MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Tennessee Department of Health is stepping into the controversy surrounding the use of e-cigarettes with a new health advisory.
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are battery powered electronic devices that vaporize a nicotine mixture that the user inhales. A number of stores catering to their use have opened in the mid-state in recent months.
Dr. David Reagan is the department’s Chief Medical Officer.
“Right now people are looking at these as devices that are very safe and effective and we certainly hope that they are shown to be safe and effective, but there is still a substantial question in both of those areas, especially around long-term use.”
Dr. Reagan notes that there is very little scientific evidence available on the use of e-cigarettes and that there are currently no state or federal regulations governing their manufacture.
He also notes that nicotine, however it’s delivered, is highly addictive. The department strongly cautions pregnant women to avoid either cigarette or e-cig use during pregnancy.
Click this linkto jump to the complete advisory.