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Ecig Myth-busting
It's mind boggling that a device that has improved the lives of millions of people has been subject to so much misinformation and suspicion.
Or maybe it isn't so surprising. After all, e-cigarettes pose a threat to the status quo of the tobacco and pharmaceutical industry, plus government coffers.
The following are some of the more common myths and misinformation concerning electronic cigarettes
Myth: There hasn't been enough research done on ecigarettes
Plenty of research has been done; and plenty more is currently being undertaken.
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Myth: Ecigs are a gateway to smoking
This has never been demonstrated to be a major issue in any study. Stating this is a little like saying eating pizza is a gateway to eating dog poop. Read more about the "gateway" myth.
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Myth : There is no evidence ecigs help people give up smoking
Again, evidence shows otherwise. For example, results published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine revealed 31.0% of respondents who used ecigs were still not smoking cigarettes after 6 months. Read more.
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Myth: Ecigs cause cancer
There has been no scientific research published to back this. Electronic cigarette vapors contain only minute traces of carcinogenic materials (as do nicotine chewing gum and patches) and far fewer carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes. Nicotine is not a carcinogen.
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Myth: Ecig glycerol causes lipoid pneumonia
This myth has surfaced a few times. However, the glycerol used in eliquids cannot cause lipoid pneumonia as it is not an oil. Glycerol is an alcohol (not the type that intoxicates), not a lipid. The UK government's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated in June 2013 it is not aware of any other cases of lipoid pneumonia associated with propylene glycol or glycerine products.
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Myth : Vaping Normalises Smoking
How can it when it isn't smoking? There is no smoke. The vapor doesn't smell like smoke and increasingly, the devices have little resemblance to a cigarette; particularly 2nd and 3rd generation devices.
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Myth: Ecigs have many side effects
Anything new introduced to the body has the potential to cause side effects or result in an allergic reaction. Bear in mind people have allergic reactions to all sorts of substances, including peanut butter. Also, some of the issues people experience when switching to e-cigarettes may be attributed to the body adjusting after ceasing smoking tobacco. Read more about vaping side effects.
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Myth: Ecigs are illegal in <country>.
More often than not, this is rubbish. Electronic cigarettes are not illegal in Australia, Canada, the USA, UK and many other countries, assuming they are purchased by an adult. Where there can be some issues is in relation to selling or obtaining nicotine eliquids or devices containing nicotine.
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Myth: Ecig liquids contain toxic anti-freeze
All sorts of substances are used for anti-freeze, including ethylene glycol; which is extremely toxic. However, this is not the substance used in eliquids. Liquids used in ecigs may contain propylene glycol; which is used in foods and medications and is generally recognised as safe (GRAS).
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Myth: Ecigs damage lungs
This myth was triggered by the results of a report in 2012 based on a study where ecigs were found to cause increased airway resistance. The study was reportedly flawed and the media further amplified and exaggerated the findings, which Dr. Michael Siegel, a Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health has challenged.
----
Myth : Electronic cigarettes explosions are common
Good quality electronic cigarettes will not explode or catch fire, assuming the user follows the instructions related to charging. Good quality units are built in such a way to minimise risk of battery fire (venting) or explosion, even when misused.
The simple fact is that all lithium battery based devices have the potential to explode - and this includes cell phones.
----
Myth: Passive vaping is dangerous
Some claim nicotine and carcinogens can be inhaled by bystanders. Research published by Dr Murray Laugesen, New Zealand’s most experienced researcher on smoking policy and cigarettes, states ecig vapor "does not contain any substance known to cause death, short or long term, in the quantities found."
-----
Myth: Many teens are getting hooked on e-cigarettes
This myth was started based on a study of teenage ecigarette use. What those perpetuating this myth often fail to mention is the vast majority of the teens using ecigarettes were already smokers; i.e. they were "hooked" on tobacco first.
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Myth: Ecigs Can Be Used For Marijuana
Anyone trying to use marijuana with an electronic cigarette designed for nicotine liquids will get a nasty surprise - they simply will not work.
