E-cigarettes may pose health risks even for passive smokers
The BfR recommends that smoking of e-cigarettes should be banned in smoke-free areas
The BfR does recognize that e-cigarettes and their liquids represent a health risk. Apart from nicotine, these health risks are caused by the fumigation agent propylene glycol, chemical additives such as pharmacologically active ingredients as well as various scents and aroma substances (e.g. menthol, linalool), and contaminants. There are indications in the literature that some e-cigarette brands may also release carcinogenic aldehydes. The various substances are being emitted into the surrounding air through both the smoke of e-cigarettes and the breath of e-smokers. Based on current knowledge, risks for passive smokers cannot be excluded at the moment.
According to their individual taste and preferences, e-smokers can also combine various liquids. Since consumers have access to a wide range of additives and concentrates, in such cases it may remain completely ambiguous what exactly will be inhaled and subsequently exhaled by e-smokers. Under such particular conditions, third parties are unable to evaluate whether or not the emissions released pose any health risks to humans.
For this reason, the BfR recommends that smoking of all e-cigarettes is to be banned in smoke-free areas. In this regard, currently e-cigarettes should be treated like conventional cigarettes to ensure the adequate protection of non-smokers. Even in private homes, e-cigarettes should be handled like normal cigarettes, i.e. they should not be smoked in the presence of sensitive persons such as children, pregnant women and sick persons.
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