What are the health consequences of vaping?

While vaping may seem safer than regular cigarette smoking or cannabis smoking, it has its own set of risks making it just as harmful. If you're considering vaping or are a current vaper, you should be aware of the health risks involved that make it unsafe.

Two primary chemical components that make up the liquid used in vapes are the chemical compounds propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

A closer look at propylene glycol:

Glycols are organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family. Propylene glycolis sometimes used as an antifreeze when a leakage might come into contact with food.

Some other common uses are: food additive, anti-caking agent, emulsifier, and thickener.

A close look at vegetable glycerin:

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that comes from animal products, plants, or petroleum.

Vegetable glycerin is the kind of glycerine made from plant oils.

Some common uses are: foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, some drugs, candles, and sweetener.

Other chemical components:

E-cigarettes also contain acrolein, a herbicide that's primarily used to kill weeds, as well as diacetyl, benzene, and vitamin E. Heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead have also been found in e-cigarettes.

Do you really want to inhale the same chemicals that are used in candles, cosmetics, and weed killers?

One thing that e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes have in common is nicotine. Nicotine has been shown to be an addictive substance causing users to want more of it.

Nicotine is considered a drug and a stimulant by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Stimulants speed up brain activity and nicotine has been proven to be as addictive as, if not more addictive, than cocaine or heroin. It creates a dependence, which makes quitting harder.

Cannabis vape pens contain CBD and THC both of which can be habit-forming. Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are found in marijuanaand are becoming popular with e-cigarette users.

THC can cause feelings of euphoria as it binds with the brain's control receptors. CBD can induce feelings of well-being as it works with other elements within the body.

Addiction is one of the mental health risks involved with vaping and e-cigarette usage due to the nicotine content.

Habitual use is another mental health risk involved due to THC and CBD content.

Becoming addicted to nicotine can cause stress, anxiety, restlessness, feelings of depression, and trouble with concentration. It can also impact learning, memory, and attention span.

Making THC and CBD a habit can have psychoactive, or mind-altering effects on the brain while affecting mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Do you want to be a successful student in school? Want to maintain clear thinking during extracurriculars and sports activities? Vaping can jeopardize that!

Inhaling any type of chemical can pose a risk to the lungs and other organs.

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The American Lung Association states that inhaling chemicals can cause lung damage and disease. It can also cause damage to the heart and other organs.

The American Cancer Society lists these health risks:

• Coughing or shortness of breath

• Trouble breathing

• Asthma flair ups

• Chest pain

• Serious lung disease like popcorn lung

• Rises in blood pressure due to nicotine

• Increased chances of cancer

• Lung & cardiovascular disease

• Fatigue, fever, weight loss

Do you want to avoid these health risks and possible hospital visits? Avoid using e-cigarettes!

Vaping and e-cigarettes are fairly new compared to tobacco products. The extent of side effects and long-term damage is not yet known.

The Center for Disease Control reports that as of February 2020, 2,807 people have been hospitalized and 68 deaths have occurred due to vaping or e-cigarette usage.

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Want to know more about the risks involved in vaping?