Since the report issued by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) in 2009, claiming that the e-cigarette is not safe for use due to traces of the cancer producing TSNA’s being detected, as well as levels of nicotine not corresponding to what is stated on the labels, many famous Universities have undergone tests in this domain.
The Harvard University published a paper on the effects of tobacco craving reduction when using the e-cigarette. In this study it was concluded that the use of the electronic cigarette considerably reduced the craving for tobacco within the first 10 minutes, much quicker than a normal cigarette. Ten puffs on a specific brand of e-cigarette delivered a small amount of nicotine which was far less nicotine which would have delivered the same amount of puffs on a regular cigarette. It was concluded that the reduction in craving was not due to inhaling the nicotine in the placebo, but due to the ability of the brain to do this. Harvard University says that although more studies are needed in this field, there is already sufficient evidence to prove that these placebos are capable of drastically and indefinitely reducing tobacco cravings.
Researchers at the University of California came out strongly against the use of the e-cigarette. They are saying that these are harmful to the health and calling for these e-cigarettes to be banned. The opinion shared by all Universities who are against the use of the e-cigarette is that the toxicity levels of the chemical propylene glycol over an extended period of time are still unknown. There is also the threat that users will be substituting one addiction for another, just as harmful.
The Boston University also initiated a study after the release of the FDA report. This report is in favour of the e-cigarette even though they feel that further studies still need to be conducted. Dr Michael Siegal, a tobacco researcher and Professor at Boston University’s School of Public Health feels that any alternative to tobacco smoking needs to be investigated and developed. Dr Siegal says that the fact that this device is helping thousands of smokers quit without the risk of inhalation of second hand smoke by innocent persons, needs to be encouraged. “In some ways, this is the product we’ve been looking for all these years” he says. Dr Siegal hit out hard against the Anti Smoking groups, accusing them of having trouble coping with anything that looks like a cigarette. He also believes that if the e-cigarette can be fine tuned, the pharmaceutical companies will lose business to the companies who manufacture these placebo cigarettes. In his opinion, the e-cigarette is much safer than normal cigarettes, with lower levels of harmful toxins with carcinogens levels being 1000 times lower than in regular cigarettes.
Another famous university who is for the e-cigarette is the Minnesota University. They are however also asking that these devices be further developed and harmful levels of chemicals be analyzed and reduced. Labelling should be more detailed and instructions clearer with health hazards clearly printed.