The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on Jan. 23 that details the potential consequences of the use of e-cigarettes. The report was conducted at the request of the Center for Tobacco Products of the Food and Drug Administration. The purpose of the study is to review the available evidence of the health effects related to the use of e-cigarettes and identify future federally funded research needs.
According to the report, while rates of smoking combustible tobacco cigarettes decline among youth and adults, millions of Americans use e-cigarettes. In fact, in 2016 youth e-cigarette use was substantially higher than cigarette smoking or use of any other tobacco product.
One conclusion from the study shows that “young people who begin with e-cigarettes are more likely to transition to combustible cigarette use and become smokers who are at risk to suffer the known health burdens of combustible tobacco cigarettes.”
Learn more about e-cigs
In 2016, as part of the Current Topics series, Nathan Cobb, MD presented “E-Cigarettes: The Science Behind the Smoke and Mirrors.” Dr. Cobb researches if e-cigarettes are a safer alternative than the traditional cigarette. His presentation examines e-cigarettes and shares the science behind the newest craze in tobacco use.
