Cancer risk from electronic cigarettes

According to new research published in the American journal Plos One, people who smoke electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may get cancer caused by chemicals.

The discovery of scientists at the University of Portland, USA, shows that e-cigarettes operating at high intensity can produce benzene. This substance will then escape with the mixture of water vapor (expelled as smoke) and be inhaled by the user. The higher the power of the cigarette, the more vapor will be produced. This means that the smoker will feel comfortable, excited, bringing a stronger flavor.

Scientists found significant amounts of benzene when e-cigarettes were used within the manufacturer’s recommended power range. The power levels used in the study are still well below what users can expect from some commercially available e-cigarettes, which can reach more than 200 watts.

Both electronic and traditional cigarettes pose health risks. Photo: Getty Images.

“Vaping at high power can actually produce thousands of times more benzene than ambient air, when using essential oils containing benzoic acid or benzaldehyde,” said Professor James Pankow.

Benzene (C6H6) is a colorless organic compound with a pleasant aroma, widely used in all aspects of modern life. Benzene is present in the production of plastics, rubber, detergents, paints, synthetic fibers, gasoline and is found in industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust from traffic pollution, and cigarette smoke.

Inhaling or consuming foods contaminated with benzene at high concentrations can be fatal. Over time, it can cause leukemia, bone marrow failure, brain damage, immune deficiency, and infertility.

E-cigarettes have become popular in recent years. Many people have chosen this method to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, despite many controversies about their safety.

However, one thing is certain: smoking electronic cigarettes and traditional cigarettes both bring long-term health damage to users, if different, it is only the level of harm is less or more.

According to Zing