Much is unknown about the health effects of vaping
Instead of lighting up a cigarette, many people are now using electronic cigarettes as a healthier alternative to the bad habit. But what are the risks of using these relatively new devices?
One local doctor says it is not entirely clear yet if there are any harmful effects from using electronic cigarettes.
“There's not a lot known at least in the way of studies,” said Dr. Mark Provenzano, pulmonologist with Butler Health System Pulmonary Associates. “There's a bit of data, but it's conflicting.”
Provenzano sees patients with a variety of lung disorders, a large portion of which are smoke-related.
Some studies suggest that using an electronic cigarette helps with smoking cessation, Provenzano said.
Some people have switched completely from smoking cigarettes to using e-cigarettes and have noticed a health difference in their overall well-being and breathing, anecdotal evidence shows.
However, Provenzano said some people continue to smoke, albeit less than before, while using e-cigarettes.
“I don't know if there's a real benefit of going from a pack of cigarettes a day to 10 cigarettes a day and continuing to be nicotine dependent by way of cigarettes and e-cigarettes,” he said. “It doesn't change their behavior. They just sort of rob Peter to pay Paul.”
A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.
