Summary
Introduction:
This document is a summary of a research article examining the patterns and settings of electronic cigarette use and associated adverse events among Italian smokers. The study was conducted through a survey of ever-smokers attending smoking cessation services in Italy.
Key Points:
* The study found that most conventional cigarette smokers in Italy use electronic cigarettes where smoking conventional cigarettes is prohibited.
* about half of electronic cigarette users reported one or more symptoms attributable to electronic cigarettes, despite the relatively short duration of use.
* The majority of electronic cigarette users were dual users, i.e., concurrently using electronic cigarettes and conventional cigarettes.
* The use of electronic cigarettes in smoke-free environments significantly decreased with age and increased with duration of use and nicotine dependence.
* The study also found that the use of electronic cigarettes in smoke-free environments was common, particularly in workplaces, restaurants, and bars.
* The most common adverse events reported by electronic cigarette users were dry cough, dry mouth, throat or mouth irritation, and sore throat.
* The study highlights the need for further research on the potential health risks associated with electronic cigarette use.
Main Message:
The study suggests that electronic cigarette use is not risk-free and its harm should not be underestimated. Given that the majority of electronic cigarette users are dual users, the combined use of these products may increase the dose of nicotine and other harmful and potentially harmful substances, and consequently, their related symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to regulate electronic cigarette use and ban them in indoor places where smoking is not allowed to protect public health.
Citation
Gallus S, Borroni E, Liu X, et al. Electronic cigarette use among Italian smokers: patterns, settings, and adverse events. Tumori. Published online april 26, 2020:300891620915784. doi:10.1177/0300891620915784
