De e-sigaret: het ultieme paard van Troje

Electronic cigarettes have rapidly attracted interest as a method to help people quit smoking, on the premise that e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco. However, so far studies have not provided convincing evidence that using electronic cigarettes is a better method of smoking cessation than other methods such as motivational counselling, either with or without nicotine replacement therapy. In addition, there is an alarming growth in the popularity of vaping among young people who find e-cigarettes attractive. Recent studies show the harmful effects of the ingredients of the e-cigarette fluid have resulted in acute pulmonary complications such as organizing pneumonia, asthma attacks and diffuse alveolar bleeding. The long-term effects of e-cigarettes are largely unknown, but one doesn’t need to be a soothsayer to predict that the long-term damage will be significant. In conclusion, as pulmonologists, we find it necessary to give a serious warning to the Dutch population and would summarize the recommendations for vaping with one simple word – “Don’t”.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.