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Electronic Cigarettes: Harmful Effects On Human Health

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Harmful Effects to Human Health
Electronic cigarettes produce vapor. Vapor is a clever word as it does not sound as harmful as smoke. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines smoke as; “the cloud of black, gray, or white gases and dust that is produced by burning something.” By definition this word has a negative connotation. However, the term vapor is defined as; “diffused matter (as smoke or fog) suspended floating in the air and impairing its transparency.” The word smoke is included in the definition, yet many don’t notice the correlation. Polosa (2013) argues that during the combustion process, cigarettes produce thousands of toxic chemicals. He further states that, e-cigarette vaporization does not emit the same toxins. The fact …show more content…

Some of the potentially toxic compounds found in e-cigarettes were propylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acroleine (Polosa, 2013). G. Romagna, L. Zbarini, L. Barbieo, E. Bocchietto, S. Todeschi, E. Caravati, D. Voster, and K. Farsalinos (2012) concluded that passive vaping is expected from the use of e-cigarettes, but the amount of chemicals released into the environment are fewer compared to regular tobacco cigarettes. People have the right to know what is in the vapor, regardless of how small the particles are and if they result in harm effects. With that in mind, the FDA should regulate the use of these devices to protect those who do not want to be exposed to these chemicals. One might reason that if they don’t have a say in inhaling vapors from cars, why should there be any say about the vapors from e-cigarettes? In that case, they would be misinformed for the reason that car emissions are regulated and it is unlikely a person would be permitted to drive their car into an office and leave it running. Although a dramatic comparison, it makes the point that the government wouldn’t permit a running car in a closed area as it could kill …show more content…

Merchants around the country are required to ID patrons before selling them a pack of cigarettes. On the contrary, merchants can sell e-cigarettes to minors since there is no regulatory guidance to prohibit their sale. Considering that nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and nicotine is an addictive substance, e-cigarettes should not be sold to minors. Some states have taken the initiative by setting an age restriction and requiring an ID to purchase the device. In a study reported by Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) report (2013, p. 729), e-cigarettes experimentation and recent use doubled among U.S. middle and high school students during 2011-2012. In fact, MMWR reported in 2012 that around 160,000 students who reported ever using e-cigarettes had never used conventional cigarettes. Surely the unregulated availability of e-cigarettes could be a driving force for the increased use. In addition, there is a growing concern that progressively children are using these products; there will be an increase in nicotine addiction, consequently resulting in the use of conventional cigarettes. E-cigarette liquid comes in a multitude of flavors such as classic tobacco, cherry, and pina colada. Dr. Edward Langston of the American Medical Association stated, “in fruit and candy flavors gives the potential to entice new nicotine users, especially teens” (Tobacco and Smoking, 2012). E-cigarette manufacturers make

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