The electronic cigarette It is on everyone's lips, because although it is increasingly being considered as an aid to quit smoking, there is still a great lack of knowledge on the subject. In addition to imitating The shape of a normal cigarette, its operation is carried out by a resistance and an electrical source that heat a liquid in such a way that it turns it into vapor. Basically, what the electronic cigarette does is release doses of nicotine or just scents.
It is currently a controversial issue, either because various studies are being carried out on the risks they may have on health, different laws for prohibit its use in public places or because it has become fashionable. If we look closely, surely in our city or town an establishment selling electronic cigarettes has been opened.
Researchers Warning
World Health Organization advises consumers that using e-cigarettes is not proven to achieve the purpose of quitting smoking, but it is a useful system to start with. Furthermore, not enough studies have been carried out on the subject to be an effective system.
The United States Food and Drug Agency made an analysis of the two leading brands and found in their compositions an antifreeze that is toxic to humans and carcinogenic substances that can be a health risk in the long term.
Even if it is a steam inhaler, it can also cause short-term lung damage much like normal cigarettes. In New Zealand An independent study was carried out in 2008 in which they found that the levels of nitrosamines (an organic compound present in tobacco) are very low compared to normal cigarettes. For example, electronic cigarettes contain a maximum of 8 nanograms per cartridge, while a cigarette from the leading brands in the market contains between 16 and 1.300 nanograms.
Apart from containing the same substances as conventional cigarettes, although in smaller quantities, it contains others whose effects are unknown in the long term.
History
We go back to the early 60s, where a man named Herbert A. Gilbert patented a kind of smokeless, tobacco-free cigarette. Gilbert described it as a device that worked by means of replacement of combustion tobacco by air-flavored paper and wet. Attempts to commercialize his product were unsuccessful and he soon fell into oblivion. Even so, it deserves a mention as the first patent for an electronic cigarette. In 2003 Hon Lik was luckier. Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, created an electronic cigarette that did contain nicotine, as we know it today. He became the first person to manufacture and market it nationally. He got the market to accept him satisfactorily, which later helped him to expand it to the international market smoothly.
There is no regulation
To date, there is no regulation on its use. Both the European Union, the Ministry of Health and the autonomous communities have reached an agreement to regulate electronic cigarette. Not only in Spain, but in many parts of the world it has become very fashionable. Especially where those people who want to fulfill their intentions to quit smoking reside. Years ago no one used these electronic cigarettes and it was because they were not necessary. January 1 2006 anti-smoking law came into force. This law prohibited smoking inside any closed establishment and in public spaces such as hospitals and schools.
For this reason, other alternatives have emerged for smokers and one of them is electronic cigarettes. There is still no specific legislationas it is a new product that is quite unknown. The authorities of our country advise that until the effects that the consumption of these devices may have are known, it is preferable not to consume them in public areas: hospitals, schools, public administrations, citizen services and public transport. They want to carry the same dynamic as with conventional tobacco to safeguard minors.
The business is done
More than 7 million people use the electronic cigarette worldwide. In Spain we find 600.000 and 800.000 people who 'vape'. Tobacco has always generated great income and this substitute was not going to be less. The purchase of the Kit of an 'e-cigarette' (which is how it is known) and a dose of liquid for one month, it has a cost of 50 or 60 euros. This per year means that this sector is pocketed around 20 million euros per year.
Now it's time to wait what will be the next step of our legislators, whether to definitively prohibit this consumption, adapt it to conventional anti-smoking laws or create their own. What is true is that the electronic cigarette has gone viral and is a topic on the lips of many. As in all cases of health and society, it always comes into question whether the regulations of senior managers are for the benefit of society or for your own.