They would be nearly 500,000 French to have adopted the electronic cigarette. The craze for this substitute for the classic cigarette has not stopped increasing since the ban on smoking in public places generalized in 2008. Does the success of the e-cigarette mean that this product is less harmful and more advisable than cigarettes? This is the whole debate that arises today between supporters of the electronic cigarette and opponents who warn about its dangerousness.
To dispel the vagueness around electronic cigarettes, the Minister of Health is asking for an investigation to assess the benefits and risks of its use. Among the questions that the study should try to answer: “Can we consider that it is a consumer product? Is it a medical device? What are the characteristics of this product “, explained Minister Marisol Touraine on France Info.
Afsapss advises against consuming electronic cigarettes
To date, no scientific study has been done on the toxicity risk of solvents used in electronic cigarettes, such as propylene glycol. “No undesirable effects or cases of intoxication linked to the presence of these solvents in electronic cigarettes have been reported,” recalls the National Medicines Safety Agency (Ansm), formerly Afssaps.
However, the health agency recommends not to consume this type of product because of the risk of dependence. It can “expose users who were not addicted to cigarettes or nicotine to a risk of primary dependence, regardless of the amount of nicotine in the cartridge”.
The ANSM also warns against the risk of “serious adverse effects, especially in children, in the event of accidental skin or oral exposure” linked to “e-liquid” refill solutions which contain nicotine.
In France, the sale of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in pharmacies since they are not considered as drugs.
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