4 Myths about E-Cigarettes that Aren’t Necessarily True

Updated on May 21, 2020

E-cigarettes are now more popular than before. The advocates of e-cigarettes tout it as a clean alternative to old-fashioned tobacco, and that partly explains why. Both the media and the industry sensationally present e-cigs as an option that can even help people quit smoking. However, reality points to the contrary. Before you fall for the enticing headlines on the benefits of smoking e-cigarettes, let us bust a few myths about them.

Myth 1: Vapour from e-cigarettes is pure

For starters, the liquid in an e-cigarette has been found to contain nicotine, water, and solvent, usually glycerine or propylene glycol. Also, the flavored e-cigarette may include agents such as oil in wintergreen. Although this mixture may sound pure enough, neither the e-liquid nor the delivery system is regulated. This means that e-cigarettes could produce harmful chemicals.

Recent studies have identified impurities ranging from formaldehyde to heavy metals in e-cigarette vapor. Besides, vaporized propylene glycol is a known eye and respiratory irritant. This demystifies that e-cigs aren’t necessarily as pure as they are said to be.

Myth 2: E-cigarettes are safe

Quite often, e-cigarettes have been promoted as safe for smoking. However, research shows that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, formaldehyde, and lead. While these toxic chemicals are at lower levels compared to regular cigarettes, they remain harmful and can cause cancer, birth defects, or other health problems. In fact, if you have developed cancer caused by smoking Juul e-cigarettes, then you should seek the help of an attorney in suing the manufacturer. Yes, you ought to be compensated for the negative health effects that result from the use of a product which the manufacturers front as safe for use when they are not!

E-cigarettes also carry another safety risk. The liquid nicotine is extremely toxic when swallowed. In some case reports, infants and children have accidentally ingested the substance. The cases of ingestion have been found to increase with flavored liquid nicotine, and that has led to increased health complications.

Myth 3: E-cigarettes can help you quit smoking

Studies that reflect real-world e-cigarette use found out that e-cigarette use is not associated with successfully quitting smoking. On the contrary, e-cigarettes may get you hooked to smoking as they typically contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. For example, one Juul pod can contain as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes. This falsifies the belief that e-cigarettes will help you stop smoking. Instead, there are high chances that you will end up using both products, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Myth 4: E-cigarettes don’t produce harmful second-hand smoke

Another key selling point of e-cigarettes is that they can be used anywhere. They are said not to produce toxic smoke that puts others at risk of poor health. Experts say that e-cigarette smoke contains a similar amount of tiny particles of heavy metals and other substances that can damage the lungs. This makes passive vamping equally dangerous for non-smokers. 

What’s the takeaway?

Contrary to popular belief that e-cigarettes are a perfect alternative to tobacco, studies have shown that they bear negative impacts in equal measure. Before falling for the media and marketing sensation, it is worth understanding the truth about e-cigarettes. If you are a non-smoker, it is wise to stay away from e-cigarettes all the same. If you have developed health complications attributed to e-cigarettes then you have the right to sue for damages caused. 

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