Electric cigarette with carcinogenic substances

Electric cigarette contains carcinogenic substances

01/12/2011

Contrary to the previous assumption, e-cigarettes pose a significant health risk not only to smokers but also to their environment. This reports the German Cancer Research Center based on a study by US scientists who have detected many dangerous ingredients in the concentrates of e-cigarette.

At the 9th German Conference on Tobacco Control at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, researchers warn of the risks of electric cigarettes. So far, the so-called e-cigarette was considered a harmless alternative to conventional cigarette. Researchers point out, however, that the composition of the aerosols, which arise when smoking the e-cigarette is not yet clear. In addition, US scientists have been able to detect carcinogenic substances, so-called tobacco-specific nitrosamines, in some e-cigarette liquids.

E-cigarette is modeled down to the last detail of the conventional cigarette
Visually, the e-cigarette is very similar to a conventional cigarette. The functional principle deviates however. While in the conventional cigarette tobacco is burned, vaporized in the e-cigarette liquid nicotine concentrate, which is then inhaled. The taste is simulated by means of flavorings. Thanks to a light emitting diode the lights „glow“ the e-cigarette to give smokers a true-to-the-original smoke sensation.

Cancer Researcher Pötschke-Langer from the DKFZ warns: "E-cigarettes are not a harmless alternative." The propylene glycol contained in the liquid of e-cigarettes is irritating to the respiratory tract and is suspected of triggering allergies. The unclear composition of the fine aerosols emitted during smoking, as well as the discovery of the carcinogenic nitrosamines, make the electric cigarette at risk for smokers and possibly also for passive smokers. As an advantage over conventional cigarettes, the fact can be cited that when smoking e-cigarettes no tobacco enters the lungs. Whether this advantage outweighs the other risk factors must be clarified in further investigations.

E-cigarette prohibited at the train
According to DKFZ, e-cigarettes should not be freely available. The DKFZ strongly advises against allowing smoking of e-cigarettes in offices or restaurants, as the data is still unclear. Consumers could therefore not assume that the e-cigarette is safe for health. Lufthansa and the Deutsche Bahn have responded: with them, the e-cigarette is prohibited. (Ag)