Are E‐cigarettes a safe and good alternative to cigarette smoking?

@article{Rom2015AreEA,
  title={Are E‐cigarettes a safe and good alternative to cigarette smoking?},
  author={Oren Rom and Alessandra Pecorelli and Giuseppe Valacchi and Abraham Zeev Reznick},
  journal={Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences},
  year={2015},
  volume={1340}
}
Electronic cigarettes (E‐cigarettes) are devices that can vaporize a nicotine solution combined with liquid flavors instead of burning tobacco leaves. Since their emergence in 2004, E‐cigarettes have become widely available, and their use has increased exponentially worldwide. E‐cigarettes are aggressively advertised as a smoking cessation aid; as healthier, cheaper, and more socially acceptable than conventional cigarettes. In recent years, these claims have been evaluated in numerous studies… 
View on Wiley
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
112 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
1
Background Citations
29
Methods Citations
2

112 Citations

E-cigarettes: Impact of E-liquid Components and Device Characteristics on Nicotine Exposure
TLDR
This review focuses on factors which may impact nicotine exposure by changing e-cigarette use behavior, puff topography, altering the nicotine yield or more directly by altering nicotine absorption and bioavailability.
Are Electronic Cigarettes the Solution to Smoking Cessation
TLDR
Examination of evidence on effectiveness of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation and quitting behavior as compared to other smoking cessation therapies, or no therapy at all, demonstrates the inconsistencies that compose the existing research on electronic cigarettes.
Oral Carcinoma Associated with Chronic Use of Electronic Cigarettes
TLDR
Two cases of oral carcinoma associated with chronic use of E-cigarettes are reported and highlight the need for increased awareness of this important, and potentially fatal, risk.
Are e-cigarettes beneficial for public health: Hume's guillotine – The debate continues?
Beliefs and reality of e-cigarette smoking
TLDR
A case of nicotine addiction due to chronic use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and the beliefs on safety and awareness of their side effects are described to clear out misconceptions of this large-scale condition.
Assessing Risk Perceptions of E-Smoking Devices: a Cross-Sectional Consumer Survey
TLDR
Reports that e-cigarettes are quickly gaining popularity among never-smoked young adults who, in turn, report greater intentions to try regular tobacco cigarettes are alarming, and there has been much dispute surrounding these products, with some sources framing them as helpful smoking cessation devices, and others highlighting the potential risks and dangers associated with their use.
Epimutational effects of electronic cigarettes
TLDR
This review provides an update on recent findings regarding epigenetic outcomes of e-cigarette aerosols and reminds the public that like c-cigarettes, inhaling e-cigarettes aerosols could also be accompanied with potential epigenotoxicity on the human body.
Electronic cigarettes: where to from here?
TLDR
Concerns include increasing levels of sophistication in the design and capacity of these devices in relation to nicotine content and delivery, the potential threat of manipulation of the contents of e-liquids, as well as other additives such as illicit drugs and other potentially toxic agents that can be vaporised.
Successful Nicotine Intake in Medical Assisted Use of E-Cigarettes: A Pilot Study
TLDR
The proposed medically assisted training program of e-cig use led to a successful nicotine intake, lack of typical cigarette craving and overdosage symptoms and a significant decrease in the biomarker of cigarette combustion products.
Background, Biology and Health Concerns of Electronic Cigarettes
TLDR
It is possible that the use of ECIGs by young smokers or non-smokers will create nicotine dependence (ND) in persons who previously were free of it.
...
...

References

SHOWING 1-10 OF 55 REFERENCES
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (“E-cigarettes”)
TLDR
Clinicians are advised to be aware that the use of e-cigarettes, especially among cigarette smokers, is growing rapidly and these devices are unregulated, of unknown safety, and of uncertain benefit in quitting smoking.
EffiCiency and Safety of an eLectronic cigAreTte (ECLAT) as Tobacco Cigarettes Substitute: A Prospective 12-Month Randomized Control Design Study
TLDR
In smokers not intending to quit, the use of e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine, decreased cigarette consumption and elicited enduring tobacco abstinence without causing significant side effects.
Effect of an electronic nicotine delivery device (e-Cigarette) on smoking reduction and cessation: a prospective 6-month pilot study
TLDR
The use of e-Cigarette substantially decreased cigarette consumption without causing significant side effects in smokers not intending to quit, and perception and acceptance of the product was good.
A fresh look at tobacco harm reduction: the case for the electronic cigarette
TLDR
The focus of this article is on the health effects of using an E-cig, with consideration given to the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of this product as a long-term substitute for smoking.
Non-cigarette tobacco products: what have we learnt and where are we headed?
TLDR
A wide variety of non-cigarette forms of tobacco and nicotine exist, and their use varies regionally and globally, and nicotine delivery systems not directly reliant on tobacco are also emerging, presenting challenges and opportunities for public health.
Electronic cigarettes. A position statement of the forum of international respiratory societies.
TLDR
The health and safety claims regarding electronic nicotine delivery devices should be subject to evidentiary review and the potential benefits of electronic cigarettes to an individual smoker should be weighed against potential harm to the population of increased social acceptability of smoking and use of nicotine.
Electronic cigarettes as a smoking-cessation: tool results from an online survey.
Electronic cigarettes and nicotine clinical pharmacology
TLDR
Because a user's e-cigarette experience may significantly impact nicotine delivery, future nicotine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies should be conducted in experienced users to accurately assess the products’ impact on public health.
Alternative tobacco product use and smoking cessation: a national study.
TLDR
Alternative tobacco products are attractive to smokers who want to quit smoking, but these data did not indicate that alternative tobacco products promote cessation.
Secondhand exposure to vapors from electronic cigarettes.
TLDR
Using an e-cigarette in indoor environments may involuntarily expose nonusers to nicotine but not to toxic tobacco-specific combustion products, especially among vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular conditions.
...
...