E-Cigarettes and Associated Health Risks: An Update on Cancer Potential

Abstract

The potential cancer risk associated with electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) use is ongoing and remains a subject of debate. E-Cigarettes work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When the liquid is heated, users inhale an aerosol into their lungs. While e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products, they still contain potentially harmful chemicals, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer. Several studies have investigated the potential cancer risk associated with e-cigarette use, while other studies have suggested that e-cigarette aerosol may contain carcinogenic chemicals that could increase the risk of lung and bladder cancer in humans. However, these studies are limited in their scope and do not provide conclusive evidence. Overall, the long-term cancer risk associated with e-cigarette use remains uncertain, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of e-cigarettes. However, this review will allow the investigator to get more recent updates about e-cigarettes.

Keywords: cancer; chemicals in e-cigarette; e-cigarette; flavors of e-cigarette; generation of e-cigarette.

Figure 1

Chemical structure of formaldehyde [53].

Figure 2

Chemical Structure of Acetaldehyde [54].

Figure 3

Chemical structure of acrolein [54].

Figure 4

Chemical structure of menthol [65].

Figure 5

Chemical structure of ethyl maltol [67].

Figure 6

Chemical structure of ethanol [69].

Figure 7

Chemical structure of tocopherol [75].

Figure 8

Important parts of e-cigarette and health impacts of releasing trace metals.