Electronic cigarettes: an aid in smoking cessation, or a new health hazard?

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the public health impact of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and their role in smoking cessation. The author discusses the main factors determining the public health impact of e-cigarettes, including their safety/risk profile, effectiveness in reducing smoking, and patterns of use by different population subgroups. The text also presents a brief overview of currently available evidence and gaps in research covering these three factors.

Key points:

* E-cigarettes have the potential to reduce smoking-related harm, but their safety/risk profile, effectiveness, and patterns of use by different population subgroups need to be considered.
* The safety/risk profile of e-cigarettes is particularly important in determining their public health impact.
* The effectiveness of e-cigarettes in reducing smoking and helping smokers quit is a major determinant of their public health impact.
* The patterns of use by population subgroups, especially never-smokers, and adoption of use by youth are also critical factors.
* E-cigarettes could have intended and unintended public health consequences, depending on several factors.
* The safety/risk profile of e-cigarettes should be determined both relative to smoking and in absolute terms.
* The intended role of e-cigarettes is to be used as smoking substitutes, but their popularity among never-smoking adults needs to be monitored.
* Monitoring the prevalence of use among never-smokers and smokers is important to estimate the potential harm reduction or harm increase of e-cigarettes.

Main message:
The public health impact of e-cigarettes is complex and depends on several factors. While e-cigarettes have the potential to reduce smoking-related harm, their safety/risk profile, effectiveness, and patterns of use by different population subgroups need to be carefully considered. Continuous monitoring and further research are necessary to accurately assess the public health impact of e-cigarettes and their role in smoking cessation.

Farsalinos, Konstantinos. “Electronic Cigarettes: An Aid in Smoking Cessation, or a New Health Hazard?” Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease 12 (January 1, 2018): 175346581774496. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753465817744960.