First comparison of the harmfulness of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and hookahs

On June 25, in the medical cardiology journal called European Heart Journal, a study comparing the harmfulness of conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and hookahs disproved the claim that the latter two products were a healthier alternative to cigarettes.[1].

Proven harm to consumers' health

After analyzing the available literature on the harmfulness of compounds and the mechanisms by which they induce harmful effects on health, researchers are able to point out unfortunate similarities between cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and shisha.

First, since nicotine is present in all three products, addiction and harmful biological consequences are common.[2]. More specifically, these three forms of consumption lead to endothelial dysfunction. For information, this turns out to be a critical early event in the pathogenesis of most cardiovascular diseases.

Finally, oxidative stress is accentuated by smoking and vaping. Already known as a consequence of cigarettes, researchers have shown that this aggression of cells was just as true for vascular and brain cells in the case of electronic cigarettes, and for vascular and arterial cells, in that of shisha.

Clear clinical implications, but gaps in available knowledge

In view of the analysis and synthesis presented in this study, the authors highlight the need to re-evaluate the degree of lesser harmfulness of the electronic cigarette compared to the cigarette because the scientific assertion that the electronic cigarette would be 95% less harmful than the cigarette, put forward by the Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians is clearly not in line with reality. It is all the more deplorable as it motivates the consumption of this product.

As for hookah, researchers refute the theory that it is less harmful than cigarettes and oppose its consideration as a healthier alternative. In fact, a hookah session would even involve greater exposure to the toxic substances contained in tobacco smoke.

In conclusion, the researchers nevertheless point out that studies on the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes and hookahs are still lacking in order to be able to compare the harmful effects of these products on the health of consumers and people exposed to the fumes and aerosols from these products.