title: Nicotine and the Developing Human: A Neglected Element in the Electronic Cigarette Debate.
abstract: The elimination of cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products in the U.S. would prevent tens of millions of tobacco-related deaths. It has been suggested that the introduction of less harmful nicotine delivery devices, such as electronic cigarettes or other electronic nicotine delivery systems, will accelerate progress toward ending combustible cigarette use. However, careful consideration of the potential adverse health effects from nicotine itself is often absent from public health debates. Human and animal data support that nicotine exposure during periods of developmental vulnerability (fetal through adolescent stages) has multiple adverse health consequences, including impaired fetal brain and lung development, and altered development of cerebral cortex and hippocampus in adolescents. Measures to protect the health of pregnant women and children are needed and could include (1) strong prohibitions on marketing that increase youth uptake; (2) youth access laws similar to those in effect for other tobacco products; (3) appropriate health warnings for vulnerable populations; (4) packaging to prevent accidental poisonings; (5) protection of non-users from exposure to secondhand electronic cigarette aerosol; (6) pricing that helps minimize youth initiation and use; (7) regulations to reduce product addiction potential and appeal for youth; and (8) the age of legal sale.
authors: Office on Smoking and Health. Electronic address: lbe9@cdc.gov.
authors: Lucinda J
authors: LJ
authors: England
authors: Office on Smoking and Health.
authors: Rebecca E
authors: RE
authors: Bunnell
authors: Office on Smoking and Health.
authors: Terry F
authors: TF
authors: Pechacek
authors: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors: Van T
authors: VT
authors: Tong
authors: Office on Smoking and Health.
authors: Tim A
authors: TA
authors: McAfee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011634:Public Health; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D062789:Tobacco Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000600:supply & distribution; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D009538:Nicotine