Characteristic of nicotine delivery devices – electronic cigarettes – as a tool to fight against tobacco dependence

Abstract

The aim of the study is the analysis of specialized scientific literature and the review of data about the modern views on the electronic devices of nicotine delivery - electronic cigarettes from the view of evidence-based medicine. In recent years, electronic cigarettes (EC) have become widespread. More than 10 years have passed since the first batch release of electronic cigarettes, and during that time, many studies have been conducted on various aspects of their use. However, the main concern of experts is the lack of a clear unanimous opinion about their health security and the EC's effectiveness as a method of tobacco control. The review presents modern data regarding existing EC modifications, the impact of their use on the human body at the cellular and systemic levels. Attention is paid to the fact that the actual physical nicotine dependence in the vast majority of cases is combined with psychological dependence, which reduces the effectiveness of other nicotine delivery devices. Data from randomized clinical trials show that further development of methods for studying the effects of the EC on the organism is very actual. In general, such studies were made to highlight key issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarette use, including the fight against tobacco smoking. Special cautions were made to the research results that indicate the growing of popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers, particularly in the US, Poland, Latvia, Finland and Korea. Conclusions. The EC has proven to be effective in removing of tobacco-related complaints, but so far, the EC cannot be available as safe and effective method to completely abandon smoking. Existing production regulations do not standardize either the EC itself or the liquid for them, because of which the composition (including the content of harmful to health substances) is not actually regulated. In addition, there are no data about the long-term effects of EC usage, which is a priority area for further research.