Facts About Vaping: If You Think Vaping Is Safe You're Fooling Yourself by Dr. Niket Sonpal

New Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics showed that 10 million Americans vape on a regular basis and three million of these users are under the age of 18 years old. Marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking cigarettes, the widespread use of vapes has dramatically increased since its introduction in 2003. Is vaping really much better than smoking cigarettes? Recent news of teens being sent to the hospital after experiencing nicotine-induced seizures has sparked controversy on the subject more than ever before. 

What Are Vapes?

Vapes are hand-held battery-powered devices (e-cigarette) that mimic the actions and sensations of smoking a cigarette. They have a heating component, which atomizes tiny liquid particles (e-liquid), which turns into vapor. The exact composition of ingredients vary depending on the e-cigarette, but most contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and other flavoring additives.

How Is Vaping Different From Smoking Cigarettes?

The most significant difference between vaping and smoking cigarettes is there is no tobacco or combustion involved.

Why Are Vapes Alarming?

E-liquid in vapes are found to contain levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals, as stated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these toxic chemicals that cause lung diseases are also found in cigarettes.

What Are the Risks of Vaping?

Nicotine is the primary element in vapes, which we all know is highly addictive and has been known to cause certain cardiovascular diseases. It constricts the blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. In teens primarily, nicotine affects the development of the brain, leading to behavioral determinants such as anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating and other mood disorders.

The Potential Side Effects of Vaping

• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• toxin exposure
• nicotine overdose
• popcorn lung
• gateway to other addictive substances

Learn more facts about vaping. 

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