Hidden Dangers in E-Cigarettes: Here’s What You Need to Know
Since their introduction to the U.S. market in 2006, e-cigarette sales have skyrocketed. They are marketed as “cleaner” and safer than traditional cigarettes. However, a recent study published in ACS Central Science reveals that some brands of e-cigarettes release as much lead in 200 puffs as smoking 19 cigarettes. Why should you be concerned about this?
The following information may help you understand the risks involved with using the devices.
E-cigarettes have evolved over the years from large devices to slimmer ones. They have been modified to incorporate different flavors and give users the ability to change the size of the hit or puff. Other modifications allowed the nicotine concentration to double. As a result, the product is now available in different shapes, colors, and flavors, making them attractive to young people.
Although flavored e-cigarettes were banned, some brands still dominate gas stations and illegal online sales. Brands like Esco Bars took in 82 million dollars in sales in the U.S. Black-market vape sales are estimated at 2.4 billion dollars. The black market vapes are unregulated, untested, and unchecked, making them potentially more dangerous.
The CDC reports that ELF Bar vapes are the most popular among the 8% of high schoolers who use vapes. About 6.5% of U.S. adults use vapes, according to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The survey also shows that men are more likely than women to use vapes, and 15.5% of young adults are most likely to use them.
E-cigarettes have not been approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation tool. However, studies show that vapes with nicotine have helped some people quit using conventional cigarettes. But, vapes also contain dangerous chemicals just like cigarettes.
People who use vapes to quit smoking cigarettes should have a plan to also quit vaping. Although e-cigarettes have fewer chemicals than traditional cigarettes, there is no safe tobacco product.
In 2019, 2,807 hospitalizations and 68 deaths were associated with e-cigarette use. Lung damage resulting from heated chemicals in the vapes are consequences that prove the devices are not as safe as claimed. For instance, researchers found that people who vape face a 269% higher risk of death from lung cancer.
Some of the heavy metals found in e-cigarettes include, but are not limited to:
Other metals found in some vape devices include zinc, benzene, and diacetyl.
Researchers found that some vape devices contained nickel and antimony levels that exceeded cancer risk limits. Others contained nickel and lead emissions that exceed health risk thresholds for cancer, neurological damage, and respiratory diseases.
E-cigarettes may also contain ethyl maltol, a flavorant or artificial sweetener. Studies show that ethyl maltol helps transport heavy metals into human lung cells causing the cells that line the lungs to die off.
You should also know that second-hand e-cigarette vapor is not harmless. Although it is not as harmful as traditional cigarette smoke, dangerous chemicals are present in the secondhand aerosol (smoke).
E-cigarette vapor may also contain fine particles that can irritate the respiratory system. The particles can be dangerous for people with asthma or other lung conditions if exposed to the vapor.
Young children can be at risk of impaired brain development when exposed to nicotine in secondhand vapor. Fetal development can be affected if pregnant women are exposed to nicotine whether directly through smoking or from secondhand vapor.
Vapes containing nicotine can be as addictive as cigarettes. Studies show that nicotine can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin. When nicotine reaches the brain, it causes a “rush” that the brain attributes to nicotine use. Withdrawal symptoms appear when nicotine use decreases, triggering cravings, irritability, trouble concentrating, and anxiety, driving a person to seek more nicotine to relieve the symptoms.
Some people succeed in quitting on their own, while others need professional help. If you are struggling to quit e-cigarettes, we can help. We offer short-term or long-term outpatient and inpatient programs that provide guidance, encouragement, and support to help you succeed in quitting vapes.
We are a JCAHO-accredited facility, which means we excel in providing comfort, safety, and evidence-based therapies for our clients. Our full continuum of care ensures that all of your needs are met.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility today to speak with a treatment advisor about a personalized recovery plan.
Sources:
cdc.gov – E-Cigarette Use Among Youth / Smoking and Tobacco Use
cdc.gov – Electronic Cigarette Use Among Adults in the United States, 2019 – 2023
nih.gov – E-Cigarettes Expose Users to Toxic Metals Such as Arsenic, Lead
cdc.gov– Vaping and Quitting
heart.org – In Secondhand Vape, Scientists Smell Risk