Doctors: E-Cigarettes not healthier

Study finds young parents believe they are less harmful than regular cigarettes

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found many young parents using electronic cigarettes believe they are less harmful than regular cigarettes.

"The chemicals that they put in to help us absorb it rapidly into the bloodstream are often very pro-inflammatory and it's that inflammatory response that contributes to chronic diseases," said Dr. Daniel Neides, who did not take part in the study but is a smoking cessation expert at Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute.

AAP researchers surveyed more than 3,200 people. Results show 81 percent said e-cigarettes might be less harmful than cigarettes to people around them, 76 percent consider e-cigarettes to be more acceptable to non-tobacco users and 72 percentthought they can use electronic cigarettes in places where smoking is not allowed.

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Neides agrees with researchers who say none of this is true simply because the risks of e-cigarette use and the exposure to vapor are unknown.

"They should be regulated no different than regular cigarettes and people should be encouraged to not use them for any reason," he said.

The findings for the study "Electronic Cigarette Use Among Young Adults" was presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting.