Vaping helps against smoking.

New data confirm that the e-cigarette makes farewell to tobacco easier. Whether steam is really healthier, long-term studies should show - much speaks for it.

The Vaping of electronic cigarettes is becoming more and more popular. However, experts have long argued about how useful or harmful the e-fag is. According to a recent study by English scientists, steaming smokers can help get rid of the "real" cigarette. The researchers estimate that around 18,000 people in Great Britain in the UK will have become cigarette tobacco in the long term.

In e cigarettes, flavored and optionally nicotine-added fluids are evaporated and inhaled. Unlike conventional smoking, no carcinogenic combustion products such as tar are produced.

The scientists at London University College used representative data from 43,000 smokers in England from 2006 to 2015, as reported in the BMJ journal. Added to this were information from the National Health Service. The analysis of the data suggests a link between the increase in Vaping and successful tobacco abstinence, even if the last proof is not possible on the basis of the information. The study contradicts the assumption that stealing the fight against smoking. Apparently the opposite is the case.

• If you stop at 40, you will be nine years longer

Although the number of 18,000 additional non-smokers is relatively small by the steam, the scientists around Jamie Brown admit. However, she is significant because abstinence has great health benefits. A 40-year-old who gave up smoking gained nine additional years of life compared to someone who was smoking. In the UK, there are nine million smokers, two million of which also Vapers.

The study confirms a recently published overview of the independent Cochrane network, which evaluates the scientific knowledge on important medical topics. A total of 13 studies were included in the analysis. The result: E-cigarettes can help smokers to give up their vice. At least in the short and medium term you have no evidence of any serious side effects caused by the steam, the Cochrane scientists report. However, it is important to collect long-term data via the electronic cigarette. Fortunately, several studies are underway.

• The dispute splits Great Britain and the USA

Still much is nebulous in connection with the Vaping, a final judgment is not possible. The science is divided into two camps through use and disadvantage. One is pragmatic and has its center in the UK. In August 2015, the prestigious organization Public Health England published a report on e-pipes, which culminated in the statement that these were 95 percent less harmful than conventional cigarettes. For smokers who can not or do not want to stop, the scientists recommended Ann McNeill from London's King's College to search for vaping devices. Motto: Better to accept a small risk than risking his life. Because humans smoke because of the comparatively little harmful nicotine, but they die at the tar.

The report reflected the opinion of many British public health experts, and was particularly fierce on the other side of the Atlantic. Here, in the USA, the headquarters of the tobacco and nicotine fundamentalists, including the Centers for Disease Control, is the powerful US health authority. They are concerned about abstinence at all costs. As steamed as possible, steaming is to be regulated as far as possible and banished from public life in order to make access to young people in particular more difficult. Ireland also tends to this position.

Because of the lack of scientific arguments, or even contradicting them - as the now published study - the abstinenceists called on the precautionary principle. It reverses the burden of proof and asks the producers of e-fags to prove the harmlessness of their products - an almost impossible task.

Young people using vape kits are more likely to use tobacco, they say. The evidence is missing, but there are new clues. They show: It's time to protect teenagers better.

Will the Vape Pens replace the tradicional cigarettes in the long term? How dangerous is life as a Vapers? And is the device perhaps not just the healthier alternative and thus the solution for all smokers, but drives young people only into the nicotine?

Answers to these questions are abundant - they are often as opposite as possible. Also because it depends on the perspective; Whether the e hookah is measured on the tobacco variant or abstinence. Even studies do not provide clear results. Whoever cites a publication, the opposing position is held equal. Alarm determines the discussion, not the reason.

• 200 million euros sales of e-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes produce a nicotine-containing vapor instead of tobacco smoke. According to the association of the e-Vaporizer trade the number of Ireland e-smokers in the past five years has increased tenfold. The turnover of the industry in 2016 was around 20 million euros. This means that the market is still tiny compared to the traditional tobacco industry, but it is growing. And with it the concern that personal vaporizers are the new, great health hazard for teenagers in Ireland.

The European Parliament adopted a new tobacco directive, which should change this. The government must implement it into national law by May 20 2017. The Directive covers only nicotine-containing Vape Pen Personal Vaporizers, but the ban in Ireland is intended to be more comprehensive.

• "Vaping" is significantly less dangerous than smoking

Scientists have evaluated studies on the e-cigarette. Thus, they are far less harmful than conventional cigarettes, for smokers as for passive smoke.

More and more people are "Vaping" breathing nicotine-containing fog from electronic cigarettes. In 2016, 200 million euros were earmarked with e-cigarettes and accessories (tobacco industry: 20.1 billion), 2017 is expected to double. At the same time, there is a dispute about the benefits and dangers. In the Addiction section, scientists now conclude that Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems are probably far less harmful than conventional cigarettes, both for smokers and for passive smoke. However, the long-term sequences are still unclear

In vape products, a nicotine-containing and aromatized e liquid (e juice), usually propylene glycol or glycerin, is heated and evaporated. The resulting mist (aerosol) is inhaled. Unlike smoking, no carcinogenic hydrocarbons, no carbon monoxide and other hazardous combustion products are produced. The liquids and aerosols tested contained pollutants in much smaller quantities than in tobacco smoke, and the concentration of carcinogenic substances was negligible. Passive smokers could inhale nicotine through the aerosol, but in an insignificant quantity.

