Electronic cigarettes: "wolves in sheep's clothing"

Abstract

Objective: To provide cutting-edge information on the impact and risks of using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) by children and adolescents, based on the latest evidence published in the literature.

Data source: A comprehensive search was carried out on PubMed, using the expressions ''electronic cigarettes'' OR ''electronic nicotine delivery systems" OR "vaping" AND ''adolescent'' AND "risks" AND ''acute lung injury'. All retrieved articles had their titles and abstracts read to identify and fully read the papers reporting the most recent evidence on each subject.

Summary of findings: The use of ENDS has alarmingly increased in Brazil and around the world. The possibility of customizing use, the choice of flavors and nicotine content, and the general notion that these devices are harmless when compared to conventional cigarettes are some of the factors responsible for this increase. Numerous scientific studies have proven that electronic cigarettes have serious consequences for the respiratory system, such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury) and difficult-to-control asthma, as well as harmful effects on the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immunological systems. High concentrations of nicotine make many young people addicted to this substance. In Brazil, commercialization, import, and advertising are prohibited. The viable interventions to address the use of these devices in children and adolescents are prevention and behavioral counseling.

Conclusion: There is clear scientific evidence that these devices pose a risk to the physical and mental health of children and adolescents.

Keywords: Acute lung injury; Adolescent; Electronic cigarettes; Electronic nicotine delivery systems; Risks.