The Shocking Things They Never Tell You about E-Cigarettes

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Have you seen the fairly new phenomenon known as E-cigarettes yet? Or are you one of the thousands who are using them thinking that they are safer than regular cigarettes? E-cigs have become hugely popular, especially since, for the time being anyway, there are really no regulations on them. This means kids and teenagers can use them. Although they were originally intended to be a last ditch effort for smokers to quit their habits, they have quickly turned into a “hip” means of smoking and not bothering others with secondhand smoke.

With almost 500 brands and about 7,000 flavors available for sale, it’s obvious that E-cigs are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.

But are they really all that safe? Are they as harmless as breathing in steam, as some people have stated? Despite their popularity, there are numerous questions that need to be answered and things you should be aware of before you take up this habit. Let’s take a look at what E-cigs actually are and what their use means to your health.

What is an E-cigarette?

These are small, battery operated inhalers that contain a cartridge called a cartomizer, along with an LED light on the end that lights up when you puff on the E-cig. It’s meant to completely imitate a cigarette so smokers get the feel of a cigarette without actually smoking one. The battery is rechargeable and the cartridges are available for sale at almost any location that sells regular cigarettes.

Are they regulated by the FDA or any other agency?

No. Although the FDA is considering a proposal to stop the sale of E-cigs to minors, at this time there are no regulations and no other restrictions in the works.