E-cigarettes don't actually help in kicking the butt

Bengaluru: Over the past few years, the demand for E-cigarettes kept growing until in early 2014 they were a booming industry with 466 brands and 7764 unique flavours. Currently they are easily available over the internet. A simple google search will reveal various online stores which sell them. Sadly, the prototype of Electronic Nicotine Delivery system (ENDS) is not recognised or licensed as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

Disappointingly, various research done across the globe finds that “vaping” is no safer than smoking. Scientists have warned about the dangers  after finding that e-cigarette vapour damages DNA in ways that could lead to cancer. “E-cigarettes may seem similar to NRT in that they also deliver only nicotine, eliminating other dangerous chemicals.

But since they are not strictly regulated we can’t be sure of what  chemicals are going into those vapors. There is not much research on the composition of these e-liquids and the potential harm they have on bystanders,” says Dr Vishal Rao,  Surgical oncologist (Head and Neck), HCG.

Dr S S Agarwal, Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President said with stress levels rising, resorting to cigarette smoking seems like the easy way out. “However, people must be made to realize that they are signing up for life-long health complications, high hospital bills and unhappiness. Awareness also needs to be raised about the dangers of hookah and e-cigarette consumption, which are often seen by consumers as good alternatives,” he added.

Also, experts have noticed that the electronic cigarettes do not work. “Only, if you are psychologically dependent on holding a cigarette or lighting it, then it might help. But generally people do not use it for more than three weeks,” says Dr Naveen Jayaram, attending Consultant, Psychiatry Sakra World Hospital.

He has witnessed hundreds of patients addicted to cigarette smoking. “In a month I witness six cases that are all addicted to smoking. Many have said that they do buy electronic cigarettes but it does not help,” he concludes.