Electronic cigarettes are appealing to people who are trying to cut off their tobacco consumption. However, there is a common misconception that e-cigarettes will not become a threat to a person’s health. If you’re new to this and you don’t know the answers to “What are e-cigarettes?” and “Are e-cigarettes harmful?” we’re here to enlighten you.
What are E-Cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigs, vapor cigarettes, or vape pens. It has caught the attention of many because it is portable and easy to use. Unlike traditional cigarettes, it doesn’t burn tobacco. It uses a cartridge with oils. It comes in different flavors. The oil or wax used in electronic cigarettes may consist of nicotine, CBD, THC, or other chemicals.
Are E-Cigarettes Safe?
Contrary to what others may tell you, the substances found in the oil are harmful to your health. Research with regards to its long-term effects is ongoing. There are a lot of factors, including the type and brand of the device and the e-liquid itself. Although there are reported cases of severe lung disease and deaths, experts cannot exactly pinpoint whether the device or the e-liquid is to blame.
What Are E-Cigarette Risks?
E-cigarettes carry risks just like traditional tobacco products. It is also best to understand them before you fully commit yourself to use them. Aside from that, you should also be aware that experts are still unraveling the mystery behind electronic cigarettes.
Here are some risks that you should know about:
1. Electronic cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco smoking, but they can still be a threat to your health.
Although there is still a lot to discover about electronic cigarettes, it is not a secret that it is less risky compared to traditional cigarettes. When you use electronic cigarettes, the flavor, chemicals, and nicotine become aerosol that you inhale. On the other hand, traditional cigarettes have around 7,000 chemicals. Most of these chemicals are toxic.
However, the CDC has reported electronic cigarette-related complications and deaths. They also said that most cases involve people who modify their devices or e-liquids. Research also showed that it commonly occurs when the liquid a person uses has THC contents.
Experts from CDC recommend the following:
- Don’t use any electronic cigarette products with THC.
- Get advice from experts rather than from friends, family, or the internet.
- Do not modify or tamper with your device and the e-liquids you have.
2. Vaping is bad for your heart and lungs.
Just like traditional tobacco products, electronic cigarettes contain nicotine. Everyone knows that nicotine is addictive. When a person is already addicted to nicotine, and they don’t get their fix, there is a high possibility that they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms.
However, nicotine is toxic to your body. It intensifies a person’s adrenaline levels and blood pressure. This also increases the chances of a heart attack. According to recent studies, electronic cigarettes can be as dangerous as traditional tobacco products. Recent data show the connection of e-cigarettes to asthma, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease.
3. Electronic cigarettes are as addictive as traditional cigarettes.
Now that you know that both modern and traditional cigarettes have nicotine, you should also know that both can be equally addictive. Nicotine can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Electronic cigarettes might have more nicotine content. The cartridges or e-juices you buy contain different concentrations of nicotine. With vapes or e-cigs, you can control the voltage or intensify the power for a better hit.
4. Electronic cigarettes may not be the best smoking alternative.
According to research, people who used e-cigarettes as an alternative ended up getting more hooked to both traditional tobacco products and electronic ones. So, if you’ve seen ads promoting electronic cigarettes as a tool to help you quit, they’re most likely untrue.
If you’re looking for other smoking cessation tools, you can check the website of the Food and Drug Administration. If you don’t know this, electronic cigarettes weren’t approved by the FDA.
5. The younger generation is getting more inclined to the use of electronic cigarettes.
The younger generation is more inclined to the use of electronic cigarettes for a couple of reasons: (1) Traditional cigarettes are more costly compared to vapes. (2) Vaping is appealing to teenagers because of the different flavors that come with them, such as strawberry, apple pie, and mint. (3) The younger population believes that they’re safe from the side effects of traditional tobacco products. But as evident in the previous points, this is largely due to false advertising.
It is no secret that giving up cigarettes can be difficult. If you or someone you know is suffering from nicotine addiction, whether from traditional or e-cigarettes, Haven House is a recovery center near Nashville. We can help you combat withdrawal symptoms and completely eliminate cigarettes from your life. Call us!