[Harmful health effects of flavors in e-cigarettes]

BACKGROUND:  Almost all e-cigarettes contain flavorings that make the product more attractive. In the evaluation of e-cigarettes on health, flavors have so far played a subordinate role. METHOD:  Selective literature search in PubMed, supplemented by legal regulations on the use of flavors in e-cigarettes. RESULTS:  Flavors make it easier to start using e-cigarettes and have a consumption-promoting effect. Deeper inhalation increases nicotine uptake and the absorption of toxic substances from the e-cigarette liquid. For some flavors, pathological effects have been demonstrated in addition to other toxic components of the e-cigarette. To date, no toxicological analyses are available for the vast majority of flavors contained in e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS:  The proven consumption-promoting effect and the health risks that can be extrapolated from preclinical data are significant for the political discussion of a ban on flavors for e-cigarettes, analogous to the ban on flavors in tobacco products already in force.

• Sommer, N.
• Franzen, K.
• Andreas, S.
• Pankow, W.
• Kunstmann, W.
• Hanewinkel, R.