E-Cigarettes-a review of the evidence-harm versus harm reduction.

Introduction:
This article provides an in-depth review of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), specifically e-cigarettes, and their role in harm reduction versus harm caused by combustible tobacco use. The authors present the current research on the safety, efficacy, and potential risks of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. They also discuss the implications of e-cigarette use for adolescents and vulnerable populations.

Key Points:

* E-cigarettes contain varying amounts of toxicants, nicotine, and carcinogens, posing risks and harms to users, similar to smokers.
* Most governing bodies have not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, but they can be considered if a person has failed conventional smoking cessation treatments.
* The rapid proliferation of novel ENDS products, along with astute marketing campaigns, has dramatically increased vaping across the globe.
* The literature on ENDS is profuse and often contradictory, with most current research addressing pressing concerns such as the epidemic of adolescent use, risks of nicotine addiction, and overall risks to public health.
* Prevention efforts and policy are needed to avoid adolescents and other vulnerable populations from initiating tobacco or e-cigarette use.
* The study design includes a careful, intentional review of the international literature using PubMed and Scopus databases, with a focus on articles published in the last 5 years.
* The authors found 280 references, which were narrowed down to 32 after a title and abstract screen. Additional references were identified through other sources.
* The review discusses the devices and ingredients of electronic nicotine delivery systems, the known and potential harms associated with ENDS use, and the role of e-cigarettes in harm reduction.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential benefits and harms of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool for smoking cessation. While e-cigarettes may help some individuals quit combustible tobacco and nicotine, they are not without risks. The authors stress the need for more studies and long-term data to assess the potential benefits and harms. Most importantly, prevention efforts and policy are crucial to protect adolescents and other vulnerable populations from initiating tobacco or e-cigarette use.

Feeney S, Rossetti V, Terrien J. E-Cigarettes-a review of the evidence-harm versus harm reduction. Tobacco use insights. 2022;15. doi:10.1177/1179173X221087524