Electronic Cigarettes: A Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: This literature review aims to define electronic cigarettes (ECs) and to examine the safety and potential health effects of ECs. Using published articles performed using online databases with key words to define the searches, 222 articles were yielded. Of these 222 articles with manual review and elimination 18 articles were selected to complete the literature review. The literature review yielded discussions on key components and effects of ECs such as propylene glycol, nicotine, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, cytotoxicity, etc.

Conclusions: Through a review of 18 research articles, information saturation was reached to conclude that the use of ECs has multiple health risks comparable to traditional smoking, as well as new concerns specific to ECs alone. With increasing popularity of ECs, additional research is needed on safety and long-term effects.