The studies conducted on electronic cigarettes to date have not found any indication that using them will pose a health risk to individuals, leading experts to conclude that using the smokeless cigarette is a better alternative to traditional tobacco products. This endorsement is based upon knowing the difference between the smokeless cigarette and the traditional cigarette. Traditional tobacco products contain approximately 4,000 chemicals. Of these chemicals, at least 250 are toxic, and 50 are known to cause cancer. Electronic cigarettes, in contrast, contain only four ingredients, none of which are linked to illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Assessing The Damage Caused By Traditional Cigarette Smoke
Smoking regular cigarettes can cause any number of different lung ailments. The most notable of these are lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue. Exposure to cancer-causing agents such as arsenic, benzene, beryllium, and cadmium can trigger lung cancer by altering cellular metabolism or by causing cumulative changes to the DNA in the tissue lining the bronchi of the lungs. Changes to the DNA interfere with a cells biological process, which then induces an uncontrolled malignant division within a cell and can ultimately lead to tumor formation.
Another cancer-causing agent found within the lungs of tobacco users is tar. Tar is the buildup of dust, pollen, and other airborne materials that sit in the lungs. This happens when the cilia are paralyzed by regular cigarette smoke. Cilia are the fine, hair-like bodies that move back and forth, sweeping particles out of the lungs. When the cilia cant move, particles that are inhaled sit in the lungs and eventually build up over time to form the tar that can cause certain types of cancer.
Other notable smoking-related lung disorders are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the air passageways of the lung. These air passageways, called bronchial tubes, allow air to flow into the body. When bronchial tubes are aggravated by irritants such as cigarette smoke, they create mucus. This mucus leads to difficulty breathing. Emphysema, which also causes labored breathing, is a progressive lung disease where the tissue necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lung is destroyed. This illness is intimately related to the destruction of the alveoli and the inflammation suffered by the bronchial tubes.
Under normal breathing circumstances, air is taken in through the bronchi and transferred to the alveoli. The alveoli absorb the oxygen and transfer it to the body through small blood vessels. When regular cigarette smoke is inhaled, alveoli are killed and the bronchial tubes become inflamed. This leads to the deformation of the lungs architecture and the bodys subsequent inability to draw enough oxygen into itself. Lack of oxygen can lead to a host of health-related issues that include shortness of breath, stroke, and stomach damage.
Are There Safer Alternatives To Smoking Regular Cigarettes
The answer to this question is yes. One of these products is the smokeless cigarette. Electronic cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes because they contain none of the carcinogens found within their traditional counterparts. This development is due to modern microelectronic technology. Electronic cigarettes are constructed of a small rechargeable battery and an exclusive, replaceable cartridge that contains water, propylene glycol, nicotine, and a scent that emulates the cigarette flavor.
When the user inhales, the action triggers a process that releases a mist into the lungs that harmlessly evaporates within a few seconds. Smokers are not inhaling arsenic, benzene, and beryllium, nor are they coming in contact with any of the other 4,000 chemicals found in regular cigarettes. This means that smokers and non-smokers alike are no longer exposed to those elements that cause cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Making A Safe, Wise Decision
Electronic cigarettes do not have the extensive research background that nicotine replacement and smokeless tobacco products have. However, there have been a number of studies conducted on this emerging product that are showing promising results. The smokeless cigarette appears to have few substantial risks associated with using it. There are only a few safety concerns involved with them, which include taking care when handling liquid nicotine and making sure the manufacturer adheres to strict regulation guidelines during the manufacturing process.
Traditional tobacco users can live healthier lives by choosing to reduce their tar and carcinogen intake levels. One emerging product that can aid them in this goal is the smokeless cigarette.
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