" Life is too short to fill our lungs with nicotine smoke and make it even shorter..." - S Roses S.
Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes that permit the user to inhale nicotine or harmful chemicals in vapor form. In modern society, appealing kid-friendly flavors and widespread advertising had increased youth curiosity to initiate on e-cigarettes. Subsequently, a survey from the National Youth Society has shown a rapid ascending trend line associating youth (specifically high school students) tobacco products used during the year 2011-2018. The majority of teenagers had misconceptions that they’re solely inhaling flavored water vapor; nevertheless, once inhaled, teens are directly exposed to toxic chemicals causing mild to severe health issues. Considerable health problems may be nicotine effects, brain risks, chest pain, and potential long-term effects.
1. Vaping Exposes Users to Hazardous Chemicals
By far, adolescents are at significant risk of developing damage to their vital organs. The majority of teenagers have been misled to suppose that vaping is completely safe, whereas vapers are directly exposed to hazardous chemicals perpetually. Specifically, vaping exposes young teenagers to nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that stimulates the body by increasing blood pressure alongside heart rate, and the brain, by releasing pleasurable experiences. As a consequence, an escalation in blood pressure and heart rate may trigger cardiovascular risk and stroke.
A recent study had asserted that the root cause of inflammation, cardiovascular toxicity, and clear airway impact was associated with flavoring and chemical compositions from e-cigarettes (Marques, Piqueras, and Sanz). Being that young adult are e-cigarette marketing’s target, it is essential to know the risks of harmful ingredients presented in vaping products.
2. Neurological and social issues from vaping
Not only does harmful chemicals present in e-cigarettes intensify the dangers of developing damaged organs, but it could potentially lead to further neurological issues. It is known that pre-teens and young adults are currently in the stage of brain development; accordingly, adolescents are more reasonably able to undergo the detrimental effects of nicotine when compared to older adults. Several plausible effects from exposure to nicotine would involve changes in adolescents’ brain cell activity, alters brain development, shortens concentration, restrains the ability to learn, and decreases consciousness.
Besides, social pressure from peers had also been linked to vaping behavior problems. According to Adam Lippert, a Ph.D., he proclaims, “...Students teach one another about ‘vaping tricks,’ on how to use the devices properly and why it shouldn’t be considered taboo. The misconception among teens that e-cigarettes are safe is cause for alarm.” This validates that vape activity is on the rise and that the majority of teens had normalized vape activity. Likewise, while e-cigarettes contain nicotine, many teens were not aware thus contributing to neurological issues.
3. Vaping's Potential Side Effects
Vaping also has its frequent potential side effects from nicotine usage. Noting that side-effects from e-cigarettes are unavoidable and that vape users undergo different experiences varying between each user. Here are the common side effects of vaping:
- Nausea - Feeling nauseous after vaping could be from the reactions of the e-cigarette flavoring.
- Chest pain - May occur due to high nicotine intake, excessive heat, or flavorings.
- Sore throat - Throat irritation may be brought on by nicotine, flavoring, vape coil, and propylene glycol (for smoother smoke and flavor contribution).
- Shortness of breath - Chemicals inhaled by vape users build up harmful substances that may pose a risk to the respiratory system. Eventually, this causes inflammation in the lungs thus making breathing difficult.
4. Vaping's Potential Long Term Side Effects
Subsequently, vaping nicotine has been tied to its potential long-term effects. Vapers who smoke daily for years are at risk of developing respiratory and lung injury, reproductive risk, and chronic heart disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, “A total of 2,807 people had been hospitalized, including 68 who had died from EVALI since it was first identified in 2019.” EVALI, a severe side effect, which stands for the e-cigarette that is associated with lung damage. Aside from the respiratory issue that vaping had caused, the effects of nicotine are not safe for pregnant women. This is because the toxin could affect the fetal brain and development, leading to effects on multiple organ systems (NIH). A third major effect of e-cigarette use would be linked with a cardiovascular disease known as chronic heart disease. A conducted research from the American College of Cardiology’s 2019 report below presents a correlation between e-cigarette use and cardiovascular problems.
American College of Cardiology: Increased Risks for E-Cig Users Compared to Non-Users shows...
- 56 percent more likely to have a heart attack
- 44 percent higher risk of circulatory problems
- 30 percent more likely to have a stroke
- 10 percent higher risk of coronary artery diseases
Since it is well known that vaping has become the most popular used tobacco product among teenagers, it is significant to be aware of the following health consequences including toxic chemicals, social issues, and potential side effects. Regardless of peer influences or marketing techniques, this dangerous trend has put numerous teens in their worst physical state. Therefore, it is essential for teen guardians/parents to be aware of the serious health effects of vaping and why it attracts young adolescents. By seeking help right away, teenagers would make healthier choices: an end to vaping.