In its latest issue, currently on newsstands, the magazine 60 million consumers takes stock of the short and long term effects of electronic cigarettes and analyzes the composition of around thirty “e-liquids”. If the consumers’ association considers that this composition has improved, it nevertheless indicates that the presence of certain artificial flavors is worrying. These sweet flavors that appeal to teens (barbapapa, caramel, hazelnut chocolate, etc.) risk creating a form of addiction among young vapers.
The association is also concerned about the presence of artificial vanilla flavors in the majority of e-liquids tested, including in e-liquids presented as “tobacco flavors”. “This vanilla aroma strongly appreciated by young consumers presents a risk of precipitating young people towards addiction and also calls into question the positioning of these products”.
Reliable nicotine levels
The association which pointed out, a year ago, the presence of “potentially” carcinogenic compounds in certain e-liquids recognizes that improvements have been made to the products and that, from now on, the information provided on the nicotine content is reliable. A reliability of setting also (in 20 references out of 30) for the displayed contents of propylene glycol and glycerin, the two other essential ingredients of e-liquids.
The aromas used in e-liquids had already been singled out last summer by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to her, these candy aromas would encourage teens to vape, become addicted to nicotine and eventually smoke.
In France, the latest available estimates show from one to two million vapers, according to the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT).
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