The Dangers Associated with Vaping
It’s likely that you’ve heard a lot about vaping recently. You may also be aware of the recent surge in lung damage and fatalities in the United States associated with vaping. However, there are other hazards associated with vaping as well. What you should know is as follows.
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Vaping devices exist in a variety of forms and sizes and are also referred to as e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs, among other names. Some have a shape akin to classic pipes, cigars, or cigarettes. Others have shapes resembling commonplace items like USB memory sticks or pencils.
Despite having diverse designs, the majority of vaping devices function similarly. Puffing turns on a heating appliance that runs on batteries. This causes the liquid in a cartridge to heat up and release inhaled fumes.
The lungs are exposed to several substances during vaping. These might include flavorings, additional substances added to vaping liquids, and the primary active elements in tobacco (nicotine) and marijuana (THC). Furthermore, the vaporizing process might result in the production of additional compounds.
Dr. Thomas Eissenberg, a tobacco research specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University, says that if a liquid contains nicotine, the user is also breathing nicotine along with the other chemicals.
Although most vaping devices function in a similar way, some are more potent than others. They distribute more chemicals and produce more vapor.
How secure is vaping then? Research indicates that switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping as a full substitute for smoking may reduce the risks associated with nicotine use. However, vaping nicotine may still be harmful to your health.
“People are breathing in up to 200 puffs of non-air every day for days on end, weeks on end, and years on end, and your lungs aren’t designed to handle that,” Eissenberg adds.
He says, “You’re breathing in nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorants that were intended for eating but not inhalation.” And this small reactor, an e-cigarette, is where all of those are heated up. These components have the ability to change into other potentially hazardous substances when heated.
One potentially dangerous ingredient is vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent that is occasionally added to vape devices that contain THC. It is a “chemical of concern” according to the CDC for those who have lung damage from vaping. They advise staying away from vaping products that include THC or vitamin E acetate, especially if they come from unofficial sources like friends, relatives, or physical or online vendors.
Teenagers are now more likely to vape than smoke regular cigarettes. In the last month, one in four seniors in high school reported vaping nicotine. Additionally, research indicates that kids who vape nicotine may be more prone to start smoking regular cigarettes later on.
Vaping marijuana has also become quite popular among teenagers. Twenty percent of seniors in high school vaped marijuana during the previous year. In the last two years, the rates have increased by almost 100%.
New legislation is intended to reduce teen vaping. To purchase any tobacco product, including vaping items, a person must now be 21 years old. Additionally, businesses are no longer able to manufacture and market tastes like fruit and mint that appeal to kids.
It’s never too late to stop smoking or vaping cigarettes if you’ve already begun. For advice on how to stop, go to the Wise Choices box.