Vaping has gained popularity as a safer alternative to smoking; however, this isn’t always the case. This article will outline eight risks associated with vaping that you may not know.
If you’re considering swapping from smoking to vaping, it’s imperative to be aware of these risks before making such a decision.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is quite popular, but how safe is it? Vaping refers to the inhalation of aerosol or vapor through a vape pen. The vaping ingredient (e-liquid) is a mixture of different substances such as nicotine, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavors.
Naturally, these ingredients are not harmful to human health; however, when you heat them to produce an aerosol, they release toxic byproducts like formaldehyde, tin, and nickel.
Back to the original question, is vaping safe?
CDC confirmed 2,807 e-cigarette or vaping-related lung injury (EVALI) cases and 68 deaths caused by Vitamin E acetate in February 2020. Here are eight risks of vaping you should know.
Risk of Vaping
Since its introduction in 2007, vaping products have become increasingly popular in the United States. They appear to be safer than tobacco products for several reasons. However, the risk outweighs the benefits. The dangers of vaping include:
1. Nicotine Dependence
Just like a regular cigarette, vaping also contains nicotine which is addictive. Many e-cigarette users have access to more nicotine because they can easily purchase an extra-strength cartridge or increase the voltage of the vape to produce more combustion.
Continual intake of nicotine can rapidly lead to nicotine dependency.
2. Lung Diseases
While e-cigarettes are considered safer than smoking a regular tobacco cigarette, vaping can worsen existing lung or heart disease.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
Several credible studies demonstrate that the use of e-cigarettes can negatively impact erection health. Sounds unbelievable, right? The chemical used in the production of vaping flavor can cause damage to endothelial cells in your body.
Endothelial cells are essential in the production and maintenance of nitric oxide. The depletion of nitric oxide, a vital substance that promotes the widening and free flow of blood through the blood vessels, will lead to the inability to attain or maintain an erection.
4. Cardiovascular Diseases
Several studies have provided evidence that vaping can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to a 2019 study, 56% of people who vape are more susceptible to heart attack and stroke than people who do not use an e-cigarette.
Even in the absence of nicotine, vaping can still constrict blood vessels and prevent the proper circulation of blood.
5. Unknown Health Effects
According to a study on vaping ingredients published in the journal Chemical Research in toxicology by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, vaping aerosols contain thousands of unknown chemicals, including caffeine and industrial chemicals.
While several types of research are ongoing to determine the potential effects of these chemicals, exposing yourself to this potentially dangerous chemical can result in irreversible lung damage.
6. Increase the Risk of Substance Abuse
According to a study, people who vape are more likely to use other substances like alcohol and drugs. According to the NIH, approximately 30% of people using e-cigarettes started smoking tobacco within six months of using vaping.
7. Impaired Brain Development in Teens
Nicotine affects memory and slows down brain development. It can affect behavioral patterns such as difficulty learning and attention to detail.
Some of the effects of nicotine addiction can become permanent and influence your ability to control your impulses.
Short-term symptoms
You may experience short-term symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and cough. You should consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms, indicating lung damage.
As vaping can cause several health issues that negatively impact your life, the most practical step towards improving your health is to stop vaping or smoking. Your doctor can recommend an FDA-approved smoking cessation program that is right for you if you want to quit.