SNUS AND E-CIGARETTES AS A “SAFE ALTERNATIVE” TO SMOKING: MYTHS AND REALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/mcch.2410-681X.2025.i2.15529Keywords:
smoking; nicotine; electronic cigarettes; snus; effects on the body; safety; toxicity.Abstract
Introduction. In recent years, many countries around the world have seen a steady increase in demand for snus and e-cigarettes. This is due to the belief that they are a completely “safe alternative” to regular smoking. However, there is little data on the safety of these devices and their health effects on the population after prolonged use. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of myths and reality of snus and e-cigarettes as a “safe alternative” to smoking. Research methods. The study used scientific methods such as theoretical generalization and grouping, formalization, analysis and synthesis, and generalization of the results. Results and discussion. An e-cigarette is a product that can be used to consume (inhale) vapors produced by heating a liquid that contains or does not contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. They can be either disposable or reusable. Studies show that using e-cigarettes is probably safer than smoking. E-cigarettes and snus are actively used to try to quit smoking. Another myth is the safety of snus and e-cigarettes. The mixtures contain formaldehydes (affecting the central nervous system and brain function), toxic propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (causing cell damage), acetaldehyde (affecting lung tissue), and flavors (causing allergies and asthma). You might often think that the vapor generated by smoking electronic devices is safe. But it is an aerosol that contains flavors and toxic substances. Among them, for example, are nickel and lead metals, the effects of which can lead to diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the compound acrolein, which is a strong respiratory irritant. Conclusions. E-cigarettes and snus are not a completely “safe alternative” to smoking. It should be understood that these modern devices do not help to get rid of nicotine addiction, are not absolutely safe for the health of the person who uses them and for others, and are not always of proven and high quality. It has been established that snus and electronic cigarettes contain toxic and dangerous substances, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, acrolein, and flavorings.
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До уваги виробників та імпортерів електронних сигарет, заправних контейнерів та рідин, що використовуються в електронних сигаретах. 2022. Держпродспоживслужба України: веб-сайт. URL: https:// dpss.gov.ua/news/do-uvahy-vyrobnykiv-ta-importerivelektronnykh- syharet-zapravnykh-konteineriv-ta-ridynshcho- vykorystovuiutsia-v-elektronnykh-syharetakh.
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