3 Reasons to Say NO to E-Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and a way to manage nicotine cravings if you’re trying to quit. But here are 3 good reasons to give them a thumbs down.

1. Safety concerns
After analyzing e-cigarette samples, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that some products contain cancer-causing agents and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.

2. No convincing evidence they will help you quit
In fact, there is evidence suggesting the opposite: A 2014 study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, revealed that smokers who use e-cigarettes are a third less likely to quit than those who don’t use them.

3. What’s proven to work still works
Evidence shows the most effective way to quit is to use a combination of FDA-approved medications (like the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, or bupropion) and counseling support. Choose what works for you: Kaiser Permanente’s Wellness Coaching by Phone, tap into the power of a group in a Health Education stop smoking class, or try the online, self-paced program called HealthMedia® Breathe.(TM)