Vaping: A dangerous Habit?


By: Vaping360

What is vaping anyway?

Vaping is a method of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol. This aerosol is often called a vapor that is produced by an e-cigarette or other devices. Vaping devices use liquids containing nicotine and other substances that are heated, turning the liquid into a thick aerosol. Vaping devices contain four different parts: A cartridge that holds the liquid, a mouth piece used to inhale the liquid, a heating element and a power source, usually a battery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154203/

Difference between vapor and aerosol: A vapor refers to the gaseous state of a substance like water that contains little or no particles. 
An Aerosol is a suspension of tiny particles of a solid, liquid, or both that are in a gas.

Is Vaping a safe alternative to Cigarettes?

Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon that is increasing in popularity, especially in teens. In the last few decades, healthcare communities have fought to decrease smoking in adults and youth. Vaping devices are now threatening this progress. Healthcare officials initially thought that vaping devices were less dangerous than tobacco cigarettes, and could provide a safer alternative. Vaping may be an alternative to cigarettes; however, a safer alternative is incorrect. The CDC reports that vaping devices offer the same dangers as cigarettes just in smaller doses and over a more extended period. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=occ_stuarticles

What’s in the liquid?

E-liquid is the ingredient used in most vaper devices and usually consists of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, nicotine. However, other toxic chemicals were discovered by The U.S Food and Drug Administration, including carcinogens, formaldehyde, and Diethylene glycol an ingredient found in antifreeze. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=occ_stuarticles

How is vaping bad for you?

Long-term and harmful effects from vaping are not well researched; however, according to the CDC, the aerosol produced from vaping devices contain unstable organic compounds. These compounds are resistant to protective mechanisms in the respiratory system. When the aerosol is inhaled, dozens of tiny particles travel deep into the lungs and cause issues with breathing. https://www.rdhmag.com/home/article/16409913/e-cigarettes-vaping-and-chairside-education

Facts from the FDA

  • Nicotine addiction in youth is rising due to the popularity of vaping devices.
  • Longe-term effects from vaping are unknown
  • It is unclear if vaping is effective in helping people quit smoking cigarettes
  • It is unclear if vaping is less harmful then smoking traditional cigarettes 
  • It is unclear of the influence it may have as a “gateway” to smoking cigarettes
  • Manufacturers have targeted kids in their marketing of vaping products.
  • Vaping is not safe

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/how-fda-regulating-e-cigarettes

The harmful effects of vaping are not well-researched. Debates continue whether or not vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, and help adults kick the smoking habit. The questions answered show that vaping is risky and can cause serious health problems. Vaping products target youth and have proved to be effective with a dramatic increase in use among teens and adolescents. The truth is that vaping is a dangerous habit. Although changes have been implemented stricter regulations and more research are needed. We need to protect the health of our children and not let vaping become the next tobacco story. 

References

Arnold, C. (2014). Vaping and Health: What Do We Know about E-Cigarettes? Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(9). doi: 10.1289/ehp.122-a244

Prudovsky, D. (2019). Saying No to Vaping: What you should know about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Dental Assistant88(2), 10–11. 

Sherry, J. S., Blackstad, N. M., & Wheatley, K. S. (2017). E Cigarettes, Vaping and Chairside Education. RDH, 37(1), 45–52