Abstract
Objective: To assess the risks of using electronic cigarettes as an alternative to conventional. Bibliographic review: Electronic cigarettes have been used as an alternative in smoking cessation. However, they release considerable amounts of nicotine and other substances, often not clarified by the manufacturer, such as tetrahydrocannabinol oil (THC). In addition, commercialization, imports and advertising in Brazil are prohibited, but the sale is made clandestine. Scientific evidence on the long-term damage caused by e-cigarettes is inconclusive. Some in vitro studies have shown changes in the respiratory mucosa, similar to the damage caused by traditional cigarettes. In 2019, Lung Injury Associated with the Use of Products with Electronic Cigarette or Vaping (EVALI), was described as an acute or subacute respiratory disease that can progress to death. Final considerations: Therefore, it is still difficult to classify e-cigarettes as auxiliary medicine in the use of nicotine, however it is recommended not to use their products, mainly with THC and obtained from informal sources.