The Turkish Journal Of Occupational / Environmental Medicine and Safety

Abstract

Cigarette
smoking effects all organs of the body harmfully and causes various diseases
including respiratory system cancers such as larynx, esophagus, lung; chronic
diseases such as cataract, coronary heart diseas, diabetes, tuberculosis etc.
Nicotine gums, nasal sprays, patchs, lozenges and electronic-cigarettes have
been used for a while to avoid the toxic effects of cigarette and quit
smoking.  E-ciga are nicotine delivery
systems electronically. An e-cigarette, which looks similar to traditional
cigarettes, cheroots or pipes generally, is composed of a simple rechargable
battery and a solution including nicotine, propylene glycol used as a solvent,
water, flavoring and colorant agent. The working principle of the e-cigarettes
is based on inhalation of nicotine and other excipients which are turned into
steam by heat. Several studies have shown nicotine to be harmful to cardiovascular
and central nervous systems. Immediately dangerous to life or health
concentration is 5 mg/m3 for nicotine based on acut oral toxicity data on human
according to NIOSH. Propylene glycol which is used as a food additive to absorb
excess water and maintain the humidity classified as "generally recognized
as safe" by FDA. Furthermore, it has been used as an antifreeze,
ingredient in cosmetics and drugs and has not been classified as carcinogenic
by IARC. Adverse health effects are likely to occur when the plasma
concentrations of propylene glycol reach over 4 g/L. Several studies indicate
that it has caused irritations on respiratory system; mouth, throat, pharynx.
However, human studies are inadequate and the amounts and ingredients of
e-cigarettes are unknown. Therefore, lung function effects, carcinogenicity and
safety profile of e-cigarettes aren't expressed. Due to this contradiction,
further studies are needed to assess potential health effects of e-cigarettes.