Electronic Cigarettes

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KEY POINTS

• Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that make a vapor that the user inhales.
• E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals and may contain nicotine, which can lead to addiction. They may worsen breathing and cause other health problems.

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What are electronic cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that may look like a cigarette or cigar. They make a smokeless vapor that the user inhales. Because of this, using an e-cigarette is called vaping.

E-cigarettes come in different designs and styles, but have these things in common:

• A battery
• A heating element
• A cartridge that holds nicotine and flavorings

Some e-cigarettes have a rechargeable battery and refillable cartridges. Others are disposable.

What are the risks?

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine that can lead to addiction. Nicotine causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to go up. This puts a strain on your heart and can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. The liquid nicotine used to refill some e-cigarettes can cause death if swallowed.

They also contain chemicals, including flavorings that can irritate your lungs and worsen breathing problems. It is possible that some of these chemicals may cause cancer. The vapor from e-cigarettes may also be harmful to people who are near someone who is vaping, similar to secondhand smoke. For this reason, many cities have passed laws against vaping in public places.

E-cigarettes do not produce water vapor. They produce very fine particles of chemicals that may be more concentrated than chemicals in tobacco cigarettes.

Some people believe that e-cigarettes can help them quit smoking. There is no proof that e-cigarettes help you quit. The FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a way that continues the nicotine and smoking addiction.

What are signs of addiction?

Signs of being addicted to e-cigarettes include:

• Vaping often and not being able to go more than a few hours without it
• Switching to e-cigarettes that contain higher amounts of nicotine
• Needing e-cigarettes first thing in the morning
• Having very strong cravings when trying to stop using e-cigarettes

Are there any benefits?

Because there are fewer toxic chemicals in electronic cigarettes than in tobacco cigarettes, they may be less harmful for smokers who refuse to quit using cigarettes. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you.

How can I take care of myself?

There are things you can do you help yourself quit using e-cigarettes:

• Make a plan:
  • Set a date that you plan to quit and tell your family and friends. Some people gradually vape less in the days leading up to their quit date. Others use the same amount right up to their quit date.
  • It may also help to use sugarless gum, hard candy, beef jerky, or sunflower seeds in place of the e-cigarettes.
  • Throw out all your e-cigarette products.
  • Think about all the reasons you do not want to use e-cigarettes. For example, the cost and risks to your health. You can write these reasons down and review them whenever you feel tempted to vape.
  • Make a list of the situations, places, or emotions that make you more likely to vape. These things are called triggers. Being aware of these triggers can help you avoid them or be ready for them. For example, if you always vape after an argument with your partner, make a plan to take a walk the next time you have an argument.
• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Join a support group or class.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax. For example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, or take walks. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Contact your healthcare provider for a prescription medicine that can help you quit. Ask about using nicotine gum or patches.
• Keep trying. Many people try more than once to quit smoking before they finally succeed. So, never say, "I can't." You CAN learn to live without tobacco in your daily life.

See your healthcare provider for information and help in quitting. For more information, contact:

• National Cancer Institute
  http://smokefree.gov/
  800-784-8669