[The electronic cigarette: an emerging public health problem].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have been available since 2004, delivering nicotine via vapor.
• ECs are marketed for smoking cessation but evidence is limited, with many users continuing traditional cigarette use concurrently.
• Non-smokers, particularly adolescents and young adults, are initiating EC consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a narrative review of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and their health implications.
• To evaluate the evidence for ECs as a smoking cessation tool.
• To summarize the adverse health effects associated with EC use.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on electronic cigarettes and health effects.
• Analysis of studies reporting on the chemical composition of EC vapor.
• Examination of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating EC toxicity.
• Review of clinical observations and case reports related to EC use.

Main Results:

• EC use elevates levels of nicotine, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and metals.
• In vitro studies demonstrate ECs induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity in lung, endothelial, and stem cells.
• ECs increase susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections and cause more extensive gene deletions compared to traditional cigarettes.
• Clinical findings include friable airways, erythema, altered bronchial epithelium, cough, bronchitis symptoms, and a fatal pneumonitis epidemic.

Conclusions:

• ECs have demonstrated harmful effects on respiratory health and cellular function.
• The efficacy of ECs for smoking cessation is low, and they are increasingly used by non-smokers.
• Due to associated health risks and undetermined toxic components, EC use should be medically prescribed, prohibited in public spaces, and potentially banned until safety is established.