E-cigarettes, a safer smoke?

You’ve probably seen someone using an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. The giveaway if that a cloud of steam that puffs up versus smoke. Use of the devices is increasing among both teenagers and adults. But little is known about the ingredients or long-term effects.

“Any time you introduce something into the lungs that is not supposed to be there, whether it’s vapor midst or smoke-filled carcinogen, it has the risk to damage the body,” says William Lay, RT, director of radiology at Baptist Health Corbin.

One study found that up to 30 percent of e-cigarette products were contaminated with substances such as formaldehyde. And another study showed that kids who have used e-cigarettes before ninth grade are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes.

Lay said the only time e-cigarettes might be helpful is if they’re used as a temporary aid to quit smoking.

“If the end game is that you’re not introducing anything (foreign) into your lungs, then it’s a plus,” he said.

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the agency will start regulating the sale of e-cigarettes as it does tobacco, so they can’t be sold to people under 18.

Looking for tips on how to quit smoking? Check out our article for some tips and tricks to help you stop and understand what happens when you stop.