The Harm of E-cigarettes Is Undeniable and Needs Regulation

The World Health Organization (WHO) released the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic on July 26, 2019, stating that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) do little to reduce cancer risk, and calling on smokers and relevant national authorities not to be misled by tobacco companies’ claims about their latest products. WHO pointed out that the harm of e-cigarettes is undeniable and that they need to be regulated, advising smokers not to try to quit smoking by using e-cigarette products.
 
WHO stated that although e-cigarette users are exposed to lower levels of toxic substances than smokers, these devices still pose health risks to users. The exact content of nicotine and other toxic substances in e-cigarettes has not been precisely quantified, but they are undoubtedly harmful to health and must be regulated. As for the claim that e-cigarettes help smokers quit traditional cigarettes, the “evidence is insufficient.”

Although e-cigarettes do not contain tar, one of the major harmful substances found in traditional cigarettes, they still contain other toxic substances. The flavorings used in e-cigarettes have distinctive aromas and strong appeal, but these flavorings are basically toxic substances. According to statistics, there are currently more than 8,000 flavorings in use. For example, popcorn flavoring was originally used for seasoning popcorn, but it was later found to have caused lung lesions in factory workers. It has now been confirmed that inhaling diacetyl in flavorings can cause lung damage. In addition, studies have found that e-cigarettes can cause asthma, and the secondhand aerosol they produce can also harm people nearby. A number of research reports have also pointed out that e-cigarettes contain the following substances that are harmful to health, so they should not be used as a smoking cessation tool.

1. Nicotine

The nicotine in e-cigarettes is aerosolized nicotine, which is absorbed by the lungs. It does not cause irritation while passing through the respiratory tract, allowing users to inhale deeply so that it settles in the small bronchi before being absorbed. It is a highly addictive substance.

2. Formaldehyde or acetaldehyde

Inhaling formaldehyde or acetaldehyde can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and bronchitis. Long-term inhalation may lead to chronic respiratory disease.

3. Propylene glycol

This is the main solvent in e-cigarettes. It can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and excessive use may cause contact dermatitis, hair loss, sensory abnormalities, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities.

4. Diethylene glycol (DEG)

Excessive intake can damage the liver and kidneys, and in severe cases may cause death.

Recently, the State Council issued the Opinions on Implementing the Healthy China Initiative. The document proposes 15 major special initiatives, including the promotion of health knowledge, tobacco control, mental health improvement, nationwide fitness, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer prevention and treatment.

The section on tobacco control in the document is particularly noteworthy: implement tobacco control actions; encourage leading officials, medical personnel, and teachers to play a leading role in tobacco control; build Party and government agencies at all levels into smoke-free institutions; study the use of comprehensive measures such as taxation and price adjustments to improve tobacco control outcomes. By 2022 and 2030, the proportion of the population protected by comprehensive smoke-free regulations is to reach 30% or more and 80% or more, respectively.