In a press release put out by the Canadian Lung Association named “Don’t Be Fooled By E-Cigarettes!”, they make arguments against smokers in Canada trying electronic cigarettes. Here is a look at what claims they make:
1. ”People who use e-cigarettes inhale unknown, unregulated and potentially harmful substances into their lungs,”
First, let’s point out that tobacco smokers inhale known cancer causing agents. It can be argued that since tobacco cigarettes can legally be sold in Canada that they are regulated. Does that make them any safer? But the biggest issue I have with this statement is that we do know what is in e-cigarettes. There have been multiple studies done on the contents of e-cigs. The ingredients in the e-cigarette vapor include propylene glycol, glycerin, water, and flavoring. Some also come with nicotine in them.
2. “E-cigarettes may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans including carcinogens and diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze.”
This is a reference to a FDA test done in 2009. This report was put out by the FDA in response to them being sued at the time by nJoy who claimed the FDA was unjustly seizing their stock. nJoy was victorious in this battle. Here is a thorough rebuttal of the FDA report. Also, in Canada e-cigarettes do not contain nicotine so they do not have the TSNAs present as those with nicotine may. As a side note, at the time the FDA knew so little about e-cigarettes that this was the picture they used when they released their “findings”:
For those what don’t vape, here is the issue: For the model of e-cigarette they show, you must take off the mouthpiece / cartridge before you plug it into the charger. They way they show it, the e-cigarette would not ever charge.
3. E-cigarettes have candy-like flavours that appeal to kids
Kids and adults alike enjoy flavors. As an example, vodka can be purchase with many, many flavors. Should be ban it?
4. There are many proven ways to quit smoking
That statement is true provided you buy into Health Canada’s definition of “proven”. Their list of ways to quit smoking includes Nicotine Replacement Therapies and prescription drugs. Find out just how successful smokers are in quitting smoking using these methods. They also fail to mention that NRTs do contain cancer cause substances known as TSNAs.
We only ask that smokers think for themselves, dig a little deeper into what they read, and make their own decisions about what is best for their health.
