E-cigarettes are not without health risks for people who vape or for bystanders. This is one of the conclusions from a new risk assessment report from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH).
The report has only considered e-cigarettes with nicotine since there has been very little research about e-cigarettes without nicotine.
In summary
- Since e-cigarettes supply nicotine in the same quantities as cigarette smoking, the same harmful effects from nicotine can be expected.
- The vapour from e-cigarettes contains so much nicotine that bystanders can ingest the same amount as with passive tobacco smoking. This may affect addiction to nicotine.
- E-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking tobacco, especially with regards to cancer.
- The health risks of long-term e-cigarette use in the population are unknown.
"In Norway, it is mainly smokers and former smokers who use e-cigarettes. The question is if this will still be the case if e-cigarettes become more accessible. It is important to avoid e-cigarettes becoming a trend among adolescents and young adults, or to introduce non-smokers to nicotine addiction and tobacco use," says Dr. Camilla Stoltenberg, Director-General at the NIPH.
More research needed
E-cigarettes have only been available for a short time and so there has been little research into exposure and potential harm. The NIPH's risk assessment is mainly based on evaluation of the individual components of e-cigarettes.
There is a wide range of e-cigarette types, with varying content of nicotine and other ingredients. Differing types and usage patterns will influence potential health damage. If e-cigarettes are allowed to be sold in Norway, their use and possible adverse effects should be monitored by research.
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Facts about nicotine and health
- Harms the cardiovascular system
- Use during pregnancy can lead to impaired lung function development in the foetus and in later life
- Has a negative impact on reproductive health (reduced birth weight, premature birth and stillbirth)
- Children who find nicotine cartridges are at risk of poisoning.