E-cigarettes (also called e-cigs, vapes, or JUULs) are battery-powered devices that simulate tobacco smoking. They contain atomizers, power sources, and a tank or cartridge filled with liquid, which the user inhales through a mouthpiece. E-cigarettes expose users to chemicals that are known to harm health. These chemicals include nicotine, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals.
Addiction
A person who uses e-cigarettes regularly may develop a nicotine addiction. Nicotine is addictive because it triggers the brain to release chemicals that cause a pleasurable feeling, which leads to vaping more and more often to get that feeling again. However, many would argue, “are e-cigarettes harmful?”
Research has shown that long-term vaping is linked to several health risks. These include a higher risk of developing lung diseases like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), decreased lung function, increased likelihood of becoming a smoker, and impotence in men.
There is also evidence that e-cigarette use may harm the heart. A study published in 2019 found that blood from long-term e-cigarette users contained elevated levels of certain circulating biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk compared to blood from non-vapers.
Nicotine
Nicotine is the primary addictive ingredient in cigarettes and vaping devices. It’s also found in some brands that claim to be nicotine-free. However, the aerosol inhaled by e-cigarette users contains:
- Many other chemicals, including ultrafine particles, can get deep into the lungs.
- Flavorings like diacetyl which has been linked to severe lung disease.
- Volatile organic compounds such as benzene.
Once nicotine enters the body, it fits into the brain’s acetylcholine receptors like a key in a lock. This stimulates the release of dopamine, which makes you feel happy and relaxed. It also increases your heart rate and the amount of oxygen your body uses.
Long-term nicotine use can damage parts of the brain that control decision-making and impulse control. This is particularly true during adolescence when the brain is still developing. This can cause mood disorders, depression, and changes in how your brain processes information. It can also increase your risk of a collapsed lung, called pneumothorax, which occurs when air blisters in the lungs rupture. This condition can be fatal if it is not treated right away.
Marijuana
Many people use marijuana as a recreational drug, but it also relieves pain and nausea. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat cancer, HIV, or other health conditions.
The main psychoactive component of marijuana is THC, which stimulates the part of your brain that reacts to pleasure, like food and sex. It also causes drowsiness and changes your perception of time and distance. The high from marijuana can last up to four hours.
When you smoke or vape marijuana, your lungs inhale toxic chemicals. These include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Some studies have linked them to health problems, including mouth and lung cancer and heart problems.
Some e-cig vapor contains metals such as lead and chromium, which are linked to mouth, throat, lung, and thyroid problems. Using e-cigs during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight and premature babies. It can also affect how anesthesia works during surgery. If you have an elective operation, tell your doctor about your cannabis use. That way, they can take precautions to ensure you stay sedated. They might also reschedule your surgery for a safer day.
Flavorings
Many e-cigarettes contain flavoring chemicals that are toxic to the body. These chemicals cause DNA damage and kill cells that line blood vessels. They also raise heart rate and blood pressure, tighten arteries, and increase your risk for heart disease.
Even e-liquids without nicotine contain some harmful chemicals. One, diacetyl, can cause a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung). The problem causes scarring of the lungs, making breathing difficult and shortening life expectancy.
Researchers have found that vaping reduces the ability of the lungs to fight infections. A study published in March 2021 found that head and neck cancer cells exposed to e-cigarette aerosol became resistant to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
Talk with your kids about avoiding tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Use the CDC’s Parent Tip Sheet for facts and helpful ways to start the conversation. And keep in mind that nicotine is addictive, whether smoked or vaped.
Metals
E-cigarettes, also known as JUULs and vape pens, use a battery to heat a liquid called e-juice into an aerosol that users inhale. Often, this liquid contains nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, and flavorings. When the e-juice heats up, more chemicals are formed that can be toxic to the lungs.
Inhaling the vapor from e-cigarettes exposes the lungs to many chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, and chromium. It may also affect the lungs’ ability to function properly, resulting in irritation and inflammation. Studies have shown that long-term use of e-cigarettes can damage the lining of blood vessels and increase stroke risk, particularly among people who smoke both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Nicotine, an addictive substance, is found in e-cigarette vapor and can cause the brain to release dopamine, causing a pleasurable feeling. This feeling can be addictive, and it leads to people using more e-cigarettes. This habit can lead to nicotine addiction, which makes it more likely that someone will eventually start smoking regular cigarettes. It can also affect a person’s mental health and lead to other addictions.
