JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of vaping from various perspectives that contribute to the consequences of e-cigarette products and vaping behaviors.

Objective:

The study design was based on the characteristics, components, and toxicity of e-cigarettes, and literature on the policy, advertising, social media, and public health aspects of vaping behaviors were conducted.

Methods:

Multiple elements were used for the social landscape which contributed to the toxicity and behaviors. Further assay was performed on how the specific characteristics of e-cigarette products and the marketing strategies, especially social media marketing, fostered the spread of vaping behaviors and the subsequent effects on human health and toxicity. The components of e-cigarette devices and e-liquids were analyzed.

Results:

Specific characteristics of e-cigarette products and the marketing strategies, based on vaping behaviors and the subsequent effects on human health and toxicity are shown. The pairs of nicotine salts and freebase nicotine, and tobacco-derived nicotine (TDN) and tobacco-free nicotine (TFN) brought more choices for vapers to advertise false understandings as well as a higher threat to vapers’ health. Emphasis was made on products of brands that have gained significant influence recently, which is leading to severe public health issues. Detailed discussions were made on the toxicity of e-liquid components, and the toxicity mechanism was proposed, along with regulatory aspects from a public health perspective.

Conclusions:

This review provides information on aspects associated with vaping that are crucial for vapers and policymakers to understand the public health issue and take action. Further research is crucial for understanding the newest variations of e-cigarette products and the resulting changes in patterns of vaping behaviors. Clinical Trial: None