E-cigarettes are 57,000 times less harmful than tobacco

Tobacco is a health scourge that causes close to 6 million deaths each year. In the past few years, and with the arrival of the e-cigarette, speculation has become rife considering the potential benefits of e-cigarettes. More and more scientific studies support the hypothesis that e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco.

One of these studies, which will appear in the Journal of Aerosol Science, takes these conclusions a step further. The study in question looked closely at the chemical makeup of e-cigarettes. The study’s Italian researchers, Scungio, Stabile and Buonanno, sought to determine how harmful e-cigarette vapor is in relation to cigarette smoke.  

Previously, certain studies suggested e-cigarettes might be more harmful than tobacco.  Similarly, other studies suggested that e-cigarette vapor exposes the user and his entourage to harmful micro particles.

Has the safety of e-cigarettes finally been proven?

According to Doctor Farsalinos, a Greek cardiologist and researcher, the Italian study suggests e-cigarettes are clearly healthier than tobacco. Farsalinos, an early defender of vaping, points out that the study focuses on the analysis of the composition of the aerosol in e-cigarettes, not simply on the number of particles in the vapor.

Calculations concerning the composition of e-liquid suggest that the risk of developing cancer is 57,000 lower than with tobacco. Additionally, the chemical composition of the vapor complies with acceptable norms established by the OMS and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

With this study, it appears the e-cigarette can legitimately be considered healthier than tobacco. E-cigarettes can help prevent the development of cancers caused by smoking cigarettes. However, Dr. Farsalinos is afraid that the Italian study’s conclusions will fall on deaf ears. According to him, such studies will not convince smokers of the long-term benefits of e-cigarettes.