Millions of people worldwide are now using e-cigarettes or vaping, which are marketed as an alternative way to quit or reduce smoking tobacco—the leading cause of lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other chronic respiratory illnesses and even death.
E-cigarettes are also called e-cigs, e-hookahs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, vape pens, vapes and tanks systems. These are battery-powered devices containing liquid nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals and flavorings that are converted into aerosol, which users inhale into their lungs.
Take note that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the highly addictive chemical found in tobacco products. Many people including teenagers are vaping because they think it is safer than tobacco smoking.
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than smoking tobacco products such as cigarettes?
Here are the facts:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer toxic chemicals than the deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from regular cigarettes. However, e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents.”
In short, yes e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking tobacco products but that doesn’t mean these devices are safe.
In fact, the latest developments about e-cigarettes are alarming. The CDC in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health institutions are investigating the outbreak of a severe respiratory illness related to the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products.
The latest report from the CDC showed that the number of people who are now suffering from lung injury associated with using e-cigarettes increased to 1,080 nationwide and eighteen already died as of October 1, 2019.
Based on these facts, using any e-cigarette or vaping product is bad for your health. The CDC is advising everyone to stop or refrain from using e-cigarettes or vaping products particularly those containing THC.
