Latest statistics show that over 40 million Americans have used e-cigarettes but a new study by researchers at National Jewish Health in Denver has revealed that the liquid used in e-cigarettes can in fact damage the healthy cells in the body and cause respiratory infections.
Dr. Hong Wei Chu, lead researcher of the study, said they found out that the liquid can quickly damage healthy cells. In a device, the researchers placed the cells of a healthy non-smoker in one end and an e-cigarette in the other end. According to Dr. Chu, the level of viral infected has increased inside the healthy cells.
After ten minutes of exposure, the cells were damaged. They found out that the liquid in the e-cigarette has caused the damage within just 24 hours. They concluded that the findings were alarming since these devices also appeal to teenagers and young people. It also contains flavored liquids that can attract more users.
Adding flavor to e-cigarettes will put the notion among users that since it has flavor, it is not bad for their health. Next week, for their New Year's resolutions, many will try to quit smoking and opt for e-cigarettes not knowing its adverse effects to their health.
In 2014, the sales of e-cigarettes totaled to over $3.5 million and concerns on its safety are emerging. Meanwhile, the World Lung Foundation is recommending stricter regulations and policies of e-cigarette marketing and distribution even to young people.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings and other chemicals to users in vapor instead of smoke. E-Cigarettes are progressively popular among teenagers. Although they contain nicotine derived from tobacco, they are not yet regulated as tobacco products, including the obligation that purchasers should be at a certain age. They can be purchased online which is not controlled by the government.
