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by muaddirac 3876 days ago
I'm not an expert, but there is some evidence that nicotine alone can lead to heart disease.
2 comments

Its unclear and all over the map.

There's a famous study from '97 in direct opposition based on nicotine gums and patches and I quote:

"Clinical trials of NRT in patients with underlying, stable coronary disease suggest that nicotine does not increase cardiovascular risk"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9180099

On the other hand there's something in e-cig fluid aside from nicotine that seems to be a cancer risk

"E-cigarette vapor, both with and without nicotine, is cytotoxic to epithelial cell lines and is a DNA strand break-inducing agent. Further assessment of the potential carcinogenic effects of e-cigarette vapor is urgently needed."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26547127

To some extent its like arguing with people about a paleo diet. Twinkies may or may not be good or bad for you, none the less removing twinkies from your diet totally utterly freaks some people out. Likewise it seems highly likely that not using ecigs will have no negative health effects, but people will freak out if you suggest not vapeing.

In terms of recreational activities, its probably not as bad as numerous activities like being exposed to fumes from drying paint, stripping and refinishing of furniture, etc. On the other hand its likely far more dangerous than watching TV or reading HN articles.

Caffeine also has CVD impact, as well as GI and mental health.
The difference between caffeine and the chems in e-cigs is that caffeine consumption typically only involves the user. Where-as e-cig consumption too often involves the user, plus all those stuck in the same room/elevator.

If this were a nicotine patch, it wouldn't be such an issue.

E-cigs do not dose bystanders with nicotine.
None of these links suggest that bystanders are dosed with nicotine by e-cigarettes.