Smoking habits, whether e-cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes, are indeed difficult to leave. Some smokers think that e-cigarettes are healthier and safer, and can even stop smoking tobacco. However, which type of cigarette is actually better?
The use of e-cigarettes to overcome addiction to tobacco cigarettes is still a debate in various circles. In fact, the two types of cigarettes have almost the same content. However, is the assumption that e-cigarettes are healthier than tobacco cigarettes true?
Pros and Cons of E-Cigarettes
The mechanism of action of e-cigarettes is to convert liquid nicotine into vapor through heat. This vapor is then inhaled by e-cigarette users.
E-cigarettes are claimed to be safer and healthier for health because they contain fewer chemicals in the smoke compared to tobacco smoke, which contains about 7,000 harmful chemicals.
However, e-cigarettes also contain various substances that are harmful to health. The following are some of the harmful substances contained in e-cigarette smoke:
- Nicotine
- diacetyl, which is used as a flavoring
- Cadmium
- Acrolein, namely toxic substances commonly used as herbicides
- Preservatives, such as formaldehyde
- Heavy metals, such as lead, nickel and tin
E-cigarette smoke is not only harmful to people who smoke, but also those around them who inhale the smoke or passive smokers.
The concentration of nicotine in each e-cigarette pod is different. For example, an e-cigarette pod with 5% nicotine contains 30–50 milligrams of nicotine. This amount is equivalent to the nicotine in 1-3 packs of tobacco cigarettes. The higher the nicotine, the more dangerous it is to health.
Not only that, the claim that e-cigarette smoke is safer has not been proven at all. On the contrary, e-cigarettes have been shown to cause lung damage to users. In medical terms, this condition is called e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI).
EVALI is more common in people who use e-cigarettes too often. This condition can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, and headache.
The Effectiveness of E-Cigarettes Overcoming Tobacco Smoking Habits
Many tobacco smokers switch to using e-cigarettes, because this type of cigarette is believed to be effective for stopping smoking and nicotine addiction. In fact, until now, e-cigarettes have not been proven to be effective in stopping smoking habits.
Some research shows that some tobacco smokers may find it easier to quit smoking after using e-cigarettes, but this effect is only temporary.
Other research also shows that there are many people who still find it difficult to quit smoking, even though they have used e-cigarettes or cigarettes vaping. In fact, not a few people who end up smoking with both types of cigarettes alternately.
Why is that? Because e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a substance that is addictive or can cause addiction. This is the reason why there are still people who still find it difficult to stop smoking, even though they have switched from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes.
Seeing the bad effects that can be given, you should avoid smoking, either e-cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes. This is important to do so that the body's health is maintained and avoid nicotine addiction.
By not smoking, you are at a lower risk of developing various dangerous diseases caused by smoking, such as lung cancer and heart disease.
However, it is never too late to quit smoking for those of you who are already smokers. You need to discipline and motivate yourself and have a strong determination to stay away from smoking. You can start by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day.
If you have difficulty quitting smoking, whether e-cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes, you can consult a doctor for effective smoking cessation tips. If necessary, your doctor can also give you medication to help you quit smoking.
