Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are methods of delivering nicotine without combustion, which happens in cigarettes. These devices consist of a heating element, a battery, and a tank which stores eliquid. Over the years these devices have become more powerful, and capable of increased delivery of nicotine. There is a large variety of flavors and devices, which causes trouble for standardized studies. These devices were created to help cigarette users quit smoking; however, they are associated with significant dual use. ENDS produce lower levels of most toxic chemicals when compared to cigarettes, and significantly increased levels when compared to not smoking. Newer generation ENDS have capabilities of producing levels of reactive oxygen species and carbonyl compounds at levels similar to cigarettes. ENDS use has detrimental effects on the genome, immune system, and lung function due to exposure from these chemicals. These effects are at lower levels when compared to cigarette use. Chronic ENDS use has been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), with an even higher association with dual use. ENDS use also causes DNA adduct formation, and activates protein kinases, nicotine acetylcholine receptors and other pathways for lung cancer as cigarette use. The full health effects of ENDS use are still unknown, from the currents studies it is clear that its use is not without harm.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/43433 |
| Date | 19 November 2021 |
| Creators | Irimpan, Ervin M. |
| Contributors | Kathuria, Hasmeena |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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