Many believe e-cigarettes or vapes are safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes, assuming they lack harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide. However, e-cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals, including nicotine, acetaldehyde, acrolein, propanal, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and diacetyl, which are not much different from what's found in traditional cigarettes.
Impact on Lung Health
The primary concern with e-cigarettes is their impact on lung health. E-cigarette liquids contain harmful chemicals and metals, such as nickel, lead, artificial flavors, and tiny particles that can damage the lungs. Vitamin E acetate, another common e-cigarette additive, can stick to the lungs and cause injury when inhaled. Excessive e-cigarette use can result in symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe coughing, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and even fever. In the short term, the nicotine from e-cigarettes can cause sleep disorders; in the long term, it increases cancer risk.
Impact on Heart Health
The nicotine present in e-cigarettes can also affect heart health. Nicotine raises blood pressure and leads to high adrenaline levels. Consequently, e-cigarette users experience an increased heart rate, placing them at a higher risk of heart attacks, with a 56% greater risk than non-users. Additionally, e-cigarette users face a higher risk of coronary heart disease and circulatory problems.
Brain Damage
Nicotine, whether from traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, is especially detrimental to teenagers. Nicotine can harm the part of the brain responsible for regulating mood, learning, concentration, and impulse control. Nicotine disrupts the formation of synapses the connections between brain cells, damaging stem cells and reducing the brain's ability to repair itself. This accelerates aging and makes the brain more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases.
Mouth Disease
Oral health often reflects overall body health, and nicotine negatively impacts the oral cavity. Nicotine reduces blood flow and essential nutrients to the gums, leading to gum damage and other oral issues.
Breaking the habit of smoking, whether traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, may not be easy, but it is vital to avoid the health risks that affect us and those around us.
Explore more enlightening articles on women's health and well-being at Newfemme!
Source:
Lore, M. 4 Major Health Risks Linked to E-Cigarette Use. WebMD. [online]. https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/vaping/vaping-ecigarette-health-risks-lung-heart