Summary
The rapid increase in the popularity of electronic devices dispensing nicotine, the so-called e-cigarettes, caused an avalanche of speculation about the health effects resulting from their use. The purpose of the article was to answer the question whether e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional tobacco products. Research has shown that the aerosol produced by electronic nicotine dispensing devices contains more than 25 times less carcinogenic substances than in traditional cigarette smoke. The concentration of these substances is also significantly lower, which translates into lower incidence of cancer in comparison with people who smoke tobacco products. The supporting function of e-cigarettes in the process of quitting smoking has also been proven. People who used a substitute during this period were more motivated to give up their addiction, also their abstinence period lasted longer. On the other hand, it should be remembered that the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes are not known. Small amounts of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde and other aromatic compounds that are present in the aerosol can cause unknown pathologies.