ATS Expert Available: National Academy of Sciences Report on Health Effects of E-Cigarettes
Expert: Harold Farber, MD, chair, Tobacco Action Committee of the American Thoracic Society and noted expert in tobacco use treatment.
Today, the National Academy of Sciences shared results of a mandated report on the human health effects of e-cigarettes. The comprehensive report noted that e-cigarettes may lead youth to start smoking. Key take-aways from the report include:
- E-cigarettes are not safe. Their emissions contain toxic and carcinogenic substances in addition to nicotine which is very highly addictive
- E-cigarettes are addicting a new generation of youth. Adolescents and young adults who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to use other tobacco products – including combustible cigarettes.
- Breathing in emissions from e-cigarettes used by other people (second hand exposure) is not safe.
“This report raises substantial concerns about e-cigarettes and highlights the need for the FDA, as well as state and local governments, to take decisive action to prevent our nation’s youth from becoming addicted to unsafe e-cigarettes,” said Dr. Farber.
Contact Dacia Morris to arrange an interview with our expert at 212-315-8620 or dmorris@thoracic.org.
