Electronic Cigarettes Are Harmful

Many adults use electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, as an alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. They believe it is a safer option. Some college students also smoke e-cigarettes, or vapes, considering it a style statement. But there are many harmful side effects of vaping as well. You should be well aware of these before you try e-cigarettes.

What is an e-cigarette?

Also known as vapes, vape pens, or mods, e-cigarettes are electronic devices designed to look and feel like cigarettes. Some e-cigarettes look like pipes (used for smoking tobacco) or pens and are relatively easy to carry around. An e-cigarette is battery-operated and holds a liquid that is converted into aerosols by a heating element. The user inhales these aerosols. The liquid contains nicotine and other ingredients that help create the aerosol. At times, it may also contain other flavourings. Nicotine has been found even in vapes advertised as a zero-nicotine product.

Why are e-cigarettes harmful?

• E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance found in tobacco products.
• The aerosol produced by a vape contains nicotine and other harmful substances like cancer-causing chemicals and fine particles that can go deep into the lungs and cause toxicity.
• Aerosols released from vapes may contain volatile compounds, heavy metals, or diacetyl from flavourings, which can cause lung disease.
• Like traditional cigarettes, passive smoking can harm others around the user of an e-cigarette as the aerosols disperse into the air when exhaled.
• Nicotine raises blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. It also causes anxiety.
• E-cigarettes are as addictive as regular cigarettes.
• Vapes are especially harmful to teenagers and young adults since nicotine can interfere with brain development.
• Once addicted to vapes, young adults have more chances of turning to regular cigarettes in the future.
• Vaping causes damage to the lungs. It has been known to cause symptoms like breathing trouble, coughing, nausea and diarrhoea.
• Pregnant women should avoid e-cigarettes, as these can also harm the foetus.  
• There is a chance of defective batteries exploding, leading to injuries.

How to quit

One should not use vapes as a substitute for regular cigarettes. There are options like nicotine patches and lozenges that can help people gradually quit smoking without causing withdrawal symptoms. Youngsters should, in particular, avoid e-cigarettes. The flavours used in vapes make them even more harmful to their health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is vaping?

Inhaling the aerosols from an e-cigarette is usually called ‘vaping.’ People consider these a ‘vapour’ and thus the name.

2. What are the harmful effects of vaping?

Besides causing nicotine addiction, vaping can lead to dry mouth, coughing, shortness of breath, anxiety and throat irritation.

3. Can e-cigarettes harm the lungs?

Yes. The aerosols produced by an e-cigarette contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can go deep inside the lungs. Some of these may cause cancer or lung damage.

4. Is vaping worse than smoking cigarettes?

Smoking an e-cigarette may be considered less harmful than regular smoking, but it is not entirely safe.

5. Does vaping damage the brain?

Vaping can hamper brain development in teenagers and young adults. Nicotine can lead to anxiety and irritability. It can also interfere with learning.