Authorities in Britain are suspecting that e-cigarettes are resulting in fatalities as five people were reported to have lost their lives, with health watchdog collected information about the adverse impacts of vapes on human health since 2010.
The bad impact on health include respiratory disorders, as well as burn injuries and cancer, reported MailOnline.
There is no concrete evidence about the fatalities linked to the use of e-cigarettes
However, death occurred due to other complications but officials think vapes are behind them as three lives were claimed due to respiratory issues.
One of the death occurred by inhaling oil or fat — a known likely impact of using electronic cigarettes — while two others suffered heart issues.
According to the experts, it may be just the tip of the iceberg. Experts fear the death toll could be just the “tip of the iceberg”.
“The MHRA analysis is welcomed as it provides additional evidence of the potential harm that e-cigarettes and vaping can cause. The data may only represent the tip of the iceberg,” Dr Salim Khan, head of the Department for public health at Birmingham City University, said.
“To establish the potential impact that e-cigarettes and vaping are having on people’s health, we require continued data collection and reporting.”
“We need rigorous evidence that clearly demonstrates the detrimental impact of e-cigarettes and vaping on health.”
The deaths were known as they were reported through the Yellow Card system — a site to report suspected side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigs, devices and other products.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which runs the scheme, said it “does not make direct links.”
A spokesperson said: “It may be difficult to tell the difference between something that has occurred naturally and an adverse reaction.”
“Sometimes reactions can be part of an underlying condition rather than being caused by the e-cigarette.”
“Many factors have to be considered when assessing whether an e-cigarette has caused a reported adverse reaction.”
What are the reactions caused by e-cigarettes?
The 942 adverse reactions to e-cigarettes included:
- Oropharyngeal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Malaise
Professor John Britton, of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Group, said reactions are “very rare”.
Through e-cigarettes, nicotine is inhaled through vapours rather than smoke, without burning tobacco or producing tar or carbon monoxide.
These vapes have helped people quit smoking, however, their long-term effects still remain unknown.