Following extensive research over the past four years, the Tennessee Department of Health issued an updated advisory on Monday, Jan. 9, providing more information for individuals using electronic cigarettes and other similar devices.
“We recognize and applaud the many Tennesseans who have made resolutions to be healthier in 2017, particularly those who are battling a dependence on nicotine,” TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said in a statement issued to the STAR. “We know some may consider the use of electronic cigarettes to quit conventional tobacco products. Both current and potential user delivery systems should be aware e-cigarettes are not approved as smoking cessation devices by the FDA or CDC, and their use may create a variety of dangers.”
TDH first issued a public health advisory of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in February of 2013.
Risks cited in the new TDH advisory include:
• Liquid nicotine, a primary ingredient in many e-cigarettes and similar devices, can be fatal if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Users should protect themselves and not allow children access to the liquids. Parents who suspect their child may have swallowed chemicals or batteries intended for e-cigarettes should seek medical help immediately.
• Due to explosions of e-cigs and similar devices, the U.S. Department of Transportation has banned battery-powered electronic smoking devices in checked baggage. Fires and explosions of the devices have been documented to cause painful injuries.
• In a report released December 8, 2016, the U.S. Surgeon General called e-cigarettes an emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth. The report warned of the dangers of e-cigarette use among youth and young adults, and the risk of creating a new generation of nicotine-addicted Americans.
• Pregnant women should not use the devices as exposure to nicotine during pregnancy may have negative long-term health effects for a baby, impacting the nervous and circulatory systems, along with the brain and other organs.
• Parents should understand e-cigarette use by teens may create a nicotine addiction and be a gateway to use of conventional tobacco products.
• Persons should not share e-cigarettes or similar devices; doing so may spread a variety of illnesses. Additionally, the devices have been used to deliver intoxicating agents such as gamma butyrolactone, more commonly known as the date rape drug.
• Emissions from e-cigarettes may contain a variety of chemicals that may be harmful to both humans and pets.
Allison Foster, with the Carter County Health Department, has been on the forefront along with other members of the department to help nullify the usage of tobacco products within the county. While the thought is in the right place to use alternatives to tobacco products, Foster added she is expecting more advisories to come through the pipeline as research continues on ENDS.
“I’m anticipating more advisories from the Tennessee Department of Health and Surgeon General in the future,” she said. “The thought is in the right place when it comes to people looking to switch to ENDS. It’s natural to try something different but our goal is to help residents stop all products.”
In the statement, Dreyzehner added that individuals using ENDS for smoking cessation should instead used CDC-approved methods.
Locally, the Freedom From Smoking classes got underway on Monday evening, with the goal to help individuals steer clear from using products by utilizing other options available.
“Sometimes people don’t want to try the class environment,” Foster said. “There’s other options people can take for cessation.”
Along with the classes, Foster directed individuals to either stop by the department, visit www.tnquitline.org or call the state’s toll-free quit hotline 1-800-784-8669.