E-cigarettes (or e-vapor devices) use a battery to heat liquid into aerosols that users inhale. These liquids often contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings.
Researchers have found that inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols can cause harm to lungs and other organs. They can damage lung cells, increase blood pressure and narrow arteries.
What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is an electronic device that turns liquid nicotine and flavoring into breathable particles (aerosol or “vapor”) for you to breathe. Also called e-cigs, vaporizers or vape pens, they can be made to look like conventional combusted cigarettes, cigars or pipes or to resemble USB flash drives or pens. Often, they have a tank or cartridge that holds the liquid, and a mouthpiece for you to breathe in the aerosol.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol and flavorings. They usually have a range of flavors that are intended to appeal to smokers and non-smokers. The aerosol they produce contains small particles of nicotine, flavouring chemicals, metals and other harmful substances that can cause lung damage and cancer. The latest devices use a new form of nicotine called nicotine salts, which allow higher levels of nicotine to be delivered with less irritation than free-base nicotine.
How do e-cigarettes work?
E-cigarettes (also known as JUULs or vape pens) use a battery to heat liquid into an aerosol that users inhale. This vapor usually contains nicotine (which is addictive), flavorings, and chemicals that are linked to lung disease and cancer.
Even e-liquids that claim to be nicotine free can have trace amounts of the chemical. The vapor can also contain small particles that can get into the lungs, and toxins such as heavy metals.
The chemicals can cause damage to the cells that line the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In addition, many e-cigarettes have been found to contain chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. Researchers are working to understand the long-term impact of e-cigarettes on human health. The National Academies report notes that a lack of evidence regarding the harms of long-term e-cigarette consumption makes it difficult to determine whether they are safe or harmful.
Are e-cigarettes safe?
E-cigarettes (also called electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to create aerosols that the user inhales. This liquid, known as e-liquid or e-juice, typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol and/or glycerol, flavourings and additives.
Research has shown that the short-term exposure to e-liquid aerosols may cause damage to the lungs and other organs. The long-term impact is unknown.
Some e-liquids claim to contain no nicotine, but they do contain other chemicals that are harmful when inhaled, including diacetyl, which causes lung scarring (called bronchiolitis obliterans or popcorn lung). Studies also show that young people who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes than those who don’t use them. Research is needed to understand how and why young people use e-cigarettes.
Are e-cigarettes addictive?
E-cigarettes (also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS) heat liquids to create aerosols that can contain chemicals and flavours. Some e-liquids have nicotine, but many do not.
Nicotine exposure can harm adolescent and young adult brain development and lead to addiction1. Chronic e-cigarette use may cause long-term lung damage, as well as a variety of other health problems such as anxiety, depression and problematic alcohol and drug use.
Public health officials worry that e-cigarettes are a gateway to regular smoking, and studies have shown that young people who use e-cigarettes are 7X more likely to ever smoke cigarettes and 8X more likely to be current smokers one year later than youth who do not. Research also suggests that vaping is more addictive than traditional smoking.
Are e-cigarettes harmful for youth and young adults?
E-cigarette use among youth and young adults has skyrocketed in recent years. Young people who vape are twice as likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes later in life compared to those who never vape.
Nicotine is harmful to developing brains, including those of pregnant women. Smoking tobacco while pregnant increases the risk for stillbirth and preterm birth.
Although it is common to frame e-cigarette use in terms of whether or not it is safer than combustible tobacco, this is not a valid comparison. The aerosols from e-cigarettes contain a wide variety of chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic and can cause lung damage. In addition, repeated exposure to these chemicals can disrupt lung homeostasis, causing dysregulation of the lung. This may lead to inflammation, oxidative stress and other health impacts.電子煙
