E-cigarettes, JUULs, and vapes expose users to nicotine and harmful chemicals that may cause lung damage. They also expose others nearby to secondhand exposure.
Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that vaporize a liquid to produce an aerosol. They often look like regular cigarettes, cigars or pipes but are also available in sleek, modern styles that resemble pens, USB flash drives, and other items.
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or vape pens, are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid solution to produce an aerosol that the user inhales. The vapor contains nicotine and flavorings, as well as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. These chemicals are harmless in small amounts but can cause health problems when they are inhaled at high concentrations. The device may be designed to look like a regular cigarette, cigar, pipe, or USB flash drive. Larger devices, called tank systems or mods, may not resemble any tobacco products at all.
E-cigarette companies advertise their products through a variety of outlets. There are few federal restrictions on e-cigarette marketing, and companies often target young people. They have marketed flavored e-liquids that resemble popular candy and desserts such as Thin Mints, Oreos, and Tootsie Rolls.
The manufacturer of JUUL, a popular brand of e-cigarette that has been rapidly growing in popularity, promotes the product as being safer than traditional cigarettes. But JUUL and other e-cigarettes have been linked to an increasing number of cases of serious lung disease, including a new syndrome called EVALI, in users.
How do e-cigarettes work?
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that vaporize a solution that may contain nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. They are also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or vapes and come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like regular cigarettes, cigars or pipes while others resemble USB flash drives, pens and other everyday items. Other types are larger and can resemble a jug, a tank or even a toy.
The solutions that fill these devices are called e-liquids or e-juice and may or not contain nicotine. Nicotine is addictive, raises your heart rate and causes damage to cells and DNA. Some e-liquids claim to be nicotine-free but studies have found that even e-liquids without nicotine contain trace amounts of other harmful chemicals when they heat up during use.
Because e-cigarettes are relatively new, scientists do not have data on their long-term health effects. We do know that they are not safe for youth, young adults or pregnant women and can cause harm to people who don’t smoke tobacco products.
Are e-cigarettes safe?
While e-cigarettes may contain fewer toxins than combustible cigarettes, they are not safe. They still deliver harmful chemicals, including delivery solvents like propylene glycol that can cause dry mouth and upper respiratory infections and pulegone, a known carcinogen. The aerosol created by e-cigarettes can also expose users to free radicals which can increase the risk of heart disease and lung injury.
It’s important to note that a large number of youth and young adults continue to smoke regular cigarettes alongside their use of e-cigarettes. This is called dual use and it’s not effective in helping people quit smoking for good.
It’s also not safe for pregnant women to use e-cigarettes or e-liquids. Nicotine is addictive and can harm a developing fetus. It is recommended that pregnant women stick to licensed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products to help them quit smoking. Get professional advise when you visit the top vape store in grayson ga.
Are e-cigarettes addictive?
Whether or not e-cigarettes are addictive depends on the environments, people and activities they are associated with. If a person associates e-cigarettes with positive feelings of happiness, comfort or relaxation, the body will begin to depend on the feeling they get when inhaling nicotine vapor.
Nicotine is the primary agent in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, making it highly addictive. It raises blood pressure and spikes adrenaline, causing the heart to race and increasing the risk of having a heart attack. It also damages lungs, and increases the likelihood of coughing, phlegm production and bronchitis. It is toxic to developing fetuses and is not safe for youth or pregnant women.
In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain flavoring chemicals like diacetyl, which has been linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene and carbon monoxide; and heavy metals including nickel, tin and lead. CDC has free tools for parents, teachers and health professionals to help educate young people on the risks of e-cigarettes.