E-Cigarettes and Associated Health Risks: An Update on Cancer Potential

Adv Respir Med. 2023 Nov 14;91(6):516-531. doi: 10.3390/arm91060038.

Abstract

The potential cancer risk associated with electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) use is ongoing and remains a subject of debate. E-Cigarettes work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When the liquid is heated, users inhale an aerosol into their lungs. While e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products, they still contain potentially harmful chemicals, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer. Several studies have investigated the potential cancer risk associated with e-cigarette use, while other studies have suggested that e-cigarette aerosol may contain carcinogenic chemicals that could increase the risk of lung and bladder cancer in humans. However, these studies are limited in their scope and do not provide conclusive evidence. Overall, the long-term cancer risk associated with e-cigarette use remains uncertain, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of e-cigarettes. However, this review will allow the investigator to get more recent updates about e-cigarettes.

Keywords: cancer; chemicals in e-cigarette; e-cigarette; flavors of e-cigarette; generation of e-cigarette.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Nicotine / adverse effects
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms*
  • Vaping* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Nicotine
  • Aerosols

Grants and funding

The authors have no financial affiliation or involvement with any entity or organization for this work.