Many smokers have turned to vaping as a way to quit tobacco, and research shows that using e-cigarettes can help. But vaping is not without risks. It is a habit that brings dangerous chemicals into the lungs, and it can be as addictive as smoking cigarettes.
The vaping industry promotes its products as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking, but the truth is that vaporizers are not a healthy option for anyone. In fact, e-cigarettes can cause serious harm to users and other people who are near them when they are inhaling the aerosol. The vapor that is produced by e-cigarettes contains nicotine, metals and other toxic chemicals. Inhaling these substances can cause lung damage, including inflammation (swelling) and narrowing of the tubes that bring air into and out of the lungs. The vapor also contains volatile organic compounds, which can irritate the lungs and cause a variety of health problems.
E-liquids are typically made with a combination of flavors, aromatic additives, nicotine and/or THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana, dissolved in an oily liquid base. The liquid is then heated to make an aerosol that the user inhales. These ingredients are pumped into the lungs and can irritate and damage lung tissue, which may lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They can also lead to other respiratory illnesses. Some of the chemicals in vapor include vitamin E, which is safe when taken orally as a supplement or used on the skin, but can be harmful if inhaled; diacetyl, a food additive that’s been shown to irritate the lungs and cause inflammation; formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; and acrolein, which has been linked to respiratory disease and heart disease.
Nicotine is an addictive drug that can cause withdrawal symptoms when it is removed from the body. It is also a stimulant, which can increase the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, so it can be dangerous for someone with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. Despite the health risks, vaping is popular among young people. It is promoted by tobacco companies, which spend billions of dollars on aggressive marketing to hook a new generation on nicotine and cigarettes.
A major reason that youths and adults vape delta 8 carts is to satisfy cravings for nicotine or to relieve the unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking. It is also a social activity and a way to avoid the public stigma associated with traditional cigarette smoking. It can be easier to use patches, gum or lozenges to kick the smoking habit, but for some people, the ritual of smoking or vaping is a big part of their daily routine and they struggle to let go.
Those who are successful at quitting smoking and vaping can see significant improvements in their health, including lower blood pressure, better lungs and sense of smell, and less coughing. They can also save money on cigarettes and avoid the recurring costs of replacing their vaporizers. Taking steps to quit and avoid vaping can be easier for those who find it difficult to give up the habit than it might seem, especially if they work with their healthcare team to help them through the process.
