The trend of using electronic cigarettes or vapes is increasingly popular among young people, even considered a modern lifestyle and a "safer" alternative to conventional cigarettes. Vapes with various flavors are often more interesting to many people. However, is it true that vapes are safer than regular cigarettes?
Amid the increasing popularity of vaping, it is important to understand the risks that users, especially teens and young adults, may face. This article will discuss the dangers of vaping compared to regular cigarettes.
Which Vapes and Cigarettes are More Dangerous?
According to WHO (World Health Organization) , both conventional cigarettes and vapes in the long term are equally dangerous to health. This is because cigarettes contain toxic substances that can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease. Although vapes are often considered safer, they also contain nicotine and other chemicals that have the potential to damage health.
Conventional cigarettes produce smoke that contains many toxic substances such as tar and carbon monoxide which can cause the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lungs. On the other hand, vape does not produce smoke, but vapor that still contains nicotine and other chemicals. Conventional cigarettes when burned produce smoke, while e-cigarettes when heated produce vapor which is then inhaled into the respiratory tract, Although vape may have fewer harmful substances than cigarettes, this does not mean that vape is a completely safe choice.
Know the substance content in vape
When heated, there are several main vape substances that turn into steam. The following are some common ingredients in vape liquids:
- Nicotine
An addictive substance also found in cigarettes. Nicotine can be addictive and has negative effects on heart and brain health.
- Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a liquid that functions as a flavoring agent and produces vapor. It is commonly used in food and medicine, but if inhaled it can cause lung irritation in some people.
- Feeling
These are chemicals added to give a particular flavor such as fruit, mint, or dessert. Although safe for food, some flavorings can also be harmful if inhaled.
- Other Chemicals
Some vape liquids may contain additives such as formaldehyde or acetaldehyde, which can form when the liquid is heated. These substances are potentially toxic and harmful to lung health.
Beware of the Dangers of Vaping for Health
Vaping may seem safer because it doesn't produce smoke like cigarettes, but it still has negative effects on your health. Here are some of the dangers of vaping:
- Nicotine Dependence
Many vape liquids contain nicotine which can cause users to become addicted. When someone is exposed to nicotine continuously, it will cause the body to become addicted and difficult to stop. This dependence can cause various health problems and interfere with the quality of life.
- Respiratory Tract Irritation
Inhaling vapor from vapes can cause respiratory tract irritation. This can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
Vaping is a delivery system similar to a nebulizer, which may be familiar to asthmatics. The substances in vapes coat the airways with potentially harmful chemicals. E-liquid concoctions typically include a mix of flavorings, aromatic additives, and nicotine that can damage the airways, as well as formaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause respiratory diseases including lung cancer. Diacetyl is often added to flavored e-liquids to enhance the flavor. Inhaling diacetyl can cause permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways with symptoms including coughing, high-pitched breathing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Heart Damage
Vape can affect heart health. This is because the nicotine content in vape can increase heart rate and blood pressure which is at risk of causing heart problems such as heart attacks or strokes. And in the long term it can be more dangerous.
- Inhibits Brain Development
The risk for teenagers and children who use vape is the occurrence of obstacles to brain development. Nicotine content can affect the part of the brain responsible for attention, learning, and impulse control, so it can have an impact on learning and behavior.
- Cancer Risk
Although vaping does not contain tar like cigarettes, the vapor from vaping can produce other harmful chemicals. Some studies have shown that these chemicals can potentially increase the risk of cancer, especially in the long term can cause lung cancer.
Both conventional cigarettes and vapes have serious risks to health. Although vaping is often considered safer, it can still cause nicotine dependence, respiratory tract irritation, heart damage, inhibit brain development, and even lung cancer. Therefore, understanding the dangers of vaping and cigarettes to health is important.
To avoid the health risks of vaping, it is best to avoid using it altogether. If you are already using vaping, considering quitting and seeking support from a health professional or a smoking cessation program can be very helpful. With awareness and the right actions, we can maintain our health and improve our quality of life.
Article written by dr. Budhi Imansyah, Sp.P, FISR (Pulmonary and Respiratory Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).