TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE USE

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are nicotine delivery systems that have been promoted as less harmful alternatives to conventional tobacco products and are rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among young people. However, knowledge about the toxicological profiles of the chemicals and aerosol constituents in e-cigarettes remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the substances present in e-cigarettes from a toxicological perspective and to identify their potential health effects based on the available literature. Specifically, the toxicological potential of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, flavorings, heavy metals, and aldehydes was examined. The findings indicate that e-cigarettes not only sustain nicotine addiction but may also exert harmful effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, oral and dental, and nervous systems. Furthermore, aldehydes generated through the thermal degradation of propylene glycol and glycerol are emphasized as contributors to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Overall, the study concludes that the widespread use of e-cigarettes among young people may negatively impact mental health and pose emerging threats to public health. Accordingly, the results highlight the need for the development of regulatory policies addressing e-cigarette use.

Keywords

• Electronic cigarette
• Toxicology
• Nicotine
• Public health
• Addiction

ELEKTRONİK SİGARA KULLANIMININ TOKSİKOLOJİK AÇIDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Abstract

Elektronik sigaralar (e-sigaralar), geleneksel tütün ürünlerine göre daha az zararlı olduğu iddiasıyla geliştirilmiş nikotin iletim sistemleri olup, özellikle gençler arasında hızla yayılmaktadır. Ancak, e-sigaraların içerdiği kimyasallar ve aerosol bileşenlerinin toksikolojik profili hakkındaki bilgiler hala sınırlı düzeydedir. Bu çalışma, e-sigaralarda bulunan maddeleri toksikolojik açıdan değerlendirmeyi ve insan sağlığı üzerindeki potansiyel etkilerini literatür temelli olarak ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada, e-sigaralarda yer alan nikotin, propilen glikol, gliserol, aroma maddeleri, ağır metaller ve aldehitlerin toksiste potansiyeli incelenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, e-sigaraların yalnızca nikotin bağımlılığını sürdürmekle kalmayıp; solunum, kardiyovasküler, ağız-diş sağlığı ve sinir sistemi üzerinde zararlı etkilere neden olabileceğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca, propilen glikol ve gliserolün ısıl bozunumu sonucu ortaya çıkan aldehitlerin, oksidatif stres ve hücresel hasar süreçlerine katkıda bulunduğu bildirilmektedir. Gençler arasında yaygın e-sigara kullanımının ruh sağlığı üzerinde olumsuz etkiler yaratabileceği ve halk sağlığı açısından yeni tehditler oluşturabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır. Bu bağlamda, e-sigaraların bireysel ve toplumsal düzeyde sağlık riskleri taşıdığı ve düzenleyici politikaların geliştirilmesinin gerekliliği önemle vurgulanmaktadır.

Keywords

• Elektronik sigara
• Toksikoloji
• Nikotin
• Halk sağlığı
• Bağımlılık

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