She has become “the smoking cessation aid tool” the most used, like patches and other nicotine chewing gum. According to the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (BEH) of Public Health France published this Tuesday, May 28, the electronic cigarette is now the preferred alternative to tobacco for the French who are trying tostop smoking. For the first time, figures show an increase in its use, which “has been part of a risk reduction strategy for several years”, describes François Bourdillon, director general of the health agency in the editorial of the BEH.
All the indicators concerning the e-cigarette are on the rise. In 2018, 3.8% of 18-75 year olds were fond of it and used it daily, compared to 2.7% the year before. At the same time, the proportion of daily tobacco smokers has fallenfrom 26.9% of adults to 25.4% in one year.
Harmful months, but not without risks
“As observed since its arrival on the market in the early 2010s, e-cigarettes mainly attract smokers”, according to the BEH. Among cigarette consumers, eight in ten had already tried it, compared to just over a third of the French. Conversely, few are those who do not smoke tobacco but are regular “vapers” (6%). However, more than 40% of electronic cigarette enthusiasts also inhale tobacco every day, and 10% occasionally. Weaning is therefore not complete, since only a total stop allows you to not be exposed to any risk.
The e-cigarette works with a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. As there is no combustion of tobacco, the “vapoteur” is not exposed to the toxic substances of the cigarette. But its use is not without dangers. It would expose to cardiac risks, to infections of the mouth, to a weakening of the immune system, to an addiction to nicotine … It remains however less harmful than tobacco for the body, and has shown its effectiveness in supporting cigarette addicts towards their total abandonment.
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