TY - JOUR T1 - The Electronic Cigarette. Official Statement of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) on the Efficacy, Safety and Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes JO - Archivos de Bronconeumología T2 - AU - Jimenez Ruiz,Carlos A. AU - Solano Reina,Segismundo AU - de Granda Orive,Jose Ignacio AU - Signes-Costa Minaya,Jaime AU - de Higes Martinez,Eva AU - Riesco Miranda,Juan Antonio AU - Altet Gómez,Neus AU - Lorza Blasco,Jose Javier AU - Barrueco Ferrero,Miguel AU - de Lucas Ramos,Pilar SN - 15792129 M3 - 10.1016/j.arbr.2014.06.007 DO - 10.1016/j.arbr.2014.06.007 UR - https://archbronconeumol.org/en-the-electronic-cigarette-official-statement-articulo-S1579212914001712 AB - The electronic cigarette (EC) is a device formed by 3 basic elements: battery, atomizer and cartridge. When assembled, it looks like a cigarette. The cartridge contains different substances: propylene glycol, glycerine and, sometimes, nicotine. When the user “vapes”, the battery is activated, the atomizer is heated and the liquid is drawn in and vaporized. The smoker inhales the mist produced. Various substances have been detected in this mist: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein and some heavy metals. Although these are found in lower concentrations than in cigarettes, they may still be harmful for the human body. Several surveys show that 3%–10% of smokers regularly use e-cigarettes. A randomized study has shown that the efficacy of e-cigarettes for helping smokers to quit is similar to nicotine patches. Nevertheless, the study has relevant methodological limitations and reliable conclusions cannot be deduced. This report sets down the Position Statement of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes. This statement declares that e-cigarettes should be regulated as medicinal products. ER -