[Harmful health effects of flavors in e-cigarettes].

Background: Almost all e-cigarettes contain flavorings that make the product more attractive. In the evaluation of e-cigarettes on health, flavors have so far played a subordinate role.

Method: Selective literature search in PubMed, supplemented by legal regulations on the use of flavors in e-cigarettes.

Results: Flavors make it easier to start using e-cigarettes and have a consumption-promoting effect. Deeper inhalation increases nicotine uptake and the absorption of toxic substances from the e-cigarette liquid. For some flavors, pathological effects have been demonstrated in addition to other toxic components of the e-cigarette. To date, no toxicological analyses are available for the vast majority of flavors contained in e-cigarettes.

Conclusions: The proven consumption-promoting effect and the health risks that can be extrapolated from preclinical data are significant for the political discussion of a ban on flavors for e-cigarettes, analogous to the ban on flavors in tobacco products already in force.