E-cigarette usage, also known as vaping, is a rising trend among ex-smokers and teenagers alike. Although it is marketed as a healthy alternative to cigarette usage, the dangers of vaping can be severe. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, 9 cases of severe pulmonary disease due to vaping have been reported.
Vaping is marketed as a tool to help smokers quit. However, according to the American Lung Association, no e-cigarette has been found to be effective in helping smokers quit.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive ingredient found in tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars. Aside from nicotine, e-cigarettes contain dangerous additives such as ultrafine particles that can be inhaled; diacetyl, a chemical that has been linked to lung disease; acrolein, a chemical which is used to kill weeds; benzene, a volatile compound which is found in car exhaust; and metals such as tin and lead. E-cigarettes also contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to lung disease and cardiovascular disease.
Adolescents are the group most largely affected by e-cigarette usage. Cases of serious lung disease in New Jersey have been mainly reported among persons ages 17-35. Respiratory disease caused by vaping is being reported among persons with no outstanding prior medical history.
Although the long-term health effects of vaping are not yet known, the Centers for Disease Control has issued an advisory on e-cigarette usage, stating that e-cigarettes are unsafe for young people, and that young people who vape are more likely to smoke in the future. E-cigarettes can cause harm to adolescent brains, in addition to causing severe respiratory issues.
If you are looking to quit smoking, speak with your primary care physician to assess the best method or medication for you. Premier Health Associates is open 7 days a week.