Sommer N, Franzen K, Andreas S, Pankow W, Kunstmann W, Hanewinkel R. [Harmful health effects of flavors in e-cigarettes].
Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024;
149:646-653. [PMID:
38458230 DOI:
10.1055/a-2260-5003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Almost all e-cigarettes contain flavorings that make the product more attractive. In the evaluation of e-cigarettes on health, flavors have so far played a subordinate role.
METHOD
Selective literature search in PubMed, supplemented by legal regulations on the use of flavors in e-cigarettes.
RESULTS
Flavors make it easier to start using e-cigarettes and have a consumption-promoting effect. Deeper inhalation increases nicotine uptake and the absorption of toxic substances from the e-cigarette liquid. For some flavors, pathological effects have been demonstrated in addition to other toxic components of the e-cigarette. To date, no toxicological analyses are available for the vast majority of flavors contained in e-cigarettes.
CONCLUSIONS
The proven consumption-promoting effect and the health risks that can be extrapolated from preclinical data are significant for the political discussion of a ban on flavors for e-cigarettes, analogous to the ban on flavors in tobacco products already in force.
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