Resource Helps Explain the Potential Dangers of E-Cigarettes to Providers and Patients

November 06, 2020 by Alec Stone MA, MPA, Former ONS Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy

E-cigarettes are dangerous and their risks outweigh any potential smoking-cessation benefits, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) explained in a new two-page resource (https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/707903.pdf) that analyzes the science and technology behind the devices.

Although e-cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as tobacco cessation products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said they may help to reduce long-term effects of tobacco smoking when used as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. However, the long-term effects of e-cigarette use are not known, and their use carries certain risks, according to GAO’s report:

GAO urged healthcare providers to share these important concepts in health education training.


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