ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE TOXICITY AND RISK FOR EVALI AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as an alternative to restricting the consumption of traditional cigarettes. Its composition has numerous substances such as nicotine, flavorings, flavorings and even tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the diversity of constituents is one of the reasons why its consumption becomes attractive among the population. However, the use of EC has been responsible for triggering cases of a pathology called electronic cigarette-induced lung injury (EVALI). Thus, the present work aims to discuss the toxicity of EC and its relationship with the development of EVALI. A qualitative approach was carried out in the form of integrative literature review, whose searches were carried out in the Pubmed, Periódicos Capes and VHL databases. It was found that one of the main substances related to EVALI is tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), which when inhaled causes inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in cells. It is concluded with this review that the chemical substances used in EC have diversified toxic potential, causing from coughing or dyspnea, to the development of EVALI with potential lethality. However, studies on EC components and their relationship with EVALI are still limited and hampered by the lack of standardization in the association between constituents. Given the scarcity of studies that address the issue in question in Brazil, more studies are needed to elucidate the toxicity of substances contained in EC and its relationship with EVALI.