Vaping has become a popular alternative to cigarette smoking, particularly among the youth.
What is Vaping?
E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapour, which a smoker inhales; hence the term ‘vaping’.
How do e-Cigarettes work?
There are various kinds, but many people use the Juul. This e-cigarette looks like a flash drive and can be charged in a laptop’s USB port. It makes less smoke than other e-cigarettes, so teens use them to vape at home and school. The Juul pod’s nicotine levels are equal to a full pack of cigarettes.
Is vaping better than normal cigarettes?
The long-term effects of smoking cigarettes are scientifically proven to include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. Vaping hasn’t been around long enough for researchers to know exactly how it affects the body over decades, but early evidence shows serious lung damage in people who vape. Even nicotine-free e-juice contains a number of potentially toxic chemicals, such as base liquids and flavouring agents which also irritate the respiratory system, cause cell death, and inflammation, and harms blood vessels.
The bottom line is that vaping is not safe, with or without nicotine. Here’s why:
Toxins (poisons): The vapour made from e-cigarettes is not made of water; it contains harmful chemicals and fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the environment.
Brain risks: Nicotine affects brain development, particularly in the youth, making it harder to learn and concentrate. Some brain changes are permanent and can affect mood and the ability to control impulses.
Unknown health effects: The long-term health consequences of vaping are not known; however, recent studies show serious lung damage in people who vape, and even some deaths.
Addictive: Vaping, like cigarettes, is addictive and studies show that vaping makes it likely that someone will try other tobacco products, such as regular cigarettes, cigars etc.
Inflammation: Vaping can lead to lung inflammation (irritation), affecting performance in sports.
Expensive: Vaping is not cheap. The cost of the cartridges adds up quickly.
If you need support to quit or need guidance on how to start a discussion with someone you care about, reach out to LifeAssist for professional counselling and health advice.