Vape starter kits alleviate the desire for "real" cigarettes. There are indications that they help smokers become abstinent, write the researchers. As an example, they call Ireland, where at the same time with the more and more popular Vaping, more people from the tobacco came loose.

• A classification as a medicine would mean the end

E-cigarettes are nevertheless still controversial among experts. Opponents warn of unexplained late successes and not to deviate from the path of the "100 percent smoke-free policy". The critics want to declare the smokeless cigarette as a medicine. It should then only be sold in pharmacies and would thus practically disappear from the market. It was only in 2014 that a corresponding attempt failed before the European Parliament.

Hajek and his team come to other conclusions. The current evidence does not justify regulating electrical cigarettes more strictly than conventional ones. "Vape Pens should compete with conventional cigarettes in the free market," Hajek said according to a press release. "Health professionals should encourage smokers who do not want to quit smoking e-cigarettes, and even smokers who have failed to get cessation can use that."

• Fight for the Vaping

The market for vape products is still small, but is growing rapidly. New brands are launched every month. Big Tobacco also wants to get involved now.

E Liquids it is available with the taste: strawberries, apples or fruits-mix. Whoever prefers the "cooling effect with the extra freshness kicks" attacks "Strong Mint". And whoever likes sticky-sweet vaping tiramisu, coffee and cola. What sounds like a sure-fire of taste is, for more and more Vapers, a real alternative to the normal cigarette: the electronic cigarette.

The electronic cigarette is a huge growth market. Every month, an average of ten new brands are added, according to a study published in the magazine Tobacco Control. In their Internet research, US researchers found more than 460 brands with their own Internet presence - and almost 7,800 different flavors. Over the past two years, 242 additional mouthwashes have been added every month, writes the University of California Medical Faculty in San Diego.The business is also growing rapidly in Ireland.

After the leading tobacco producers have ignored the niche market for years, the big ones are now climbing head-over. The industry, bustling with smoking bans and deterrents, is afraid to miss the decisive trend - and is buying a big deal. Just a few days ago the Brancheriese Japan Tobacco (JT) snapped the manufacturer Zandera, which sells the brand known as E-Lites in Great Britain. "The investment gives JT an excellent entry into the fast-growing Vape Market," said Vice-CEO Masamichi Terabatake. Big Tobacco is on the go. "This year, all major manufacturers are expected to be on the market with their own products," says the chairman of the lobbying association VdeH, Dac Sprengel.

• The classic cigarette is less and less in demand

The cigarette industry hopes that the new smoking device is the way out of the sales crisis. In countries like Australia, Mexico and Ireland, reconnaissance campaigns and increased health awareness have a painful effect on the industry. In Ireland too, the classic consumption of cigarettes has almost halved in comparison to the turn of the millennium. E-cigarettes work according to a completely different principle than conventional glow-sticks. They contain a rechargeable battery, an clearomizer, a heating coil and a liquid that can contain nicotine and aromas. The liquid is heated and the steam is inhaled. Unlike the normal cigarette, nothing is burnt, but only evaporated.

• Healthier? The effect is controversial

But that does not make e-fags harmless. There are increasing indications that e-pipes are not necessarily consumed instead of tobacco-containing cigarettes, but additionally. This would stabilize the behavior of addiction, which is particularly dangerous for young people. Researchers also warn that the long-term consequences of the consumption of e-cigarettes are still unknown. The supply of E Liquids is great.They are available in all flavors - from classic tobacco to strawberry and caramel to the taste of gummy bears. More than 8,000 aromas are used, the least of which are tested for their effects in humans.Less pollutants than in tobacco smoke Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 different carcinogenic substances. In comparison, the aerosol of e-cigarettes actually contains fewer pollutants, but also inflammation-promoting, irritating and even carcinogenic substances.

• Propylene glycol can irritate eyes and airways

The base of the e liquid consists of propylene glycol, a substance which is also used as a disco or theater fog. This vapor can cause eye and respiratory irritation. So far, it is unclear what consequences this long-term exposure to this substance will have. With the steam, very fine particles reach deep into the lungs and can settle there.

• Nicotine can become addictive

Like traditional cigarettes, the e liquid can also contain nicotine, which causes a physical and psychological dependency. In animal experiments it resolves arteriosclerotic vascular changes. It has a beneficial effect on the growth of existing tumors.

