E-cigarettes appear to be a safe alternative to smoking. But the truth is there are health risks.

Via Heather Alexander:

It's hard to escape the truth about smoking. The health risks associated with cigarettes are well documented, and the large graphic warnings on each pack are obvious. But when it comes to vaping, making healthy decisions can be more difficult.

Some have celebrated the arrival of these "smoke-free" nicotine tools as a safe alternative to cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. These devices do not emit carcinogenic tars and toxins from burning tobacco leaves.

But that's not all. Many e-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine, and even those that do not contain nicotine can contain toxic chemicals.

So are e-cigarettes safe? We discussed the hazards of e-cigarette aerosols with Dr. Jason Robinson, associate professor of behavioral sciences.

What is an electronic cigarette?

An electronic cigarette is a nicotine delivery device with a battery, a heating element, and a container of liquid. When the liquid is heated, the user inhales the aerosol. These liquids are often flavored and contain nicotine, so users experience a sense of taste and the same rush of addictive stimulants found in cigarettes.

Atomization or vaporization is a word used to describe inhalation of an aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device, such as a vaporizer or vape pen. A brand of Juul has become so popular that a new verb, Juuling, is widely used.

Risks of e-cigarettes

Researchers do know that e-cigarette aerosols contain toxic chemicals, such as those found in glues and paints. Less clear is whether these amounts are sufficient to cause diseases such as cancer.

"The biggest problem is that we don't know the exact composition of all the flavors, and there are thousands of flavors," Robinson said. Experts say it may take 20 years to understand the long-term health effects of vaping.

But e-cigarettes have some obvious dangers, especially when nicotine is involved.

Nicotine is addictive. In fact, it is one of the most addictive substances. Addiction to nicotine can cause e-cigarette users, especially children, to upgrade to regular cigarettes.

"It's worrying that these young people who have never tried cigarettes are now becoming dependent on nicotine at the most vulnerable times," Robinson said.

Nicotine is harmful. This is especially true for the developing young brain. Nicotine use can hinder teens' ability to learn and affect their behavior. It reduces their ability to resist addiction, leading to more nicotine use. Nicotine can also exacerbate conditions such as depression and anxiety.

If you have asthma, e-cigarette aerosols can irritate your throat and lungs.

If you're a smoker, vaping can support your habit, not break it. Some smokers end up not transitioning from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, but using both.

"There is no evidence that people can switch and stay switched, and some people continue to use dual use," Robinson said. "They may be smoking less, but they will use e-cigarettes to get nicotine in areas where smoking is prohibited."

This increased their nicotine addiction, not lessened it, he said.

Nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and other smoking cessation products are designed to help smokers quit nicotine. Unlike e-cigarettes, they are proven to be effective.

Liquids and equipment can be dangerous. E-cigarettes are known to explode and become toxic if the liquid comes into contact with the eyes or skin, or if you drink it accidentally or intentionally.

There are compelling reasons to avoid Juuls and e-cigarettes, Robinson said.

"Why risk addiction and damage your health if you're not already dependent on nicotine?" he said. "If you're dependent on nicotine, it's best to use safe smoking cessation tools that have been shown to be effective in curbing your cravings and quitting tobacco products."

Finally, if you're a smoker, any tobacco-free nicotine product is better, he said. But try a prescription or over-the-counter form before vaping.