Are Electronic Cigarettes a “Safer” Alternative?CHARLOTTE, NC - Electronic cigarettes are growing in popularity. Go online and you’re likely to see an ad pop up for one of the devices. They’re marketed as a way to kick the habit or a “safer” way to smoke. But, is it true or just a bunch of hot air? Eric Muhlitner smoked for 23 years and has chewed nicotine gum for 10 years. He’s hoping electronic cigarettes will help wean him off of nicotine for good. “I think this is a great alternative or a great way to quit nicotine or smoking,” he said.
There are a number of manufacturers that make the devices. The electronic cigarette basically delivers nicotine through a cartridge with water vapor – to simulate smoking. The cartridges can allow you to gradually lower the amount of nicotine you get to eventually reach a point of using no nicotine at all.
While the devices have their fans, electronic cigarettes are raising questions within the medical community. “There are concerns that these don’t go through the usual drug approval process,” said Dr. Jaspal Singh, a Pulmonologist at Carolinas Medical Center.
Dr. Singh says because e-cigarettes aren’t currently regulated or approved by the FDA, some may contain harmful chemicals, and because there hasn’t been much research collected, there’s no proof they can help you quit smoking.
Eric Muhlitner says while he doesn’t agree with the marketing some brands use – describing electronic cigarettes as “healthy,” he thinks they’re less harmful than smoking, and he believes it will help him kick his addiction.
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