January Health Article from Abbie Johnson (representing the Dominican Student Nurse Association):
E-cigarettes, mods, vape pens. Whatever terminology is used, these tools deliver an aerosolized substance (a misty solution) that is then inhaled into the lungs. Right now, the primary question is: are e-cigarettes safe?
To begin understanding this situation, let’s take a look at the history of e-cigarettes. In 1963, Herbert A. Gilbert created a “smokeless nontobacco cigarette” with the primary goal of replacing cigarettes. It was around this time that the dangers of cigarettes and nicotine were becoming apparent. Fast forward to the 2000s and a Chinese company began producing an electronic cigarette that gained exposure as a possible smoking cessation device. By 2010, vape use had risen dramatically. In the U.S., Vape products can be used to inhale both products with nicotine and products without. Where this was most concerning, however, is the youth consumption of these products.
According to a 2016 CDC report, e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the United States. E-cigarettes can deliver nicotine disguised by enticing flavors such as cotton candy, chocolate, or mango. With these palatable flavors, vaping can seem like an innocent pastime or something fun to try. However, the health risks of inhaling the additives along with the nicotine came to light as the media covered a suspicious, unexpected rise in pneumonia and lung infections among youth.
From this, the medical community established a new illness: EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Infection). Essentially, this illness is directly a result of vaping. In Illinois, there have been over 200 cases of EVALI. Although research is still underway, researchers have found a link between one specific additive (Vitamin E acetate) and EVALI. This is most frequently found in THC-containing e-cigarette products, as well as in black market or unlicensed e-cigarette vendors.
Nicotine itself causes tremendous lung damage when inhaled through any method. However, vape products pose a risk due to the additives used in the aerosolization process; this is true for all substances inhaled, but it seems that marijuana products pose an even greater risk. The damage can occur after a short period of use or result in lung damage later in life as well. With the potential to cause damage later in life, the person vaping may have no idea of the long-term effects.
Vaping is not a harmless pastime for anyone. It is especially unsafe for youth and young adults, whose brains are still developing and lungs still need to carry them through much of life! If e-cigarettes or vaping are being considered for use by an individual who is specifically attempting to stop smoking, a conversation needs to occur with that person’s doctor to determine the risks and benefits for the individual situation. Take care of yourself!
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