Myth: Electronic Cigarettes all Contain Anti-Freeze
This is a common misconception stemming from a press statement that was released by the FDA in 2009 that stated the ingredient diethylene glycol was found in electronic cigarettes that were tested. Diethylene glycol is a toxic ingredient found in antifreeze. However, propylene glycol, which electronic cigarette liquid is made of, is sometimes an ingredient in antifreeze because the FDA recognized it as safe for human consumption in case of accidental swallowing. In reality, only 1 of the FDA tested cartridges was found to contain “about 1% diethylene glycol” which led experts to believe that the cartridge was somehow contaminated in some other way.
Myth: Second-Hand Vaping is Harmful
Many that believe ecigarettes to be as harmful as traditional tobacco cigarettes claim that exhaled vapor is indeed harmful to bystanders just like second-hand smoke. However, the FDA has only confirmed finding trace amounts of carcinogens in tested nicotine cartridges. With the nicotine containing barely detectable amounts of the toxins that tobacco cigarettes do and the vaporizers delivering very little nicotine in the vapor that is inhaled, any remaining harmful materials in the vapor that affects bystanders would be negligible. Also, electronic cigarettes do not create “side stream” smoke, which leaves the end of a lit cigarette (which does not pass through the filter or inhaled) and can be inhaled by bystanders.
Myth: Many End up Smoking Tobacco After Starting with Electronic Cigarettes
The marketing of the flavors and style surrounding electronic cigarettes, many believe that non-smokers are more likely to try electronic cigarettes and eventually switch to tobacco smoking. However, numerous studies have found that individuals start smoking for various reasons; peer pressure, stress and parents seem to be the main ones not appealing flavors or style. Due to the high start up costs, it would seem logical that new smokers would likely try traditional cigarettes because of the easy accessibility and lower price to start.
Myth: Electronic Cigarettes are more Addictive
This myth comes from FDA testing that found that the levels of nicotine in the cartridges varied from the labeled amount and that trace amounts of nicotine were found in cartridges labeled “no nicotine”. This led critics to take a stance saying that users were inhaling more nicotine and becoming even more addicted. However, two independent studies that have been conducted concluded that electronic cigarette vapor does not carry nicotine as well or in as large of quantity as tobacco smoke. Also, tobacco smokers or electronic cigarette users who crave the nicotine tend to “self-regulate” which means that once their craving is met, the use stops. So regardless of the amount of nicotine that is present in electronic cigarette vapor, users tend to stop when their need is met.