Evidence suggests that while e-cigarettes are not without health risks, they are likely to be far less harmful than conventional cigarettes, the report says. They contain fewer numbers and lower levels of toxic substances than conventional cigarettes, and using e-cigarettes may help adults who smoke conventional cigarettes quit smoking. However, their long-term health effects are not yet clear. Among youth — who use e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults do — there is substantial evidence that e-cigarette use increases the risk of transitioning to smoking conventional cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are a diverse group of products containing a heating element that produces an aerosol from a liquid that users can inhale via a mouthpiece, and include a range of devices such as “cig-a-likes,” vape tank systems, and vape mods. Millions of Americans use e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette use is generally greatest among young adults and decreases with age. Use varies substantially across demographic groups, including age, gender, race, and ethnicity. For example, among youth and adults, use is typically greater among males than females.
Whether e-cigarettes have an overall positive or negative impact on public health is currently unknown, the report says. More and better research on e-cigarettes’ short- and long-term effects on health and on their relationship to conventional smoking is needed to answer that question with clarity.
“E-cigarettes cannot be simply categorized as either beneficial or harmful,” said David Eaton, chair of the committee that wrote the report, and dean and vice provost of the Graduate School of the University of Washington, Seattle. “In some circumstances, such as their use by non-smoking adolescents and young adults, their adverse effects clearly warrant concern. In other cases, such as when adult smokers use them to quit smoking, they offer an opportunity to reduce smoking-related illness.”
If you or a loved one is in need of Alcohol and/or Other Drug Abuse Treatment ( AODA ) Services, and want to learn more about our programs, please contact our Adult and Teen Challenge Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin today for more information at 414-748-HELP(4357) or email at Intake@teenchallengeonline.com.
Teen Challenge Wisconsin Men’s Center:
Men’s Center of Hope accepts Men (18+), including those that are on parole, on probation.
P.O. Box 250771
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225
(414) 466-4415 office (414) 466-0793 fax
Teen Challenge Wisconsin Women’s Center:
The Robbie Dawson Home accepts Women (18+), including those that are on parole, on probation, on psychotropic meds.
Note: Program length is 12-16 months.
P.O Box 250771
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
(414) 342-0909 office (414) 375-1875 fax
