Written by: Akash Ray
All students are taught to say no to smoking and drugs in order to cut down on an incredibly harmful disease: addiction. Vaping is thought to be less harmful than smoking, but what dangers do people need to be aware of and what myths and misinformation have been spread about them?
Photo by UNC Health Talk
Vaping vs Smoking
Smoking has long been proven to cause adverse health effects in people of all ages, contributing to stunted or altered development in adolescents and an increased risk for chronic and/or fatal diseases in adults. This is largely due to the nicotine found in cigarettes which is capable of causing damage to our mouths, lungs, circulatory system, and brains (Heart, 2020), Quitting can be one of the most beneficial things a smoker can do for themselves. On the journey to recovering from addiction, many smokers may turn to alternatives to replace their addiction, allowing them to slowly recover without experiencing a full blown withdrawal. These replacements include e-cigarettes and vape pens.
While there are merits to the idea of weaning smokers off their source of addiction, it is crucial to examine whether it is being done effectively. Research reports that vaping is also a very harmful practice and that it may not have the intended effect. In fact, it may even add to one’s addiction or, conversely, lead them to begin smoking (Healthtalk, 2020).
What is Vaping?
Vaping is typically done through the use of vape pens and juul pods. These may look like flash drives that are plugged into USB ports. They are small and do not emit large smoke clouds, making it easy to conceal and discreetly use them. Furthermore, they have added flavors and colors that can make them more appealing to teenagers, in comparison to normal cigarettes. Juul pods are known to have about twenty times as much nicotine as a regular cigarette and may last for up to 200 puffs. (Heart, 2020)
Why Should It Be Avoided?
The impact vaping can have on your body varies and research is still ongoing. It is known that the nicotine delivered to the body raises one’s blood pressure and adrenaline which leads to an increase in heart rate and ultimately elevates the chances of having a heart attack. Vape pens and e-cigarettes can be modified with cartridges or settings that increase the amount of nicotine in a hit and so the overall influence on one’s health is worsened (Blaha, 2020). Concerning the lungs, emerging data shows the chemicals found in e-cigs are linked to the development of asthma and chronic lung disease. Lastly, studies show that nicotine exposure will modify the way a brain matures and can affect our abilities to learn, memorize, and control our impulses (Healthtalk, 2020).
How is This a Matter of Public Health?
On its own, vaping can cause pain and suffering to an individual, despite the initial excitement it brings. Taking into account diseases such as the flu or COVID-19, someone’s health and life may be at risk due to the compounded effects of these illnesses. Furthermore, vaping persists in a community through the spread of misinformation and the notion that it is not as bad as smoking and therefore acceptable. Neglecting to realize the detriments of vaping and continuing to view it as permissible will allow it to consistently injure the lives of people. Raising awareness and expanding efforts for rehabilitation are the best ways to combat this crisis, both by teaching kids why vaping is bad and helping those who are addicted to grasp the reality of their addiction.
References
Blaha, M. J. (n.d.). 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
The 101 on e-Cigarettes Infographic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/the-101-on-e-cigarettes-infographic
What You Need to Know About Your Teens and Vaping. (2020, March 11). Retrieved from https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-teens-and-vaping/
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