Introduction


Should you rather opt for electronic cigarettes over traditional tobacco ones ? Why ? We review here the status of current knowledge.

Presentation


Nowadays, it is difficult to know who to believe. Between the detractors and promoters of e-cigarettes, who is right? However, there have been many empirical studies done over the past 10 years and there are more to come. We review here the status of current knowledge on the matter, in order to help you determine if e-cigarettes are recommended in order to replace the traditional ones.

Traditional cigarettes


It is now long known than traditional cigarettes are harmful. Of the 4,500 substances naturally found in tobacco, no less than 93 have been identified as dangerous and 50 even carcinogenic. They are responsible for many pathologies such as cancer (80-85% of lung cancers, 50% of bladder cancers), pulmonary infections or illnesses (BPCO that affects over 400,000 people in Switzerland alone), cardiovascular diseases, fertility issues, growth issues, premature aging of cells, etc.

According to the manufacturers, traditional cigarettes are little more than a way to deliver nicotine, additives set aside. However, these additives represent around 10% of the total weight. Sugars, flavors, humectants, etc., but also other substances, in smaller quantities, that are used to improve the pharmaceutical properties of the nicotine, to possibly make them more attractive to younger customers, or to mask some of the uncomfortable tastes linked to the tobacco.

Nicotine brings the addiction, but it is the combustion of other substances that are at the origin of the health issues.

A couple of numbers …

cigarette electronique suisse sweetch

The statistics are mind-boggleling : there are 7 million deaths each year around the world linked to tobacco, of which over 6 million of smokers / ex-smokers, and more than 890,000 people exposed to passive smoking (of which 28% of children).

In Switzerland alone, over 9,500 people per year die of illnesses linked to tobacco consumption. This is more than all the deaths linked to car accidents, illegal drugs, AIDS, murders and suicides.

How does nicotine act on your brain ?


It is known that nicotine will stimulate cholinergic receptors. The induction of pleasure is composed among other of dopaminergic neurones than carry nicotinic receptors. Tobacco, through the nicotine contained in it, will activate these dopaminergic neurones, which will induce a temporary sensation of pleasure or satisfaction. The effect is short in its duration – around 30-120 minutes – and the body will crave for nicotine again after this period of time in order to enjoy the same positive sensations.

When starting to consume tobacco, these receptors are literally flooded with nicotine. To fight this, the brain will reduce the sensitivity of these receptors, but also that of acetylcholine ones. This in turn will reduce the capacity to work or concentrate. It will become more difficult to wake up in the morning, work, and it will reduce the sensitivity to pleasant elements. To counter this, the crave will start for another cigarette … and so the physical addiction begins.

The difference between addiction and dependence.


A dependence is the fact of not been capable of going without a substance or a behavior, to have an irresistible need to use that substance or to behave in that way. It is a way of recourse in order to bridge the withdrawal symptoms.

An addiction is close to a dependence, and they are often mixed up. The principal difference between the two relates to the consequences. Indeed, an addiction is a form or dependence, but one that has consequences on the individual (health, moral or relational degradations). Traditional cigarettes generate an addiction.

Electronic cigarettes


When vaping, e-liquid is inhaled. But what does the liquid contain?

The composition of e-liquids is well know: propylene glycol (also present in traditional cigarettes) and vegetal glycerine constitute the base. Both ingredients are frequently used by both the food and pharma industries. Flavors are added to this base, and nicotine (or not).

Contrary to traditional cigarettes, the composition is known perfectly. It is important to underline that the quality of the components can vary significantly. It is therefore important to acquire them through professional vendors that commit to selling high quality products, renown brands, controlled and certified e-liquids that have a guaranteed traceability. The origin of the e-liquids is also an essential element to be taken into account.

Better smoke or vape?

sweetch cigarette electronique suisse

Numerous experts will tell you that you should rather vape. According to recent studies, vaping would be 95% less dangerous to your health than smoking traditional cigarettes.
A majority of smokers are trying to quit one way or the other. Indeed, one of every two smokers will die of illnesses linked to tobacco consumption.

Several methods are available: nicotine substitutes, hypnosis, acupuncture, sheer will … but the fact is that an increasing number of people are turning toward e-cigarettes.

From our five years of experience, we can state with relative confidence that vaping is a good method to quit smoking, the most efficient, and will lead to quitting cigarettes for good. Certain studies demonstrate that e-cigarettes have a higher efficacy than nicotine substitutes, principally due to the fact that the gestures and habits remain to a large extent unchanged. However, the statistics on the subject are pretty scarce and history pretty short in order to corroborate the experiences we have witnessed over the past five years.

10 arguments in favor of e-cigarettes


  • E-cigarettes do not generate combustion (the reason for cigarette toxicity) and is 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes
  • They allow to keep/maintain the smoker’s gestures and habits
  • They are a nicotine substitute
  • They can be combined with the use of nicotine patches or other nicotine substitutes if their sole use is not sufficient
  • They do not expose the vaper’s surrounding to passive smoke (read also Passive vaping does not exist!)
  • They do not generate bad smell (breath, hands, clothes)
  • They allow to generate savings (unless you smoke rolled tobacco, or buy a new e-cigarette each time a novelty pops up)
  • They don’t alter the perceptions of smell and taste
  • They allow you to get your breath back
  • They preserve from the accelerated skin aging generated by smoking cigarettes

Conclusion


As you will have certainly understood, we can only recommend that you switch to electronic cigarettes, rather than continuing to smoke. Not only are they an excellent mean of withdrawal, but are also significantly less toxic. If you need more information, or just wish to discover our novel products, please visit one of our 5 shops in Nyon, Geneva (Plainpalais and Eaux-Vives), Neuchâtel or Lausanne. You will get advice from true professionals.