The Top 4 Dangers of Vaping

Vaping or the use of e-cigarettes has skyrocketed in the last few years. This is because vaping is considered a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. For individuals who are trying to quit smoking, vaping always seems like an easier transition from traditional cigarettes. However, research has shown that the flavoring and other chemicals that are heated to produce the vapor you inhale can expose you to toxins that are harmful to your body.

Photo by Luke Besley on Unsplash

Here are the top 4 dangers of vaping.

1. Vaping Is Addictive

Nicotine, the primary ingredient in both traditional and electronic cigarettes is highly addictive. The number of teenagers and adolescents currently addicted to vaping is at an all-time high. Research has shown that the younger you are when you become addicted, the harder it becomes to quit.

Teenagers who are addicted to vaping suffer severe withdrawal symptoms if they ignore the craving. What’s worse is the fact that you can buy cartridges with extra strength and a higher concentration of nicotine in order to get a greater hit. The enticing flavorings such as apple pie and banana nut bread appeal to the younger generation and those who cannot stand the smell of cigarettes.

2. Vaping While Pregnant Can Harm Your Unborn Child

Pregnancy marks the beginning of a new life and with it comes some physical restrictions and changes that the mother has to make in her daily life. The impact of vaping on pregnant women is still being researched. However, one thing remains clear; vaping during pregnancy can cause serious dangers to the unborn child.

Since you are still ingesting the nicotine, you increase your risk of having a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or even a stillbirth. Your baby might also be born with birth defects such as orofacial clefts and diminished brain development.

A baby born with low birth weight might require staying in the neonatal intensive care for weeks or months and this can be very expensive.

3. Vaping Can Harm Lung Tissues

Vaping can shut off your lungs protective cells, much like the way cigarettes do. This is according to a study conducted by British researchers. The e-cigarette vapor can erode the protection around your lungs making you vulnerable to bacteria and allergens that can cause chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is incurable. The more your lungs are exposed to the vapor, the more they get damaged. Vaping with nicotine can make the effects more pronounced.

4. Some E -Juices Contain Toxic Chemicals

Most e-liquids contain nicotine which is regarded as a potentially dangerous poison. Even though nicotine is considered to be safer than tobacco, it can adversely affect the heart, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive systems.

Direct application on humans can cause a burning sensation in the throat and mouth, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Aside from nicotine, e-liquids also contain other chemicals and preservatives which are also very toxic. Scientists have found traces of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, and butanol in vaping liquids. Some of these chemicals contain carcinogenic substances and can increase your risk of getting cancer.

My Say

The most dangerous thing about vaping is presenting it as a “safe” alternative to regular cigarettes especially to the market to which it appeals most to – the adolescents. This belief needs to be corrected and replaced with healthier activities. The real dangers of vaping are clearly being established and we don’t have to wait for it to get us or our loved ones before we realize that.