Electronic cigarettes: not evidence-based cessation

Despite extensive efforts, smoking remains a modern-day epidemic with profound health consequences. In 1984, Dr. C. Everett Koop, the Surgeon General of the US at that time, presented an important speech on the hazards of smoking. In his speech he stated “The ultimate goal should be a smoke-free society by the year 2000.” Unfortunately, we did not achieved that goal. Shortly after the target date for a smoke-free society as proposed by Dr. Koop, a new product was successfully introduced to the world, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, with the plan to provide a healthier alternative to smoking burnt tobacco. Unlike combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes are battery-operated and use a heating element to heat an e-liquid releasing a chemical-filled aerosol. E-cigarettes also include e-pens, e-pipes, e-hookah, and e-cigars and are collectively known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).