Airmen alerted to safety concerns of e-cigarettes

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kerry Ciolek
  • 66th Medical Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Air Force Surgeon General recently issued a memo alerting all Airmen about safety concerns regarding the electronic cigarette. The memo states that "due to the nature, appearance and safety concerns of electronic cigarettes, they are considered to be in the same category of tobacco products whose use is governed by Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Use in the Air Force. This new product will be reflected in the upcoming revision of AFI 40-102 due out this fall."

The electronic cigarette, also known as e-cigarette, e-cig or personal vaporizer, is an alternative to smoked tobacco products. This type of tobacco product is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by way of a vaporized solution. This also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no smoke or combustion is actually involved in its operation.

On 22 July, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Americans not to use e-cigs. In addition, the Surgeon General warned that toxic substances have been found in some tested samples of the e-cig cartridges. The FDA conducted testing and found one device to contain diethylene glycol--a toxic chemical used in antifreeze. Other tests results found that some devices emitted "tobacco-specific nitrosamines which are human carcinogens."

Additionally, Airmen should be aware that the cartridges used in these devices are replaceable and could be used to discreetly deliver substances other than nicotine. There have not been any studies done to demonstrate that e-cigs are more effective in aiding individuals to stop smoking. Also, the safety of this product is unknown, it is unregulated and the amount of nicotine that is delivered by these devices is not known.

There are several other options available to individuals at Hanscom who want to quit smoking. These include discussions with a personal physician, attending the smoking cessation program at the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) or using FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy items such as the patch, gum or lozenges. For additional information about smoking cessation, contact the HAWC at 781-377-6560.