic bronchitis in larger numbers than non-vapers. The youth of most of the people who take part in the study is what concern researchers the most, because some seem to be showing similar conditions to smokers while the popularity of vaping skyrockets among teenagers.
Authorities Need to Disseminate More Electronic Cigarette Information
Published: 2018-01-05
Electronic cigarettes are relatively new on the market. Consequently, many people are still uncertain about whether these devices are helpful or not. Most information on the subject has largely been from the marketing efforts (online and offline) of those who manufacture or sell e-cigs. The lack of regulations governing the marketing of these products has left consumers to rely on any information availed by the suppliers/manufacturers of e-cigarettes. Some of that information may be incomplete or inaccurate, but the consumer has no way of telling the difference. A recent study has highlighted the need for authorities to come up with regulatory guidelines on the marketing of e-cigs so that public misinformation can be avoided. The researchers also recommend that governments take a more active role in educating consumers so that they can make informed choices about electronic cigarettes.
New Oregon Law Raises Tobacco Use Age
Published: 2018-01-15
An Oregon law that was signed last year took effect on 1st January, 2018 raising the minimum age at which people are allowed to buy any tobacco inhalant product, such as cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. The 34-page document now requires retailers to post notices stipulating that no one who is below 21-years of age is allowed to buy a tobacco product. Various institutions, such as schools, colleges/universities and correctional facilities must also post notices to that effect in addition to setting up policies and systems to enforce that restriction. This action by the state of Oregon increases the number of states that have taken such action to five. The measure now leaves vapers and smokers who were within the previous legal limit (18years and over) in a dilemma regarding how they will move forward.
Panel Concludes Vaping Could Be Addictive and a Smoking Gateway
Published: 2018-01-23
A panel of public health professionals taken from across the US issued a report that concluded that vaping e-liquids containing nicotine could be addictive and may increase the likelihood that teenagers who use e-cigs can later start smoking traditional cigarettes. However, the devil is always in the details. The report of the panel admits that it wasnât clear whether vaping simply created a need to try tobacco cigarettes or it fueled an urge to smoke. What isnât strange is that people who vape can get addicted. Nicotine is addictive, so anyone consuming it is likely to get addicted at some point. The panel pointed out some gaps that called for further research, such as the long-term health effects of vaping. Their findings confirmed what has always been stated that vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. What remains to be seen is how the FDA will use the findings of this panel as it formulates policies and regulations affecting the vaping community.