If you are a smoker and have started using electronic cigarettes, think again: “you’re replacing an unhealthy habit with another one, moreover with less studied impacts on the body” , as said by Sofia Tello Furtado, Director of Pulmonology in Hospital da Luz Lisboa. As such, e-cigarettes cannot be seen as an intermediate step in the smoking cessation process either. The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes has started practically since they emerged on the market. Advocates state that lack of combustion makes them healthier, but the medical community disagrees and argues that it is necessary to properly study the effects of this new form of nicotine consumption. Meanwhile, these products have diversified: there are cig-a-likes, vape pens, mods and pod mods, with multiple flavoring. As clinical studies continue, the international medical societies representing the main areas involved (such as pulmonology, cardiology, internal medicine and pediatrics) have taken a joint stand stating that they do not recommend electronic cigarettes. Furthermore, in the last two months, the United States have registered “an outbreak of acute lung disease” – about 500 cases and nine deaths up to September 24 – where patients have in common the use of electronic cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods and/or cartridges). In 80% of the cases, patients have consumed these products with cannabis derivatives. And yet at least one third are under 18 (in fact, an increase in the number of young nicotine addicts after having started smoking flavored electronic cigarettes has been proven). In view of this , the US authorities are urging people to stop using these cigarettes while investigations continue, and a ban on sales is even being considered. According to preliminary reports it is not known “whether the illness is caused by the toxicity of any of the compounds, by unknown additives or contaminants or by other substances formed when the liquids are heated and vaporized”. Less regulated than the traditional tobacco “It took us decades to study the effects of tobacco, to prove that it is harmful and to adopt the appropriate public policies. It also takes time to have properly sustained scientific studies on the effects of electronic cigarettes. But we are sure of one thing: they are certainly not exempt from health consequences, as inhalation of chemical compounds is always a risk” , stresses Sofia Tello Furtado. Regarding Portugal, the pulmonologist warns that while traditional tobacco is regulated (from manufacture to sales and advertising), this doesn’t happen with e-cigarettes. And expresses concern above all with younger people: “There is a legal vacuum in terms of advertising, which is allowed. Now these cigarettes have very appealing looks, with multiple colors and flavors”. Recommendations of the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, regarding the outbreak registered in the USA: The use of electronic cigarettes is dangerous and not recommended; Their use should be specially avoided by the most vulnerable groups, as children, adolescents, young adults, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic respiratory illnesses; It’s especially dangerous to use devices purchased outside the regulated trade, their modified use or the addition of liquids or oils containing cannabis derivatives or other additives; Consumers of electronic cigarettes that develop acute respiratory symptoms should seek medical advice and provide information about the product they use; In case of suspicion, doctors attending patients with similar clinical picture should obtain detailed information on the use of these devices and report it to the health authorities. To quit smoking, it is advisable to seek medical help.
