Vaping harmless?
On World Non-Smoking Day, we reflect on a hot topic: vaping. What is vaping and what are its dangers?
What exactly is vaping?
Vaping is also known as using e-cigarettes. In vaping, you inhale vapors produced by an electronic device. These vapors contain various chemicals, the most well-known and addictive of which is nicotine. Manufacturers also add various flavorings to make it more appealing.
The use of e-cigarettes has increased dramatically in recent years, especially among young people. This trend worries doctors because of the health risks involved. Despite the fact that many people think vaping is less harmful than traditional smoking, facts show that it can indeed cause serious health problems.
The dangers of vaping
- Harmful substances: The vapors inhaled when vaping can cause irritation and respiratory damage, as well as heart palpitations and an increased risk of cancer. The risk of a new lung disease called EVALI (E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury) is also present, with symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and fever.
- Nicotine addiction: Nicotine, one of the main ingredients in e-cigarettes, is highly addictive. Using e-cigarettes with high concentrations of nicotine can lead to addiction, which is difficult to break. Moreover, using e-cigarettes can serve as a stepping stone to traditional smoking.
- Unknown additives: In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes often contain other harmful substances such as propylene glycol, glycerol, aldehydes, nitrosamines and metals. The exact composition of these additives is often unknown, which increases the risk of health problems.
- Impact on mental health: Nicotine can interfere with brain development, especially in young people, which can lead to various mental health problems.
What you need to know
It is important to be aware of the dangers of vaping. Doctors are calling for action and stressing the importance of education and awareness to combat this growing epidemic of nicotine addiction among young people.
Please also check out this website and video from doctors skip alert.nl.
And read more at trimbos.nl about smoking and tobacco control.
Source: lungfund.nl radboudumc.nl