Introduction
Over the past several years, the prevalence of vaping among young people has increased considerably. According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 37% of 12th graders reported vaping in 2018 (Shmerling, 2019). These numbers are quite alarming, as scientists do not know much about the potential effects of vaping and teenagers’ perceptions of becoming addicted to e-cigarette use. Moreover, some researches show that electronic cigarettes are not as safe as it is thought to be.
Harmful Effects of Vaping
It is believed that electronic cigarettes help to give up smoking. Some people are even sure that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than usual ones. This opinion is extremely widespread, although it is not completely right, as the former has its own harmful effects.
The Risk of Lung Diseases
According to the research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 200 users of electronic cigarettes “have developed severe lung disease in 22 states” (Shmerling, 2019, para. 1).
- One of the most dangerous consequences of regular smoking is a lung disease.
- Researchers believe that the main reason for the illness was smoking, which could cause an allergic or immune reaction or chemical irritation.
- The diseases are usually not linked with certain flavors or brands of electronic cigarettes, as all of them contain toxic components, although some flavors are considered to be worse for health.
The Risk of Other Diseases
Smoking electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine can affect the development of the brain (Shmerling, 2019). Impaired brain development is especially dangerous for teenagers. There are researches showing that using electronic cigarettes can cause an increased risk of cancer (Shmerling, 2019). Vaping, as well as other types of smoking, is very dangerous for pregnant women and can harm the fetus.
Toxic Ingredients
Although vape juice is believed to be fully or partially made of nicotine-free substances, it is still toxic. There are at least six groups of conceivably toxic chemical compounds in vape fluids, for example, diacetyl. Inhaling is not safe and can lead to respiratory diseases. The ingredients of vape juices can have a serious toxic impact on blood cells and organs. The other danger is the excessive dosage of chemicals, which can cause health problems.
Getting Addicted
E-cigarettes are considered to be a method of getting rid of nicotine addiction.
- This opinion is proved to be true if the smoker chooses nicotine-free vape juices and disuses usual cigarettes.
- But for those who never smoked, vaping can, on the contrary, be addictive. Teenagers and young adults who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to start smoking the usual ones (Shmerling, 2019).
- Many smokers use vape along with the usual cigarettes. It means that the chances to quit smoking are lower.
Technical Problems and Influence on the People Around
The defect of the battery in the electronic cigarette device can lead to an explosion or fire. It can be dangerous for both smokers and the people around them. The other danger for people around is “passive” inhaling of toxic chemicals, which happens when one simply breathes near the smoking person.
Unknown Effects
Vaping is not examined in detail, as it is much “younger” than usual cigarettes. Therefore, scholars currently lack all information and research data on e-cigarettes, and the effect they produce on people consuming them. It can be compared to voluntarily doing something unknown and potentially dangerous for one’s health but believing it has no harmful effect.
Conclusion
To sum up, vaping is a new way of smoking that we do not know much about. Most of the researches proves it to be dangerous for the health of young people. I believe that our health should avoid smoking any type of cigarettes, including vaping, as it is proved to be harmful.
Reference
Shmerling R. (2019). Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know. Harvard Health Publishing. Web.