Why Vaping is Bad For Your Health
There are a number of reasons why vaping is bad for your health. Nicotine, Formaldehyde, Diketones, and Lung Inflammation are just a few. In this article we'll discuss some of these concerns. Read on to find out what the science says about vaping and what you can do to avoid it.
Nicotine
Although vaping is not as harmful as traditional smoking, it can still affect your health. Studies have shown that it can affect your lungs in several ways. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. It also contains particulate matter, which can lodge in your lungs and cause disease. In addition, it can alter the bacterial ecology of the mouth and make existing problems worse.
The chemicals in e-liquid flavorings may also be harmful to your health. Some have been found to aggravate lung disease, such as popcorn lung. Other chemicals, such as diacetyl, are known to contribute to lung inflammation.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical present in tobacco smoke and in vaping. The vapor from an e-cigarette contains up to 14 milligrams of the chemical, whereas a pack of cigarettes contains only about three milligrams. Since tobacco smoke contains over 8,000 chemicals, it is not surprising that formaldehyde is present in e-cigarette liquids. E-cigarettes were invented in China in 2003, and began appearing in the United States in 2006. The price of an e-cigarette can range anywhere from $30 to $100 for a starter kit.
E-cigarettes use a liquid composed of propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings, and glycerol. The liquid is heated with a battery-operated atomizer, releasing the chemicals. The liquid releases formaldehyde into the air and can cause lung cancer and other diseases.
Diketones
Diketones are a family of chemicals used in the food and e-liquid industry. They can be harmful for your health in large doses, and some of the chemicals in e-liquid contain them in high concentrations. These chemicals include diacetyl, acetyl propionyl, and acetoin. Diacetyl, for instance, was linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn lung.
Although many manufacturers claim that diketone-free e-liquids are completely safe, some of them contain high amounts of these chemicals. These chemicals are known to be carcinogenic. The National Institute of Health conducted a study of fourteen different brands of cigarettes and found that 301 to 433 micrograms of diketones were present in each cigarette. Fortunately, the amounts found in e-liquids are much lower than in cigarettes.
Lung inflammation
One of the biggest concerns about vaping is that it can lead to lung inflammation. The chemicals in e-liquids such as PG and VG can inflame lung tissue and cause problems with breathing. The study conducted in mice found that vaping increased lung inflammation and oxidative stress. These are factors that have been linked to lung disease, including asthma, COPD, and cancer.
The main cause of popcorn lung is a chemical called diacetyl. This is the same chemical found in caramel and popcorn. When vaping, this chemical can build up in the lungs and cause a condition called popcorn lung. This condition is very dangerous, and requires hospitalization.
Blood vessel damage
Vaping is associated with cardiovascular health risks, including damage to the blood vessels. The thin lining of blood vessels called the endothelium can be eroded by the high-stress environment of vaping, leading to artery stiffness and poor circulation. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers have found that vaping can damage blood vessels in a similar way to smoking conventional cigarettes. They believe that vaping's aerosol and flavors may contribute to the blood vessel damage. The scientists have not determined how much of these elements are responsible for the blood vessel damage. The study was conducted on 400 individuals aged 21 to 45, including cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users. They also tested the function of blood vessels in these participants.
A recent study published in The Lancet Cardiovascular Journal suggests that vaping's aerosol is comparable to the cigarette smoke that damages the heart. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2021. Researchers found that the aerosol from e-cigarettes impaired the function of the endothelium, a type of tissue that controls blood pressure and regulates blood clotting. The researchers also found that rats exposed to vaping aerosol had dilated blood vessels, which is a symptom of heart disease and stroke.