The electronic cigarette. Official statement of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) on the efficacy, safety and regulation of electronic cigarettes

Arch Bronconeumol. 2014 Aug;50(8):362-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arbres.2014.02.006. Epub 2014 Mar 28.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

The electronic cigarette (EC) is a device formed by three basic elements: battery, atomizer and cartridge. When assembled, it looks like a cigarette. The cartridge contains different substances: propylene glycol, glycerine and, sometimes, nicotine. When the user "vapes", the battery is activated, the atomizer is heated and the liquid is drawn in and vaporized. The smoker inhales the mist produced. Various substances have been detected in this mist: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein and some heavy metals. Although these are found in lower concentrations than in cigarettes, they may still be harmful for the human body. Several surveys show that 3-10% of smokers regularly use e-cigarettes. A randomized study has shown that the efficacy of e-cigarettes for helping smokers to quit is similar to nicotine patches. Nevertheless, the study has relevant methodological limitations and reliable conclusions cannot be deduced. This report sets down the Position Statement of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes. This statement declares that e-cigarettes should be regulated as medicinal products.

Keywords: Cigarrillo electrónico; E-cigarette regulations; Efficacy; Eficacia; Electronic cigarette; Regulación de los cigarrillos electrónicos; Safety; Seguridad.

Publication types

  • Guideline
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / adverse effects
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / classification
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / instrumentation
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / methods
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems* / statistics & numerical data
  • Equipment Design
  • Europe
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Medical Device Legislation
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Nicotine / administration & dosage
  • Nicotine / adverse effects
  • Organic Chemicals / adverse effects
  • Organic Chemicals / analysis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiration Disorders / chemically induced
  • Smoke / analysis
  • Smoking Cessation / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Solutions / adverse effects
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Smoke
  • Solutions
  • Nicotine