New research suggests e-cigarettes are now more popular than tobacco cigarettes among American teens.
A survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health finds the popularity of e-cigarettes has nearly triple since 2011.
E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and have been steadily gaining popularity among people in all age groups. But some health experts say the electronic cigarettes still pose risks.
“Most importantly what we’re worried about is the development of addiction and dependence from nicotine,” said Dr. Paul MacEachern, a respirologist at the University of Calgary. “And whether that could translate to the use of (tobacco) cigarettes down the road.”
The Alberta government is currently reviewing the safety of e-cigarettes. In a statement, Dr. James Talbot, the province’s chief medical health officer says the best choice is for Albertans to avoid smoking altogether and at the very least to avoid using products that are not yet known to be safe.
“Right now, we don’t have enough evidence about the potential benefits of using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation or about the potential health risks,” said Talbot. “More research is needed on both counts.”
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