E-cigs from a public health perspective
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have experienced rapid growth in popularity, but little is known about how they are used.
Researchers at the Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, in Hershey, surveyed the pattern of e-cig use and their impact on tobacco use.
First, the details.
- 104 experienced e-cig users were interviewed.
And, the results.
- 78% of e-cig users hadn’t used any tobacco in the prior 30 days.
- Previously, they smoked an average of 25 cigarettes per day.
- They tried to quit smoking an average of 9 times before starting e-cigs.
- Two-thirds had tried to quit smoking using an FDA-approved smoking cessation medication.
- Most had used e-cigs daily for at least a year.
- Three quarters started using e-cigs in order to quit smoking.
- Almost all felt that the e-cig helped them succeed in quitting smoking.
- Two-thirds used e-cig liquid with a medium to high concentration of nicotine (13 mg +).
- Only 8% were using the most widely sold types of cigarette-sized e-cigs that are typically powered by a single 3.7-volt battery.
- Instead most used e-cigs designed to enable the atomizer to more consistently achieve a hotter more intense vapor.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded that the medical community needs more data before recommending e-cig.
“However, for those who have successfully switched to e-cigs, the priority should be staying off cigarettes, rather than quitting e-cigs.”
In other words, it’s preferable to be hooked on e-cigs than cigarettes.
11/21/11 21:32 JR
