The Journal of American College Health recently noted electronic cigarette use has increased among American college students. Although medical experts “generally agree” e-cigarettes are safer than their traditional counterpart, some research—of which is sparse—suggests e-cigarettes can actually damage users’ lungs.
Regardless of what has been published, there is no consensus on the health effects of e-cigarettes. Thus, students and others should avoid e-cigarettes until more research and regulation is conducted.
In the past, Americans have followed some early trends marketed as “safe” that were in-fact dangerous.
Many college students were no-doubt bitter after caffeinated Four Loko was taken off North Carolina shelves in 2010. The beverage, which killed and hospitalized people for inconclusive reasons, was too good to be true.
Most research suggests the combination of caffeine and alcohol—which also happened to be its main draw—led to deaths.
Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, probably sounded like a good idea at first too. The alternative drug is marketed as a safe, legal subsitute for marijuana even though it continues to put people in the hospital.
If you still think drug-sellers have an obligation to the truth, think about how the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 11,406 Americans went to an emergency room as a result of using K2 in 2010.
Much like K2, e-cigarettes are not FDA approved, leading e-cigarette companies like Blu to emphasize “freedom” and “enhanced technology” rather than safety. Why doesn’t Blu explicitly say e-cigarettes are a safe alternative? They don’t know how safe it is.
The FDA reported 5 Hour Energy was linked to five deaths, a spontaneous abortion and several heart attacks. According to the popular drink’s website, 5 Hour Energy helps consumers “recapture the bright, alert feeling you need to power through your day*.”
But the star at the end of that quote is important: It reads, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” If the FDA does not approve of a product, be wary—it either hasn’t been researched enough, or they aren’t willing to approve it.
E-cigarettes do not have FDA approval either, and while they haven’t knowingly caused any spontaneous abortions, there isn’t enough research to know how or whom this product might harm.
E-cigarettes may not harm a person the same as a traditional cigarette, but who’s to say vaporized tobacco won’t harm a person in a different way. After all, if 5 Hour Energy can kill a person, who is to say e-cigarettes can’t.
People take risks every day, but drug-related risks are particularly dangerous—be it Four Loko, synthetic marijuana or vaporized tobacco. Do yourself a favor and don’t take that risk.