The National Academy of Sciences released a comprehensive report and future research recommendations on the health effects of e-cigarettes. The research base was limited due to the fairly recent emergence of e-cigarettes, but through the analysis of over 800 peer-reviewed studies, the committee made dozens of conclusions on human health impacts. The report, commissioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), notes that while e-cigarettes are not without health risks, they are likely much less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes. In addition, switching entirely from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes reduces short-term adverse health outcomes. However, the report also concluded that there is substantial evidence to suggest e-cigarette use among youth and adolescents increases the risk of later using combustible cigarettes. The report identified areas in need of further research to better understand the short- and long-term effects and the balance of net public health harms and benefits. The evidence and recommendations reached by the National Academy of Sciences will assist the FDA in evaluating its new tobacco and nicotine regulation initiative.

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Nicotine, Tobacco, Public Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Tobacco Products, National Academy of Sciences, U.S.

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