title: The electronic cigarette: the new cigarette of the 21st century?
abstract: The electronic nicotine delivery system, also known as the electronic cigarette, is generating considerable controversy, not only in the general population but also among health professionals. Smokers the world over have been increasingly using electronic cigarettes as an aid to smoking cessation and as a substitute for conventional cigarettes. There are few available data regarding the safety of electronic cigarettes. There is as yet no evidence that electronic cigarettes are effective in treating nicotine addiction. Some smokers have reported using electronic cigarettes for over a year, often combined with conventional cigarettes, thus prolonging nicotine addiction. In addition, the increasing use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents is a cause for concern. The objective of this study was to describe electronic cigarettes and their components, as well as to review the literature regarding their safety; their impact on smoking initiation and smoking cessation; and regulatory issues related to their use.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marli Maria
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Knorst
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Igor Gorski
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Benedetto
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariana Costa
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hoffmeister
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo Basso
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Gazzana
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods; D061485:Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009538:Nicotine