Research on vaping products and behaviors is limited. Data are inconsistent and studies often confound results by definition of user groups, definition of smoking, comparisons with smoking and ignoring other factors that influence health outcomes.
Some studies have found statistically significant changes in spirometry measures, but these are still too small to be clinically meaningful. Studies that include longer-term follow-ups and more informative measurements are needed.
What is a vape?
Relevant Vapes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid to turn it into an aerosol that you inhale. This process is called ‘vaping’ and it can deliver nicotine and other flavours. The liquid used in vapes is called e-liquid and it can contain different levels of nicotine. It can also have added ingredients like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. You can buy e-liquid in different flavours from specialist vape shops and some pharmacies.
Many people who smoke cigarettes find that switching to a vape helps them quit smoking. They don’t have to give up the routines and rituals that they enjoy about smoking but can cut their cigarette intake significantly. Vaping produces far fewer toxins than cigarettes and it doesn’t produce tar or carbon monoxide, 2 of the most dangerous substances from tobacco smoke.
But while vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not harmless and should not be used by children or young people. Nicotine is harmful to the developing brain and can cause addiction. It’s also not good for the lungs. If you’re thinking of trying vaping, get advice from a stop smoking adviser or specialist vape retailer.
You can use a variety of devices to vape, but the most popular are pod devices and vape pens. These are small and discreet and can provide a high amount of nicotine. You can also get starter kits, which come with everything you need to begin vaping. A starter kit will usually include a charger, a rechargeable battery and a selection of e-liquids. It’s important to choose a device and nicotine level that suits your needs. You can find guidance on the right equipment and nicotine strength for your needs on the UK Stop Smoking Service website.
The number of young people using e-cigarettes has increased dramatically in recent years. They are more likely to use flavored e-cigarettes, which appeal to their taste buds and can mask the harshness of nicotine. It’s also easy for teens to hide these small and discreet devices in school bags and their pockets. This makes them attractive to kids who may not know the health risks associated with smoking.
Vape aerosol is not water
Many people think that when they vape, they are inhaling water vapor. This is not true, as a vape does not produce water vapor but rather an aerosol that contains tiny particles of nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals suspended in air. These particles are breathed deep into the lungs and may also contain cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein.
The vaping device heats the liquid in a cartridge to create an aerosol, or mist, which is then inhaled into the mouth from a mouthpiece. This can include e-cigarettes, vape pens and other devices that look similar to a USB flash drive or a small pod. Many of these devices have nicotine, which is addictive and can cause lung damage. Some devices even have as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.
These devices also contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glycerol. It is this chemical that produces the visible clouds when someone uses a vape. The vapor from these devices is inhaled into the lungs where the nicotine and other chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Hundreds of people have been hospitalized with serious cases of pneumonia and other lung illnesses that are believed to be caused by vaping.
A vape may also contain flavorings and other chemicals that can be harmful to health. Some of these include diacetyl, which gives food a buttery taste but has been linked to a dangerous lung disease known as popcorn lung. Many flavored liquids also use acetoin, which can form a chemical compound that is poisonous to the cells of the lungs.
The vapor produced by these devices also contains metals and other toxic substances. These compounds can damage the respiratory system by causing inflammation and narrowing of the tubes that bring in and out of the lungs. They can also lead to respiratory infections and exacerbate preexisting conditions such as asthma. Additionally, they can cause the lungs to absorb nicotine and other volatile organic chemicals, which can cause a variety of cancers. These chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin and can damage the eyes, liver and kidneys.
Vapes contain nicotine
Aside from the obvious nicotine that’s present in vape products, many e-cigarettes and other ENDS contain dangerous chemicals that can damage your health. These include cancer-causing agents such as formaldehyde, and flavorings like diacetyl, which can cause a severe lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung). The fine particles in the vapor can also reach deep into your lungs, where they can trigger a chemical reaction that causes scarring and makes it hard to breathe.
Nicotine is an addictive substance and can have a serious impact on your brain. It’s especially important to avoid vaping if you have children, as it can negatively affect their brain development and lead to a lifetime of smoking or other substance use problems. Young people should speak to their General Practitioner or youth health service for advice on quitting. You can also call the Aboriginal Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT).
E-cigarettes are popular with teens and may be used as an introduction to smoking cigarettes. This is because of their small size, alluring advertisements, various flavored e-liquids and the belief that they’re safer than cigarettes. However, the recent reports of a wide range of serious lung illnesses associated with vaping highlight the need for more research. These illnesses have been linked to the use of e-cigarettes and other ENDS that contain high levels of nicotine, as well as a thickening agent called Vitamin E acetate and marijuana-related THC.
The federal Tobacco Product Deeming Regulation requires that all ENDS must have a large, prominent warning label saying “Warning: This product contains nicotine, a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.” This requirement applies to both manufacturers and retailers. Retailers who sell tobacco and e-cigarettes must also follow strict rules for selling these products, including displaying age-restricted packaging. It’s also illegal to sell these products to anyone under 21.
Vapes are addictive
Vapes have become a popular smoking cessation aid because they can mimic the sensation of smoking without the harmful chemicals and toxins. However, e-liquids contain nicotine, which is addictive, and the more you use, the harder it is to quit. If you’re thinking about quitting, here are some tips to help you get started.
Nicotine is especially dangerous for young people, as it can affect their brain development. This can make it difficult for them to concentrate, learn, and control their impulses. It can also cause serious lung problems, including scarring and narrowing of the tubes that bring air in and out of the lungs. Moreover, nicotine can lead to other addictions, such as gambling and drugs.
It’s important to talk about your vaping habit with your friends and family members. It’s not always easy to quit, but having support from your loved ones can be a big help. You can also try to identify what triggers your cravings. For example, you might find that certain emotional states, such as anxiety or depression, increase your urge to vape. Keeping a craving journal can help you identify these triggers and develop strategies to overcome them.
Educating students about vaping can help them avoid the dangers of nicotine addiction and make healthier choices. There are several free resources available, including lesson plans, activity sheets, and videos. These resources can be used by educators to teach middle and high school students about vaping.
The CDC reports that vaping among youths has decreased slightly since the COVID-19 pandemic, although the exact reason is unclear. During the pandemic, teens were stuck at home and were less likely to go out, which may have contributed to this decline in vaping. However, the CDC warns that disposable e-cigarettes are still increasing 1,000% and 400% among high and middle school students. In addition, the vapor from these devices contains harmful chemicals and metals that can harm the lungs and other organs. Moreover, the e-liquids are often manufactured by tobacco companies and marketed to youths through fun flavors and images of healthy, attractive people.