Vaping has grown to significant heights over the past decade. This is mainly because it’s a viable alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Most vapers do so under the premise that vaping or e-cigarettes are much safer than conventional cigarettes—which in part is true.
For this reason, vaping has become popular with people who want to stop traditional smoking and new users who previously didn’t have an interest in smoking cigarettes.
Many also prefer vaping because it doesn’t produce the same odor as cigarettes, so vapers are less stigmatized. There is also a range of flavors when it comes to e-liquids. No wonder it appeals to a much wider audience.
Vaping may be the “in-thing” right now, but there is still a lot of research yet to be done on it. Many medical and even vaping professionals will admit that there is still much they don’t know about vaping products and their chemical makeup.
Unlike tobacco which has around 7000 different chemicals, most of which are toxic, most e-cigarette products are still a mystery.
With more and more people becoming dependent on e-cigarettes without fully knowing what they are getting into or putting into their bodies, there are a lot of questions about the health risks associated with them. So, before you pick up vaping, here are five fascinating facts about vaping that you need to know.
E-Cigarettes Contain Nicotine
One common misconception around e-cigarettes is that they aren’t real cigarettes and thus don’t contain nicotine— a substance known for causing several health problems, with the leading one being cancer. This is entirely false.
Vaping liquids are often advertised as containing less nicotine than traditional cigarettes. Still, depending on how one uses their e-cig, they can adjust the nicotine levels and get a higher amount of nicotine for each puff than conventional cigarettes.
Some e-liquids and e-cigs don’t contain nicotine, but most have this substance. Additionally, the vaping products that may not contain nicotine are often black-market or modified products, containing other substances such as THC gummies—which may be in higher concentrations than simply smoking marijuana alone.
Most Vapers Are Likely To Be Young Adults
Over the years, there has been a reported decline in tobacco cigarette smoking among teens, but vaping has taken its place instead.
According to a poll conducted by Gallup in 2018, around 20 % of Americans between 18 and 29 years reported regular vaping. The next category that vaped and made up only 8 % was between 30 and 64.
This is in contrast to the 16 % of people between 18 -29 who use traditional cigarettes regularly. This drastic variation in demographic is likely due to young adults believing vaping is far safer than tobacco cigarettes and the assortment of vaping flavors available.
If you want to try several vaping flavors, look no further than Lazarus Naturals. They have a wide variety of vape liquid flavors that you might enjoy.
Vaping Causes Heart and Lung Issues
In 2019, multiple studies by Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between vaping and an increase in the odds of getting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
These odds further go up in people who use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with the risk being elevated six times compared to a person who uses neither. This is in line with previous findings that nicotine causes lung and heart issues in frequent tobacco smokers.
Vaping May Be a Gateway Drug
Typically, adults may start with tobacco cigarettes and eventually turn to vaping, but young adults first begin. Vaping is sometimes used to help people break away from traditional cigarettes, but now there are fears that it may also be a gateway drug to other substances.
Some studies have found a link showing how young people who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes. Additionally, these people have a higher chance of using illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Vapes May Contain Harmful Chemicals
Not every chemical in e-cigarettes has been identified, and studies that have been done on vaping products have identified some chemicals that may be potentially harmful. One of these chemicals that stands out mainly is formaldehyde.
It’s best known for being an active ingredient in household cleaning products, including soap, body wash, laundry or dish detergent, and manufactured wood furniture. It’s also a common ingredient in adhesives and glues.
Although we are naturally exposed to negligible amounts of formaldehyde in the air, higher doses have been reported to cause several different types of cancer by the American Cancer Society.
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as a human carcinogen. This research is supported by studies carried out by the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Additional studies suggest that when vaping products are used, they may produce enough formaldehyde to match the dangerous levels denoted by these organizations.
Conclusion
Researchers and scientists are still getting to know more about vaping, but there is enough evidence to prevent young people from using it. Although its popularity is rising across the globe as many people see it as a healthier alternative to tobacco, you must exercise caution. If you must vape, try investing in vaping products that aren’t as harmful.