By: ABRS- Academic Team
Introduction
Vaping has become a prominent issue in today’s society, especially with the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers. Although it may seem like a harmless alternative to smoking, the reality is that vaping carries serious health risks, some of which are still not fully understood due to the relatively short period of time e-cigarettes have been available. As a society, it is crucial to engage in open discussions about the dangers of vaping, particularly with our youth, to help them understand the real consequences of using such devices. At Advanced BioResearch Solutions (ABRS), we believe in the importance of educating and raising awareness on topics like this that can have a profound impact on public health. In this blog, we explore the mechanics of vaping, its risks, and how we, as a community, can help prevent its use and protect the future of our youth.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol produced by a handheld electronic device. While it resembles smoking, vaping involves inhaling a vapor created by heating a liquid, commonly referred to as e-liquid or vape juice. This liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
The device, powered by a battery, heats the liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales through a mouthpiece. The aerosol looks like water vapor but contains a mixture of chemicals, including nicotine, flavoring agents, and particles such as metals and potentially harmful substances. Once inhaled, these particles travel to the lungs, where the nicotine and other chemicals enter the bloodstream.
How Does Vaping Work?
Vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes or vape pens, work by heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavoring agents, and substances like propylene glycol or glycerin. These liquids are heated into an aerosol, which the user inhales. Despite being called “vapor,” this substance actually contains tiny particles, not water vapor.
When the device is activated, the battery powers a heating element, which converts the liquid into an aerosol. This aerosol is inhaled through the mouth, travels down the throat, and enters the lungs, where nicotine and other chemicals can have various effects on health. The devices usually have a cartridge, tank, or pod to hold the liquid, a heating element to produce the aerosol, and a mouthpiece for inhaling.
What’s in E-liquid?
E-liquids, or vape juices, typically contain several key ingredients:
• Nicotine: The addictive substance found in tobacco, which is one of the primary components of most e-liquids.
• Flavorings: Added to provide various tastes, ranging from fruity to dessert flavors.
• Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG): These substances create the vapor. PG provides a throat hit similar to smoking, while VG produces thicker vapor.
However, e-liquids can also contain harmful substances such as:
• Carcinogens (e.g., acetaldehyde, formaldehyde) that are potentially cancer-causing.
• Chemicals known to cause lung disease (e.g., acrolein, diacetyl).
• Heavy metals like nickel, tin, lead, and cadmium, which can be toxic when inhaled.
According to Health Canada, vaping presents various health risks that are important to consider, especially as its popularity continues to rise. While many perceive it as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, the reality is that vaping can have serious health consequences, some of which may not yet be fully understood due to the relatively short time that vaping products have been on the market. The health risks of vaping include the following:
• Addiction: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a potent and highly addictive substance. Even though vaping may seem less harmful than smoking, it still delivers nicotine to the body, which can lead to dependence. What is concerning is that it is not necessary to vape every day to develop an addiction, and for some, this addiction can escalate quickly.
• Anxiety and Depression: The impact of nicotine on mental health is another critical concern. Nicotine has been shown to worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can significantly affect one’s emotional well-being. Moreover, nicotine use can interfere with cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and self-control. This is particularly concerning for young people whose brains are still developing and may be more susceptible to the negative effects of nicotine.
• Becoming a Smoker: A significant risk of vaping, especially for young people, is the potential gateway effect. Research suggests that those who vape are more likely to transition into smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. The allure of flavored e-liquids and the misconception that vaping is harmless can make it easier for young people to try smoking, thus increasing their likelihood of developing a lifelong addiction to tobacco.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential link between vaping and sexual dysfunction, particularly in men. While this is still an area of ongoing research, evidence suggests that nicotine could contribute to reduced blood flow and other factors that may impair sexual health.
• Sleep Problems: Vaping, like smoking, can interfere with sleep patterns. Nicotine is a stimulant, which means it can disrupt the ability to fall and stay asleep, leading to insomnia or other sleep-related problems. Over time, poor sleep quality can have a serious impact on overall health.
• Exposure to Cancer-Causing Chemicals: Despite the absence of combustion in vaping, e-cigarettes still produce harmful chemicals that can pose a risk to health. Some of these substances, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, are known carcinogens, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer. While the levels of these chemicals in vaping aerosol are lower than in tobacco smoke, their long-term effects are still uncertain.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic exposure to the chemicals found in e-cigarette aerosol can irritate the lungs, leading to conditions such as chronic bronchitis. This inflammation of the airways can result in persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Over time, this can worsen and lead to more serious lung conditions.
• Lung Damage that Can Be Life-Threatening: Vaping can cause serious damage to the lungs. There have been reports of severe lung injuries associated with vaping, some of which have resulted in long-term respiratory problems or even death. The exact cause of these injuries is still under investigation, but the evidence underscores the potential dangers of inhaling unknown substances into the lungs.
• Other Health Effects that May Be Unknown: Since vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, the long-term health risks are still being studied. It’s possible that other harmful effects may surface over time, as researchers continue to learn more about how e-cigarette use impacts human health. The fact that vaping has not been around long enough for scientists to fully understand all its potential risks makes it particularly concerning for both current users and those considering trying it
Vaping is a topic that many parents find concerning, especially with its growing popularity among teenagers. While it may seem like a harmless trend, vaping can have serious health implications, and it’s important to stay informed and talk openly with your child about it. Understanding the signs that your child might be vaping, as well as knowing how to address the issue, can help you provide the support they need to make healthier choices.
How to Know if My Child is Vaping?
Start by asking your child in a non-critical and concerned manner if they have tried vaping. It’s important to encourage conversation, not shut it down. Even if you don’t think your child is vaping, talk about the topic so they know it’s unhealthy.
Some signs that someone might be vaping include:
• New health issues, such as coughing or wheezing.
• E-cigarette supplies, like cartridges or other suspicious items.
• New odors (some flavored e-liquids have been banned, but many are still available on the market, so parents might notice fruity or sweet smells).
The American Lung Association provides valuable recommendations on how to talk to our children about vaping. These suggestions are designed to help parents initiate an open and constructive dialogue, ensuring that the conversation is not perceived as judgmental but as an opportunity for education and guidance. By following these tips, parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns, making the conversation more effective in addressing the risks of vaping and how to avoid it.
What to Do if My Child is Vaping?
Your child will need your help and support to quit vaping. Help them find the motivation to stop. Some helpful conversations might include:
• The desire to be the best and healthiest version of themselves.
• Not wanting to be addicted.
• Avoiding health effects, such as sexual dysfunction and decreased athletic performance.
• Not wanting to increase anxiety or depression.
• Saving money.
• Standing against advertising targeted at young people.
Conclusion:
As we delve into the risks associated with vaping, it becomes clear that this is not just a passing trend, but a growing health concern that requires immediate attention. While the allure of flavored e-liquids and the misconception that vaping is safer than smoking may make it appealing to younger generations, we must stand together to provide the necessary education to dispel these myths. At ABRS, we recognize our responsibility in fostering conversations about health and well-being. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the issue; we must actively engage with young people, empowering them to make informed choices. This requires a collective effort—parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and organizations like ABRS—working together to ensure that the harmful effects of vaping are understood and prevented. By taking action now, we are not only protecting the health of future generations but also reinforcing the importance of responsible decision-making in the face of growing public health challenges.