Do You Know the Dangers of Vaping?

This is a guest post by Matt Boyle on the dangers of vaping. 

Electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more prevalent in the United States. This is especially true among teens. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teens are more likely to use vapes and e-cigarettes than regular paper cigarettes.

“Teens are clearly attracted to the marketable technology and flavorings seen in vaping devices; however, it is urgent that teens understand the possible effects of vaping on overall health; the development of the teen brain; and the potential for addiction,” said Nora Volkow, director of NIDA.

It should also be mentioned that teenagers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to move on to smoking regular paper cigarettes down the road.

While teenagers and young adults do use vapes often, the issue still affects all adults, and it is problematic for everyone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost three percent of all adults were active e-cigarette users.

Despite how popular using e-cigarettes has become, the effects of these devices are still not fully known. It is known that there are dangerous and addictive substances in e-cigarettes.

Vaping And Its Effects

E-cigarettes, also known as hookah pens, vapes, vape pens, and more are all forms of electronic cigarettes. They are generally battery-operated and used to inhale flavorings, nicotine, and other chemicals.

Vapes come in many sizes and shapes but are put together using similar components and operate in the same manner. Users will puff the e-cigarette activating a heating mechanism in the device that vaporizes the liquid, the user then inhales the vapor.

There are several health risks associated with using e-cigarettes. While they may not be as severe as paper cigarettes, they can still cause problems with brain development and chronic diseases.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the addictive component in paper cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. There are many health problems caused by nicotine use, and can adversely affect the heart, reproductive system, lungs, and kidneys. Many studies have also found that it is likely a cancer-causing substance. Moreover, nicotine is a well-known addictive substance.

Many might think that because an e-cigarette doesn’t have nicotine in it, it is safe. However, this is not always the case. The aerosol in vaporizers is not just harmless water vapor. It can contain several harmful and potentially harmful substances that may end up contributing to health issues later on.

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful ingredients, including flavorants like diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; particles the can be inhaled deep into the lungs; volatile organic compounds such as benzene which is found in car exhaust, and more.

Vaping and Teens

As mentioned before, teens and young adults are using e-cigarette and vapes at higher and higher rates. According to the Surgeon General, about 20 percent of high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018.

The use of e-cigarettes can be especially harmful to younger individuals due to the impact that it can have on the brain. Teenage years are important for brain development as the brain does not fully finish developing until about the age of 25. Likewise, using these substances can go on to cause addiction and harm in the developing brain.

Other risks associated with nicotine and vaping includes addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Similarly, it can impact the way that brain synapses are formed and cause issues in the brain that control attention and learning.

Whether you are a young adult, parent, or a casual user, it is essential to understand the dangers of vaping. There is still more research that needs to be done to fully understand the threat and harm that vaping and its respective substance carry. There are already some obvious repercussions that we know of today.

Photo by Itay Kabalo on Unsplash