Demand for e-cigarettes is increasing

More and more people are hoping for a cessation of smoking by e-cigarettes

21.02.2012

The criticism of the e-cigarette does not stop. „Germany radio“ led an interesting discussion with Wilfried Radloff, owner of a tobacco shop, which also sells electric cigarettes, a potential customer and the doctor Johannes Spatz, who is in the „Forum smoke-free“ involved.

E-cigarette does not help against cigarette addiction
Wilfried Radloff, owner of a tobacco shop in Berlin neighborhood, reports opposite „Germany radio“: „Every smoker has the basic idea: I want to stop it. And he thinks he can stop this part. Which is of course complete nonsense, because that has something to do with the head. But because it's new, it's natural that it matters to the people. 20 percent maybe of my smokers who come here smoke the electric cigarette. They are customers from everywhere. "

Dr. med. Martina Pötschke-Lange from the German Cancer Research Center recently warned against the careless use of the products: „The electric cigarettes are not harmless alternatives“. Time and again experts warn against the incalculable health risk. NRW Health Minister Barbara Steffens also publicly expressed her concerns about the electrical stink. Thereupon manufacturers before the administrative court Duesseldorf against such statements had complained. They wanted to force a withdrawal. However, the Administrative Court confirmed the product warning (Ref .: 16 L 2043). Despite warnings about the harmful ingredients of e-cigarettes, the manufacturers' association claims that there are around two million e-cigarette smokers in Germany. On the other hand, there are 20 million smokers of conventional smuggling stalks.

E-cigarettes are very similar to conventional glow stems
Wilfried Radloff has five different models, from the beginner set to the „ambitious e-smoker device“, on offer: „I am a dealer. Everything is good for me, which increases sales. "

Many of the models are confusingly similar to conventional cigarettes. As a rule, they consist of a rechargeable battery, a cartridge with the so-called liquid, a nicotine solution, and an electric nebulizer. If the consumer pulls on the cigarette, it will be switched on. The liquid is then heated and the vapor is inhaled. Compared to conventional cigarettes, the advantage of the e-cigarette is that it contains neither tobacco nor tar.

A customer, who is still not sure whether to change from the conventional cigarette to the electric version, reports: „This has even recommended my ear, nose and throat doctor. He has often heard that it is easier to stop and therefore had good experiences. "Radloff adds: „I have several doctors in my circle of clients who also take lung function measurements after a certain amount of time and who in any case say that the lung function of the people who started with the e-cigarette has gotten a lot better. "

In the absence of scientific studies, the question of the health risk of the e-cigarette could not be finally clarified. The German Cancer Research Center already had a clear position at the end of last year. The nitrosamines contained in the liquid are already carcinogenic in small doses. In addition, the ingredients of the liquids to be evaporated are hardly comprehensible to consumers. Dr. med. According to Martina Pötschke-Lange, the e-cigarette market is totally confusing and the composition of the fluids made from glycerine, nicotine, propylene glycol and numerous flavorings is not transparent to consumers. In the end, it remains completely unclear to the consumer which substances they may absorb.

Across from „Germany radio“ commented the physician Johannes Spatz, who was in the „Forum smoke-free“ involved: „It has propylene glycol as an evaporator, and this is well proven that propylene glycol irritates the bronchi and just cause a constriction of the bronchi, also there are aromatic substances that disintegrate when heated in individual products, the effect of which is not known exactly, and finally the nicotine. Nicotine is a neurotoxin, and after all it's an addictive substance. "

The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) also advises against the consumption of electric cigarettes. Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Pott of the BZgA already declared in December 2011: „The consumption of e-cigarettes is associated with health risks, because the cartridges used often contain in addition to the narcotic nicotine other harmful substances. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume the e-cigarette.“ The Manufacturers Association, however, points to numerous reports, which should prove the safety of e-cigarettes.

Physician Johannes Spatz comments critically: „I am surprised that such new products just come on the market, even though they are suspected to be hazardous to health. The e-cigarette, there is just an investigation by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, as it is said: It is a drug subject to authorization. And it is in the Federal Republic but not allowed, and therefore it is prohibited. "The undecided customer decided in the end but against the e-cigarettes „Coolness factor“ smoking the electric glowstick. (Ag)

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