• Cancerous substances in the e liquid

When the liquid is heated, the carcinogenic substances acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are also formed. The substances irritate the skin and mucous membranes, damage the airways and are considered to be carcinogenic. The quantity absorbed during smoking is mainly dependent on the usage behavior. Above all, when the liquid is heated considerably, higher doses are obtained than with conventional cigarettes. When using three milliliters of liquid, approximately 14 milligrams of formaldehyde are produced. This is approximately 5 to 14 times the amount taken in the smoking of 20 tobacco cigarettes.

• Higher tension, more pollutants

For models of e-MOD's the battery voltage can vary. For this purpose, the voltage at which the ignition wire is heated can be adjusted individually. A higher voltage means a higher temperature and more steam. This releases more nicotine and more pollutants.

• Inflammation and contact allergies by e liquid

Most studies refer to the effects of e liquids - but not to the vaporized ones. Some aromatics are known to be harmful. Thus, the sweet-butter-like diacetyl causes severe inflammation of the respiratory tract when inhaled. Other fragrances and preservatives such as benzyl alcohol and cinnamaldehyde can cause contact allergies.

The battery installed in the e-cigarette is - unlike the flat cell phone or laptop batteries equipped with a plastic sleeve - cylindrically shaped and has a metal capsule. Between the plus and minus poles (anode and cathode) there is a permeable separating layer containing toxic and combustible organic solvents. Both poles, together with the separating layer, are rolled into the cylinder.

• E-Cigarette: Exploding the battery, this can happen

If a battery overheats, overpressure is generated in its case. In the case of overheated mobile phone and laptop batteries, the plastic sheath is then inflated. However, if the battery overheats in the ecig (for example during charging, steaming or transport), its metal capsule suddenly suddenly burst, ie without any warning sign, explosively. Poorly processed or incorrectly mounted devices have a higher risk of explosion. Anyone using a wrong charger or manipulating the e-cigarette (for example, to increase the amount of vapor or nicotine) increases the risk additionally. Whether certain models are more dangerous than others, however, is so far unknown. When the e-MOD's explodes in the hand or in front of the face, burns to the mouth, palate, face, neck, hands and arms occur. If the device explodes in the trouser pocket, severe burns and wounds on the thigh can occur. A special problem with fire wounds by exploding Vape Pens: The lithium contained in the battery reacts violently under strong heat with water - so also with sweat. This produces corrosive lithium hydroxide - and, in addition to the thermal, chemical combustion occurs which also damages the tissue. Nearly every second explosion occurred during charging (e.g., via the USB port of the computer) About every 4th during vaping and transport, storage or unspecified circumstances.

• Risk of explosions in e-cigarettes?

When it comes to exploding devices, many think these days probably at the same time smartphones. However, other electronic devices may seem to overheat or even explode: the talk is of e-cigarettes. Prior to this, medics from the USA warn and advocate standards for manufacturing and sales. As a rule, overheated batteries are often the cause of such explosions

In the same breath, it should be noted that there are several million sold e-cigarettes, which are used without problems. Common to all cases is the fact that they were self-made modifications ("mods"). The people have either built or converted the e-cigarettes themselves, in order to "improve" them according to their requirements or to save money. Main motivation in modding is the extension of the battery life. This was carried out incorrectly by connecting several batteries in series, without taking necessary safety mechanisms (valve against overpressure, breakpoints).

We generally advise of own conversions / assemblies and manipulations on the devices. It is important that the technique - which one is finally in the oral cavity several times a day - works properly and properly. For this reason, always use branded products, as the quality assurance measures are better and the entire product is designed for safe and reliable operation. Very good products offer an automatic switch-off, which interrupts the steaming for a few minutes, if the evaporator unit was used too much. Similarly, an automatic charger should be included in the charger, which stops charging the battery as soon as it is completely filled. As an essential means against explosions, care must be taken that exclusively protected LiIo accumulators are installed and that the housing offers the possibility of outgassing; This is always the case with branded devices.

Our summary of the statements of PhilGood:

• Mini cigarettes and EGO's can not explode
• In e-cigarettes lithium-ion batteries are installed, which are specially protected. "Protected" batteries have an overload and deep discharge protection
• In the worst (extremely rare) case, there may be a chemical process (outgassing) and the battery will be very hot without exploding! There are 8 documented and 7 undocumented cases of explosions.There were "Tube-Mods" with batteries, which were connected in series (to deliver 6 V instead of 3 Volt). The batteries have not been "protected".
• To the explosion comes by the very fast outgassing in the tube. If a mod has no holes, the gas can not escape. Any reasonable manufacturer knows this. The gas can flow out and it can not explode. It can become very hot in the worst case and even come to a small flame. But definitely not to an explosion.
• In the case of small appliances, the LED cap flies off in the front in case of outgassing.

Summary:

• Exclusively tube mods made of metal that can not have a gas have a risk of explosion. The use of weak batteries that are not "protected" and connected in series is dangerous.
• Renowned models use only protected batteries and can escape, so that an explosion is impossible.
• Batteries should not hang on the charger for 3 days. When the battery is charged, it should be disconnected from the charger.