Medicine or Malarkey: Is Vaping Healthier than Smoking?
The number of smokers has steadily declined since the Mad Men era, when the health risks and evidence were hard to ignore. Less and less people were smoking in the U.S. — until now. Recently, there has been an uptick in use of tobacco products.
The culprit? E-cigarettes — which are rapidly rising in popularity. There are more than 250 types of e-cigarettes available on the market!
E-cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that mimic the feeling of smoking. Proponents of e-cigarette use, also called vaping, say that they can help nicotine users quit smoking. However, there is no concrete scientific evidence about vaping and how it may impact lung health.
How E-Cigarettes Work
Taking a puff or pressing a button on the device activates the e-cigarettes. Vaping simulates the sensation of cigarette smoking without the carcinogens caused by burning tobacco cigarettes.
Contents of E-Cigarette Vapor
The active components in e-cigarettes are part of a special liquid solution that is vaporized. This liquid often contains propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine and added flavorings. When the vaporizer heats this liquid using the power of a battery, the e-cigarette releases an aerosol compound that is inhaled by the user. The end of the e-cigarette lights up, just like a traditional cigarette, and the user exhales a puff of what appears to be smoke (it’s actually vapor).
Understanding the Controversy
The long-term ramifications of e-cigarettes are still unknown. Proponents of e-cigarettes say that they are safer than traditional cigarettes. Although they still include nicotine, e-cigarettes have fewer chemicals than are released when burning tobacco products. Many public health officials warn that it is still too soon to determine whether e-cigarettes are preferable to traditional cigarettes. Early data suggests that vaping causes irritation of the air passages. The Food and Drug Association has found cancer-causing chemicals in e-cigarettes, although there may be fewer than found in traditional tobacco products. And it appears that secondhand vapor from an e-cigarette can pose health risks, too.
Still, some parents worry that the perceived safety of vaping makes it more attractive to young people. Because e-cigarettes look similar to traditional cigarettes, they have been billed as a safer alternative. However, teens who begin vaping may find themselves becoming dependent on nicotine and have difficulty quitting.
If you are a smoker who has no intention to quit, e-cigarettes may lower the amount of dangerous chemicals you ingest, although more research is needed in this area. For those hoping to quit, there are scientifically proven alternatives to e-cigarette use. Talk to your CareSpot health provider about ways to quit. Nicotine gum, nicotine cigarettes, and certain prescription medications can help you during the process of quitting smoking. Don’t wait for the research on vaping to come out, quit smoking today with some proven techniques.