Oil on fire comes to throw a new study on electronic cigarettes, as it states that these devices can help smokers stop smoking or reduce smoking.
This is a review done on behalf of Cochrane Library, the first on the subject. However, it includes data from only two randomized trials involving 662 active smokers. This is the first review of data on the subject and includes data from two randomized surveys in which 662 active smokers took part.
The evaluation
Researchers from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, who evaluated the available data, point out that the review should be continued to include more data. However, public health organizations are still skeptical about the role of e-cigarettes in continuing or stopping smoking.
As is known, the electronic devices smoking involves inhalation which activates a vaporizer that works with battery. However, there are also devices that are activated manually. Then, a heating coil inside the vaporizer heats the liquid nicotine contained in the special vial. The latter is vaporized and thus inhaled by the user. The "smoke" produced by procedure it is mostly water vapor. Many electronic smoking devices have LED lighting to give the smoker the feeling of a traditional cigarette.
The study
The researchers found that about 9% of smokers using electronic cigarettes were able to stop smoking for up to 12 months, perhaps even longer. The corresponding rate was 4% for smokers using non-nicotine devices.
In both studies, considered the "golden rule", 36% of e-cigarette users were able to reduce the number of conventional cigarettes they smoked by half, compared with 28% of those who had used placebo devices. The available data showed no evidence of adverse reactions among e-cigarette users.
Despite the positive results for electronic cigarettes, the researchers point out that they are not considered conclusive, as the number of studies on the subject is still small as well as the sample of participants. Commenting on the results of the study, Peter Hatzek by University "Queen Mary" of London notes that "although the evidence is limited, the results are considered encouraging. Both studies used low-nicotine e-cigarettes, and it is possible that more modern models are even more effective. The many ongoing studies are expected to help us reach definitive conclusions about the role of electronic cigarettes in human health."
It is worth noting that the scientific debate about electronic cigarettes is intensifying as long as their market share is established. Recent research has found that they may contain more carcinogens than conventional cigarettes, while another has shown to be harmful to the lungs of smokers. However, his advocates say he is safer for passive smokers and helps stop smoking.