Dangers of Vape and E-Cig

Vaping and E-cigarettes have taken America and Europe, like a hurricane or a storm, as it has now become a fad, not only to smokers who are quitting the habit, but also to first-timer adolescents, who are experimenting on some fruit-flavored nicotine. There is an ongoing debate between public health experts and vape and e-cig companies, with regard to its dangers and hazards v. safety and popular use. The Food and Drug Authority of the United States did not, in the past, or recent and present time, approved vapor and e-cigarettes as modes or methods to kick off the smoking habit.

What is vaping and e-cigarette?

Vaping is inhaling vapor that contains nicotine or nicotine-substitute chemicals or agents. It had started in the United States in the 1960s. No patent or trademark was applied for its commercial distribution. It was subsequently when a Chinese pharmacist, by the name of Hon Lik, whose father died of lung cancer secondary to smoking, designed what is now referred to as e-cigarette. E-cigarette became commercially successful in 2003. In the early 2000s e-cigarettes quickly became popular in American and European markets because of the belief that it is a legitimate means to stop smoking. Vaping and e-cigarettes have now grown into the most profitable marketplaces in the world.

Is vaping and e-cigarette safe? And Why?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers vaping and e-cigarette as illegitimate cessation to nicotine replacement therapy. In other words, it is not a method, mode of treatment, or practice to help people quit smoking regular cigarette. Vaping and e-cig contain toxic chemicals that can harm the body, rather than help it in getting rid of the nicotine habit.

Health hazards in vape and e-cigarette habits

1. Vaping lowers the body’s natural defense to infections. Compounds used in the liquid to create the vapor lowers the body’s immune system;

2. Chemicals used in vape and e-cig are chemicals that can cause permanent and fatal scars in the lungs. Inhalation can result to bronchiolitis (similar to asthma) or “popcorn lungs;”

3. Lithium battery used in vape and e-cig are combustible and can burn the face, tongue, teeth, and hands;

4. Vape cartridges and e-cig might contain more nicotine compared to regular cigarette;

5. Accidental ingestion of the liquid is poisonous;

6. Metal particles found in vape smoke can cause cancer;

7. Formaldehyde that is used to preserve dead bodies for long periods of time is found in chemicals in e-cig. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic or is linked to cancer;

8. Glycerin-based oils in e-cig can cause pneumonia;

9. E-cig users have a higher tendency to develop anxiety and depression; and

10. Adolescent e-cig users have a high possibility of experimenting, using and getting addicted to regular cigarettes and even marijuana.