E-Cigarettes Could be Prescribed by NHS to Wean Smokers Off Cigarettes

Smoking is one of the major health risks of modern society and contains over 4000 chemicals including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT. A recent technological alternative is the E-Cigarette, which offers the addictive nicotine hit without the dangerous chemical after-effects. Despite this, there have been some concerns about their formula and lack of regulation could lead to hidden, harmful compounds. On another note, some critics have argued E-Cigarette smoking is a precursor to traditional smoking.

However, an evidence review for Public Health England has investigated E-Cigarette use and recommend their consumption to struggling smokers trying to kick the habit. It’s entirely feasible, that E-Cigarettes could be issued as a prescription. Prof Kevin Fenton, clarified the research and said:

“E-cigarettes are not completely risk-free but when compared to smoking, evidence shows they carry just a fraction of the harm.”

“The problem is people increasingly think they are at least as harmful and this may be keeping millions of smokers from quitting.”

More specifically, the study suggests E-Cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than smoking and a technological marvel to improve people’s health throughout the world. While there is still some negative press regarding this invention, regulation and proven research should make E-Cigarettes a trusted device. In an ideal world, I’d like to see smokers replace their traditional smoking habits with E-Cigarettes and slowly reduce consumption until they are Cigarette free.

Although, this is easier said than done. It’s important to reiterate though, that type 2 diabetes and obesity is probably a greater problem for future generations but smoking is currently the number one cause of death in the UK and must be tackled.

Thank you BBC for providing us with this information.