Often referred to as “vapes,” electronic cigarettes are a type of nicotine delivery system that are a substitute for tobacco. They consist of a power source, atomizer, and a container. They are typically used by individuals who are trying to quit smoking tobacco.
Nicotine
Despite their positive reputation, nicotine in vapes can cause health problems. There is a wide range of nicotine content in vape devices and vape juices, so the amount that you use is dependent on your personal tolerance level.
Nicotine is a drug that acts on the same reward pathways as cocaine and heroin. In turn, it activates reward circuits in the brain, which is one of the reasons why it is so addictive.
Nicotine in vapes can cause a number of short-term health problems, including headaches, nausea, and mouth sores. Nicotine can also disrupt blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack.
Nicotine in vapes can also have a negative impact on adolescent brain development. Vaping nicotine can interfere with the formation of new brain circuits, which are important for learning, self-control, and stress management.
Flavoring
Using a vape may be the newest trend on the block, but it can also be dangerous. Vaping can expose a person to potentially harmful chemicals and may increase the risk of future tobacco use.
The CDC says it’s too early to make any meaningful conclusions about the safety of flavored vapes, but it did find that some ingredients are of particular interest.
It’s not uncommon to see vitamin E acetate show up in unregulated e-cigarettes. It’s a diluent in vape cartridges and a surprisingly common ingredient in store bought vaping liquids.
The CDC also found that the chemical byproducts of vaping are also a big deal, particularly when it comes to the long-term. Some e-cigarette products contain high concentrations of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, while others may be laced with food and beverage flavors.
Thickening agent
Thousands of lung injuries have been linked to vapes that contain THC. This has prompted federal health agencies to consider vitamin E acetate as a possible culprit. The CDC and FDA have conducted a joint investigation into vitamin E acetate.
Vitamin E acetate is used as a thickening agent in THC vaping products. It was found in the lungs of 94 percent of patients who developed EVALI. However, the FDA allows vitamin E acetate in cosmetic lotions and food products. It has not been lab tested for safety.
Vitamin E acetate is not the only additive that has been linked to lung injuries from vaping. Other additives include PG VG, a food additive that is used in E-Liquids. VG has a higher viscosity than water and is commonly used in coffee sweeteners.
Other chemicals
Among vape users, e-cigarettes have taken over the throne for the last few decades. For the uninitiated, e-cigs may be synonymous with nicotine, but that is far from the truth. E-cigs come with a host of perks, including no strings attached, no hassles and no pesky regulations. In a nutshell, e-cigs are a boon to health-conscious smokers. Notably, e-cigs also provide a plethora of social benefits. The best thing about e-cigs is that they are virtually untraceable. Having said that, e-cigs do come with their share of drawbacks. The best place to start is with e-cig safety tips. Thankfully, e-cig manufacturers are also well equipped with state of the art technology.
Long-term effects
Among the many long-term effects of vapes, it’s important to understand the effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. These systems are affected by vaping because nicotine is used as the active ingredient in e-cigarettes. Vaping may cause irritation of the mouth and throat, increased blood pressure, and other problems.
A study from the CDC found that a large number of people in the United States suffer from some type of vaping-related illness. In January 2019, the CDC reported 57 deaths and 2,602 cases of vaping-related illness. Despite this, the number of vaping-related hospitalizations has fallen since the outbreak began.
Other long-term effects of vaping include mood disorders and addiction. Nicotine is a stimulant and can alter the way the brain and brain synapses work.
Nicotine can also damage the lungs. Flavor cartridges contain benzene and formaldehyde, which can cause scarring in the lungs. These toxins can also trigger a dry cough. Propylene glycol, which is used in the vaporized mixture, can also cause irritation of the lungs.