Which is More Harmful: E-cigarettes or Traditional Cigarettes?

The journal Oral Oncology published a new study stating that e-cigarettes are as harmful to the human body as regular cigarettes, even if they do not contain nicotine.

During the study, researchers compared different types of human cells in the laboratory: those exposed to e-cigarette smoke (with and without nicotine) and those not exposed to it. To their surprise, the researchers found that whether the cigarette was electronic or regular, and regardless of nicotine, the cells exposed to cigarette smoke were at increased risk of DNA damage, cancer, and death.

The study indicated that e-cigarettes with nicotine were more harmful than those without, but both types caused cell damage to some extent. "The study clearly shows that e-cigarettes are not as safe for the public as marketed," the researchers wrote.

In a press release, it was noted that "many studies have shown that nicotine can damage cells. Nicotine is not harmless, but as far as e-cigarettes are concerned, it does not act alone. Additional components found in e-cigarettes also contribute to cell damage." It was further emphasized that "so far, not enough good laboratory studies have been conducted on the effect of these cigarettes on human cells."

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Two substances found in e-cigarettes known to be harmful are formaldehyde (Formaldehyde) , a carcinogen, and diacetyl (diacetyl) , a compound that enriches the cigarette's flavor. This substance is known to be toxic and can cause lung diseases.

The researchers qualify their findings by stating that cells in the body behave differently from those studied in the laboratory. Also, the smoke levels to which the cells were exposed were particularly high, equivalent to someone smoking for hours without a break.

The Israeli Ministry of Health, the Cancer Society, and the American Food and Drug Administration warn against using e-cigarettes. The FDA has cautioned that there is either inadequate or no quality control over the manufacturing processes of these cigarettes..