E-Cigarettes and Health Risks

Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes or vapes, are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol. They work by heating a liquid, known as e-liquid or vaping liquid, to create a breathable cloud. The core parts usually include a liquid cartridge, a heating element, a battery, and a light. E-cigarettes go by many names, including vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery systems (END). Devices have changed over time, from early types that looked like cigarettes to newer, more advanced models. The liquid in e-cigarettes typically contains main ingredients like propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), along with flavorings, and often nicotine. However, when this liquid is heated by the device, the chemicals can change, potentially creating harmful substances. The heating element, which can get very hot (from 110°C to over 1000°C depending on the device), plays a role in these changes. Studies have found many other chemicals in e-liquids and the aerosol produced. These can include various flavoring chemicals, harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene, and even tiny metal and silicate particles. These particles can come from the heating parts of the device, which are often made of materials like ceramics and metals. A substance that has received significant attention is Vitamin E acetate (VEA). This additive has been frequently found, especially in vaping products containing THC that were linked to severe lung injuries. These lung injuries are part of a condition known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product Use-Associated Lung Injury). While some components like PG and VG are considered "generally regarded as safe" when eaten, this does not mean they are safe to inhale. Heating these chemicals can create new, potentially dangerous compounds. Inhaling these different chemicals can cause serious health problems, particularly affecting the lungs. EVALI is a severe lung injury that became a major concern related to vaping, often connected to the use of VEA and THC. Research indicates that vaping aerosols and their components can cause damage and inflammation to lung cells and immune cells in the lungs called macrophages. Finding lipid-laden macrophages in the lungs is a marker that has been associated with vaping-related injury. Even short-term exposure to certain flavorings can negatively impact how lung cells work. Beyond the lungs, using e-cigarettes may also affect other parts of the body, such as the heart and mouth. There is also a risk of nicotine poisoning. There is significant concern among public health experts about the large increase in e-cigarette use, especially among young people. This trend is seen as potentially leading to increased tobacco product use among youth and is a strong factor for them starting to smoke traditional cigarettes later. Understanding the various chemicals, some of which are hidden, in e-liquids and how heating them changes them into an inhalable aerosol is essential for understanding the full health effects of using e-cigarettes. Watch on YouTube with subtitles: https://youtu.be/ejaaXZEF_84?si=P1p-B4mdEOfYsgHi Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/what-the-study-says/id1814559387 FLink: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmao5odis0eyf01w36mahd8ub/platforms Tell us what you think: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmao5odis0eyf01w36mahd8ub/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting