American Heart Associate has concerns about E-Cigarettes

The American Heart Associate says it wants electronic cigarettes regulated by the federal government, and subject to laws that already apply to tobacco products. Dr. Elliott Antman, president of the American Heart Associate, says electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, are potentially hazardous, and could lead to traditional smoking by youth. “We are alarmed about the increase in use of electronic cigarettes by our youth and the concern about them potentially becoming a gateway product.” Dr. Antman says there is little evidence to show e-cigarettes help with smoking cessation. However, for those who want to quit, he says, “They should set a quit date for electronic cigarette use, the end goal of all of this is to be completely tobacco, not to simply add a second form of a tobacco product.” Electronic cigarettes are potentially hazardous and not just for the user, concludes Dr. Antman. “We are very concerned about reports that there are increases in what is referred to as particulate matter and that would be inhaled into the lungs not of the individuals who are using an electronic cigarette but individuals who could be affected by second hand exposure.” The American Heart Associate encourages all smokers to quit and they offer free quitting advice on their website.