Article by Lynne Dawkins published in the Newham Recorder

Cigarette smoking kills. We all know that. 82,000 people die every year from their effects in England alone. But the burning question now is, are e-cigarettes a better alternative?

Before answering this, there are two other questions we must consider first.

1. Do e-cigs help cigarette smokers give up?

2. Are e-cigs free from health risks?

In answer to question 1,

Research from a survey conducted at the University of East London (UEL) by Dawkins and colleagues revealed that the overwhelming majority reported using the devices as a way of kicking the habit altogether.

The findings, which were published in the journal, Addiction Journal, show that nearly 75 percent of respondents started using e-cigarettes as a complete alternative to smoking, while 22 per cent said they had started using the devices for other reasons, such as avoiding smoking restrictions (3 per cent).

In one of the most significant findings, 86 percent of those surveyed confirmed they had not smoked cigarettes for several weeks or months since using the e-cigarette, and the majority of people felt their health had improved since using the devices. More recently, in a survey of smokers in England. Brown and colleagues have reported that smokers using e-cigarettes were more likely to have quit smoking than those using traditional nicotine replacement therapies (20% vs. 10%).

In answer to question 2
E-cigarettes may not be absolutely safe for the user, but they are definitely a far less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

And regarding the effects of the vapour on bystanders (passive smokers) there is currently no evidence of harm associated with e-cigarette fumes to on-lookers although this requires continuous monitoring. An extensive review of the effects of toxicants in e-cigarette vapour published this year concluded that the risks of e-cigarettes to the user are very low and exposure to those nearby, is even lower and “thus pose no apparent concern”.

Whilst ingesting nicotine could not be described as a ‘healthy’ activity, the safety issues associated with e-cigarettes tend to be exaggerated. The effects of overly harsh regulation could actually do more harm than good, if it discourages smokers from switching from a less harmful activity. Continued regular smoking on the other hand will kill half of all users.

Link to the full article here

Lynne Dawkins