Ecig Myth-busting
It's mind boggling that a device that has improved the lives of millions of people has been subject to so much misinformation and suspicion.
Or maybe it isn't so surprising. After all, e-cigarettes pose a threat to the status quo of the tobacco and pharmaceutical industry, plus government coffers.
The following are some of the more common myths and misinformation concerning electronic cigarettes
Myth: There hasn't been enough research done on ecigarettes
Plenty of research has been done; and plenty more is currently being undertaken.
-----
Myth: Ecigs are a gateway to smoking
This has never been demonstrated to be a major issue in any study. Stating this is a little like saying eating pizza is a gateway to eating dog poop. Read more about the "gateway" myth.
----
Myth : There is no evidence ecigs help people give up smoking
Again, evidence shows otherwise. For example, results published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine revealed 31.0% of respondents who used ecigs were still not smoking cigarettes after 6 months. Read more.
---
Myth: Ecigs cause cancer
There has been no scientific research published to back this. Electronic cigarette vapors contain only minute traces of carcinogenic materials (as do nicotine chewing gum and patches) and far fewer carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes. Nicotine is not a carcinogen.
---
Myth: Ecig glycerol causes lipoid pneumonia
This myth has surfaced a few times. However, the glycerol used in eliquids cannot cause lipoid pneumonia as it is not an oil. Glycerol is an alcohol (not the type that intoxicates), not a lipid. The UK government's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated in June 2013 it is not aware of any other cases of lipoid pneumonia associated with propylene glycol or glycerine products.
---
Myth : Vaping Normalises Smoking
How can it when it isn't smoking? There is no smoke. The vapor doesn't smell like smoke and increasingly, the devices have little resemblance to a cigarette; particularly 2nd and 3rd generation devices.
----
Myth: Ecigs have many side effects
Anything new introduced to the body has the potential to cause side effects or result in an allergic reaction. Bear in mind people have allergic reactions to all sorts of substances, including peanut butter. Also, some of the issues people experience when switching to e-cigarettes may be attributed to the body adjusting after ceasing smoking tobacco. Read more about vaping side effects.
---
Myth: Ecigs are illegal in <country>.
More often than not, this is rubbish. Electronic cigarettes are not illegal in Australia, Canada, the USA, UK and many other countries, assuming they are purchased by an adult. Where there can be some issues is in relation to selling or obtaining nicotine eliquids or devices containing nicotine.
----
Myth: Ecig liquids contain toxic anti-freeze
All sorts of substances are used for anti-freeze, including ethylene glycol; which is extremely toxic. However, this is not the substance used in eliquids. Liquids used in ecigs may contain propylene glycol; which is used in foods and medications and is generally recognised as safe (GRAS).
-----
Myth: Ecigs damage lungs
This myth was triggered by the results of a report in 2012 based on a study where ecigs were found to cause increased airway resistance. The study was reportedly flawed and the media further amplified and exaggerated the findings, which Dr. Michael Siegel, a Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health has challenged.
----
Myth : Electronic cigarettes explosions are common
Good quality electronic cigarettes will not explode or catch fire, assuming the user follows the instructions related to charging. Good quality units are built in such a way to minimise risk of battery fire (venting) or explosion, even when misused.
The simple fact is that all lithium battery based devices have the potential to explode - and this includes cell phones.
----
Myth: Passive vaping is dangerous
Some claim nicotine and carcinogens can be inhaled by bystanders. Research published by Dr Murray Laugesen, New Zealand’s most experienced researcher on smoking policy and cigarettes, states ecig vapor "does not contain any substance known to cause death, short or long term, in the quantities found."
-----
Myth: Many teens are getting hooked on e-cigarettes
This myth was started based on a study of teenage ecigarette use. What those perpetuating this myth often fail to mention is the vast majority of the teens using ecigarettes were already smokers; i.e. they were "hooked" on tobacco first.
------
Myth: Ecigs Can Be Used For Marijuana
Anyone trying to use marijuana with an electronic cigarette designed for nicotine liquids will get a nasty surprise - they simply will not work.
