We all know cigarettes are bad for our health – that’s something we’ve heard our entire lives from teachers, doctors, and even tv commercials. But is vaping really that dangerous?
Vapes, or e-cigarettes, have become very popular in recent years, and a lot of people see them as a safer option since they’re smokeless. However, newer research is showing that they still have a lot of health risks.
Let’s break down some reasons why you might want to think twice before reaching for your vape:
Nicotine
Vaping leisurely even just for an hour or so could deliver roughly the same amount of nicotine you’d get by smoking an entire pack of cigarettes. [1] A typical 5,000 puff disposable vape (like you’d find at many gas stations) is said to last around 2-3 weeks. [2] That’s the equivalent of smoking 250-350 cigarettes per day!
Nicotine is incredibly addictive. Some studies show it may be harder to overcome a nicotine addiction than a heroin addiction. Nicotine can affect your brain causing issues with memory, concentration, learning abilities, and even brain development. [3]
Lung Inflammation
The flavors and chemicals in vapes have been shown to cause harm and inflammation to the lungs. This damage can be irreversible – and in some cases deadly.
If you add things such as CBD oil or cannabis to your vapes and then have a reaction, it can be hard for doctors to treat you properly because they won’t know what was added. [4]
Carcinogens
A carcinogen is a substance that could increase your risk of cancer [5], and according to the CDC, most vapes contain “other substances that can be harmful, including chemicals known to cause cancer and other tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs [6].”
Summary
Ultimately, it’s safe to say that vaping is not good for your health. However, many people are addicted to it, and understandably so. There’s no shame in seeking help so you can quit and take control of your health. For tips and more info about quitting, visit https://teen.smokefree.gov/ or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Living in Stone County?
If you are in Stone County, Missouri, our Stone County Health Department has FREE smoking cessation programs – just call 417-357-6134 ext 2109 to schedule a time that works for you!
And if you are pregnant and a smoker, the Stone County Health Department has a “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program where you can get free diapers by quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health and the health of your baby! For more information on this program, call 417-357-6134 ext 2109, or go to babyandmetobaccofree.org.
Not in Stone County? Similar programs are available at other Missouri county health departments.
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources:
1. Is Vaping Safe for Teens? Mayo Clinic. (2023, Dec 1) https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/is-vaping-safe-for-teens/
2. How Long Should 5,000 Puffs Disposable Vapes Take? Vape My Life. (2023, July 4). https://vapemylife.co.uk/blogs/guide/how-long-should-5000-puffs-disposable-vapes-take#:~:text=How%20long%20should%20a%205000%20puff%20disposable%20vape%20last%3F,3%20weeks%20with%20regular%20use
3. A Doctor’s Warning About the Dangers of Vaping. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 15). https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/a-doctors-warning-about-the-dangers-of-vaping
4. A Doctor’s Warning About the Dangers of Vaping. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 15). https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/a-doctors-warning-about-the-dangers-of-vaping
5. Carcinogens. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/25081-carcinogens
6. Protecting Youth from the Harms of Vaping. (2024, May 15). https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/protecting-youth.html