Are E-Cigs Bad For You?
Also Known As: electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, mod
Short answer
Although e-cigs are safer alternatives to conventional tobacco cigarettes, they are not entirely good for you. If you don't already smoke, it's best to stay away from them.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Since e-cigs are relatively new in the market, research into their actual or potential health risks is lagging behind. However, a recent study by scientists from the University Of Athens, Greece revealed that people who smoke e-cigs develop a significant increase in airway resistance, as a short-term side effect. Conversely, another research by scientists from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that many e-cig smokers either quit smoking entirely or significantly reduce their consumption of cigarettes. This is not your green light to e-cig smoking because the toxicity and potential health impacts of the products vary depending on brand. One may be safer for you while the other may be harmful.
In one analysis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered that the tobacco solution in a sample of e-cigs contained toxic chemicals typically present in antifreeze and other cancer-causing chemicals such as nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. A more recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine (2015) revealed that formaldehyde exposure from smoking e-cigs may be five to 15 times more than that resulting from cigarettes. Since research is underway, it’s best not to start smoking e-cigs if you’re not a tobacco smoker determined to quit. E-cigs have potential risks and no proven health benefits. If you’re a tobacco smoker with no intention of quitting, switching to e-cigs may be much healthier. Long term research, however, is insufficient because of how new they are to the market.
Possible short-term side effects
- airway resistance
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lightheadedness
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nicotine addiction
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dry skin
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dry mouth
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dry eyes
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itchiness
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decreased immunity
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- assists in quitting tobacco
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smokeless
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cost effective when compared to cigarettes
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Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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